Guide to Caring for Your Pregnant Dog with Wolfworthy
Welcoming a litter of puppies into the world is an exciting and heartwarming experience. If you suspect that your dog may be pregnant, here are some essential tips to ensure her health and well-being during this special time.
Signs of Pregnancy
It is unusual to see significant changes in your dog during the early stages of pregnancy. From around week six, more obvious signs may start to appear:
- Weight Gain
- Increased Appetite
- Nipple Growth
- Larger Abdomen
- Increased Affection
- Nesting Behaviour
- Change in Energy Levels
When to Go to the Vet
- Arrange an appointment with your vet as soon as you suspect pregnancy to establish a care plan and monitor the progress.
- Regular check-ups are crucial to ensure the health of both the mother and the developing puppies.
Tests to Confirm Pregnancy
- Vets can conduct physical exams to check for signs such as abdominal enlargement and changes in the uterus.
- Ultrasound scans can detect fetal heartbeats and confirm pregnancy as early as 3 to 4 weeks after conception.
- Blood tests can measure hormone levels, such as relaxin, which increases during pregnancy, providing another method of confirming pregnancy.
Early Pregnancy Care
- Nutrition: If your dog is currently enjoying Wolfworthy, that's fantastic! We provide a unique feeding guide designed specifically for pregnancy, as your dog will require more calories, so please feel free to reach out to us on support@wolfworthy.co.uk for personalised advice. For dogs currently on a different food, we suggest transitioning to Wolfworthy, which features high-quality, human-grade meat and fish, including nutritious organ meat, without any fillers like grains or legumes. Our recipe is suitable for all life stages, making it an excellent and complete food choice for pregnancy and weaning. Alternatively, you may contact your current dog food provider for tailored advice on meeting your dog's dietary requirements during this special period.
- Exercise: Maintain moderate exercise levels tailored to your dog's needs. Avoid strenuous activities that may cause fatigue or stress.
- Health: Regular vet check-ups are crucial to monitor the pregnancy's progress and address any concerns.
Late Pregnancy Care
- Comfort: Provide a quiet, safe space where your dog can rest comfortably as she progresses through her pregnancy.
- Whelping box: Set up a whelping box with soft bedding for the mother to give birth. Ensure it's in a quiet area to reduce stress.
- Be prepared: Have your vet's contact information readily available in case of complications during labour.
Monitor Progress and Signs of Labour:
- Stage One: Recognise the early signs of labour, including restlessness, nesting behaviour, and a drop in body temperature. This stage can last 6-12 hours or even up to 24 hours.
- Stage Two: The active labour stage typically lasts between 3 to 12 hours, but can vary based on the number of puppies and the mother's condition. Each puppy is usually born within 30 minutes to an hour of strong, continuous contractions.
Post-Delivery Care
- Nutrition: It's essential to provide the right nutrition for both mum and her puppies once they arrive! The amount of extra food she needs to support herself and her growing pups, depends on the litter size. For customised advice, please reach out to us at support@wolfworthy.co.uk. We're here to help!
- Puppy Care: Monitor the puppies' health and growth, ensuring they are nursing and gaining weight consistently.
- Health Checks: Schedule postnatal check-ups for both the mother and puppies to address any health issues.
Medication and Supplements
- Always consult your vet before giving any medication or supplements to your pregnant dog. Ensure they approve any treatments.
- Do not give over-the-counter medications or supplements without professional guidance.
Post-Due Date Concerns
If you suspect your dog has gone past her due date without signs of labour, contact your vet immediately for guidance. They may recommend monitoring closely or scheduling an examination to ensure the well-being of the mother and puppies.
