Health

Do you posses a dog or bitch (female dog) at home? Do you know the symptoms of dog pregnancy? Are you interested in knowing the facts and the symptoms of dog pregnancy? If you answer is “yes” then read the following facts and findings on dog pregnancy.

Although most dog owners tend to keep their dogs inside the premises when they are in season, a breeding does take place accidentally, or sometimes a breeding may happen with the owner’s knowledge, for the goal of producing a litter. Whatever the reason, the symptoms of dog pregnancy will help you determine if conception has taken place and what you can do about it.

The symptoms of dog pregnancy will appear generally after her heat cycle. The dog pregnancy lasts for 60-63 days from the date of first breeding, although these days may slightly differ.

Symptoms of dog pregnancy

The early symptoms of dog pregnancy are decreased appetite, a sudden decrease in activity, a slight nipple growth and behavioral changes. Decreased appetite is generally seen as the first symptoms of dog pregnancy. Although this theory cannot be generalized for all bitches, 75% of them have signs of decreased appetite. A sudden decrease in activity can be considered a symptom of dog pregnancy. Due to a change in the hormonal levels a bitch may suddenly feel exhausted and tired.

Nipple growth is considered sure symptoms of dog pregnancy, as the un-bred female dog has nipples that are quite small as compared to a dog that is pregnant. Once the dog pregnancy progresses, the breast material develops beneath the nipples that help in milk production.

As the pregnancy progresses, you will notice marked changes in the symptoms of dog pregnancy. An increase in appetite is observed after 3-4 weeks after the heat cycle. Weight gain is noticed after a month. During the last few weeks there are obvious Symptoms of dog pregnancy. A definite increase in the abdomen is hard to miss. This symptom of dog pregnancy depends upon the dogs breed and how many pups she is carrying. Puppy movement can be felt during the last week of pregnancy. Sometimes milk production begins and colostrums the first milk appears and these Symptoms of dog pregnancy generally appear in all dogs.

The final Symptoms of dog pregnancy is nesting. Nesting behavior is usually seen 24-48 hours prior to delivery. The bitch will be restless and it is likely that she will prepare a suitable place with newspaper or rags to deliver her pups. This is generally the last symptom of dog pregnancy. A temperature drop is also noticed just before delivery.

Sometimes the bitch shows Symptoms of dog pregnancy, but actually she is not pregnant. Just after the heat cycle, the bitch will cuddle up to toys or just show a loss in appetite. Although they appear like Symptoms of dog pregnancy, the dog is actually not pregnant. Your veterinarian can also help you determine the Symptoms of dog pregnancy by performing an ultrasound or palpating (feeling) for embryos.