How do I know if a dog is pregnant? Cynologists reveal their secrets

Soon after the mating, many owners are beginning to wonder how to find out if the dog is pregnant. You can do this in several different ways, which we will discuss later in the article.

The first symptoms

The average duration of pregnancy in dogs is about two months. However, the first signs begin to appear no earlier than the twenty-fifth day. As a rule, the animal shows swelling of the mammary glands, and in some cases there is an increase in the abdomen.

And if you are thinking about how to find out whether a dog is pregnant after mating or not, then remember that there are also indirect signs indicating the early appearance of offspring. Starting from the second or third week, the animal becomes sluggish. It can sleep for a long time and not react to external stimuli.

The main signs of pregnancy

But, in addition to the above indirect signs, unfortunately, no one will tell in the early stages how to find out whether the dog is pregnant. Approximately on 33 days after effective fertilization, the animal begins to gain weight. It becomes more calm and affectionate towards the owners. Also, some individuals experience nausea and refusal to eat.

And approximately from the fifth week at a dog mammary glands slightly increase, pinky nipples and considerably rounded tummy.

Another fairly reliable sign of successful mating is a viscous transparent discharge after each urination. Usually they appear on the twentieth or twenty-third day.

What can a vet clinic help

If you do not understand how to find out whether a pregnant dog, you can turn to professionals. More and more owners of pets go for advice to them. In modern veterinary clinics the latest equipment is used. It allows you to get reliable results.

For example, those who are interested in how to find out whether a dog is pregnant (York or any other), you can advise to conduct a test for relaxation. To pass this analysis determining the amount of a specific hormone produced by the placenta of the fetus, it is possible in any veterinary clinic. However, it appears in the blood of the animal only for 20-40 days. In addition, you can use the so-called test strips. You can apply them at home. The disadvantage of this method is that it shows only the presence of embryos, without determining whether they are alive.

And for those who want to understand how to find out whether a dog is pregnant (a terrier or a representative of any other breed), it can be suggested to send a pet to the ultrasound. This high-precision method can be used already from the fifteenth day. Using it, you can evaluate the activity of embryos, determine their number, size and location.

In addition, for all breeds after five weeks from the date of binding, X-ray examination can be used. This is also a fairly accurate and reliable technique.

Care instructions

Having figured out how to find out if a dog is pregnant, you need to learn how to handle it properly during this period. A female bearing puppies needs special care, since the health of future offspring depends on this.

Throughout the period you need to monitor the state of the dog and its diet. In addition, it is recommended that the animal be allowed to actively move around, not allowing it to jump or run on the stairs.

It is also important to provide your pet daily walks in the fresh air. Some experts recommend protecting the pregnant dog from contact with other animals, since there is always a risk of picking up an infectious disease.

Features of feeding

Those who have already figured out how to find out whether a dog is pregnant will certainly be interested in how, in connection with the new situation, changing the diet. Just note that in the first month you do not need to significantly adjust the menu of the animal. But it is important that the nutrition of your pet is full and well balanced.

But since the second half of the term will have to review it. Especially it concerns those owners who gave their animals industrial feed.

In the menu of pregnant females there should be as much as possible natural products. And in the process of developing a new diet, you need to consider that your pet should not overeat. In addition, it is recommended to additionally give her vitamins and mineral supplements. But it is better if they are appointed by a veterinarian, since an excess of a substance can lead to undesirable problems.

Signs indicative of the approach of delivery

Many inexperienced owners are afraid that they can miss this important moment. To independently recognize the beginning of the whelping, it is necessary to observe the behavior of the animal. One of the main signs of approaching birth is the fading of puppies. If you put your hand on the dog's stomach, but do not feel the babies stir, then they will be born soon.

Shortly before the birth the dog begins to show noticeable anxiety. This especially applies to primiparous individuals. The animal may begin to tremble, whine or moan. He has a rapid breathing. Some dogs begin to rush and tear the litter.

Many can refuse food, while others, on the contrary, eat a lot and go for walks with pleasure. A few days before the forthcoming birth, they soften and the loop grows. Almost all animals have a noticeably sagging back. This is due to the omission of the uterus. As a rule, on the eve of the birth of puppies, the dog's body temperature is significantly lowered and abundant discharge appears.

Some people are convinced that it is not necessary to interfere with the natural process of childbirth so as not to interfere with the animal. However, in some cases, a woman in labor may need help. This is especially true for representatives of dwarf species. They have a much more difficult birth than other relatives. The same applies to long-haired individuals who are not always able to self-gnaw the umbilical cord. In such cases, the dog should be treated promptly. Otherwise, the process can take a long time, and there is a risk of losing puppies.