Dog Nursing

　　Once your dog is pregnant, there will be many things the owner needs to pay attention to. Therefore, before this happens, a careful owner must detect early whether the dog is pregnant. However, determining if a dog is really pregnant is not that simple, because dogs can also experience false pregnancy. Here, editor Boqi will share some signs of dog pregnancy and some precautions after pregnancy.

　　The signs of pregnancy in female dogs usually appear about one week after mating. Specifically: the vulva of the impregnated female dog contracts rapidly, and after three to four weeks of pregnancy, symptoms such as vomiting and loss of appetite may occur. At 20-30 days of pregnancy, the dog's mammary glands protrude, the breasts enlarge, and the nipples turn a peach-red color. Around the fourth week after mating, by palpating the abdomen where the uterus is located, pregnant dogs can feel embryos about the size of chicken eggs.

　　If it is difficult to judge whether the dog is truly pregnant or experiencing false pregnancy, the best method is to take the dog to a hospital for an ultrasound to see if there are puppies in the dog’s uterus. Ultrasound prices are generally inexpensive, allowing us to confirm if the dog is truly pregnant and then determine the next care plan.

　　During this period, pregnant female dogs often become slow and lethargic. Owners must provide them with appropriate outdoor activities and let them get plenty of sunlight. Daily moderate exercise is the best way to prevent difficult labor, but absolutely avoid letting the dog run fast, jump, go up and down stairs, or fight with other dogs to prevent miscarriage. Around 30 days into pregnancy, medication to expel roundworms and tapeworms should be administered to avoid infection to the fetus and puppies, but do not overfeed deworming drugs to prevent miscarriage.

　　Nutrition during pregnancy is very important for the health of the pregnant dog, the normal development of the fetuses, preventing miscarriage, and the secretion of milk. Protein, energy, calcium, and phosphorus content in the diet should be increased. In the early pregnancy stage (within about 35 days), the dog can be fed as usual. From 35-42 days, 42-49 days, and 49-60 days, the feeding amount should be increased by 10%, 20%, and 30% respectively. Especially in the later stages, pay attention to feeding easily digestible, high-protein foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins, and increase feeding frequency.

　　During the dog’s pregnancy, the best approach is to regularly take her to a professional hospital for check-ups and follow the veterinarian’s advice. Understand what should be done when the dog is pregnant, and what to pay attention to in terms of diet and care. Next, let the dog peacefully become a mother.