Most of the time, we intend to get curious on how the body of a pregnant dog works. Do they stay pregnant long enough like the humans? Or do they stay pregnant for a very short amount of time? Which still brings us back to the main question: How long does a dog stay pregnant? Well, it’s a good thing that you are willing to learn such. Learning how long a dog stays pregnant is important. Once you have the answer, you’ll be able to know how to care for her too as well as know when to get ready when it is time for her to give birth to her loving puppies!
Let’s begin!
How Long Does a Dog Stay Pregnant?
A pregnant dog has what we call a gestation. This is the term used for when a mammal, like a dog, is carrying an embryo or a fetus inside their body. Dogs are well known to have more than one gestations at the same time which we can call multiple gestations. As for the time interval of a gestation, we call it gestation period.
Now, typically, a female dog’s gestation period goes on for about 58 to 68 days from the day they have started breeding with their mate. That would be 1 and a half months or 2 months depending on their cycle or their gestations. The bigger your dog, the more litter or capacity they can carry. The smaller your dog, it is all vice versa. They’ll be carrying litter at a small capacity
The Puppy Development during a Dog’s Pregnancy
Oh, puppies! The little lovely who are yet to experience life when mommy gives it to them. You can help in the process as well to give them a beautiful life! But before that, they have to experience a life of their own in their mother’s womb. How do they experience life in the womb, I wonder? Well, you’re about to find out! Here’s a brief explanation…
- On the 32nd Day of Dog Pregnancy
The mother’s embryos will start to form in shape for the coming puppy babies. Afterward, the puppies’ eyelids will start to shape in a distinct form as well so that the face becomes much clear.
- On the 35th Day of Dog Pregnancy
The puppies’ toes will start to be much more visible as it starts to form its proper shapes.
- On the 45th Day of Dog Pregnancy
Each puppy starts to develop a coat of fur. Along with it are their skeletons being made and formed to their proper shapes and sizes.
- The Days between 45 and 50 of Dog Pregnancy
The formation of skeletons will be complete which makes every vet capable of giving your pregnant dog an x-ray to be able to count the number of puppies they will be giving birth to.
- Around the 58th Day of Dog Pregnancy
The mama dog will start being anxious which lets them start finding a fitting nest to rest on. By then, you must ready a bed or any place for the mama dog to lie down on.
For more information about the development of puppies within the womb, here’s a short video showing what it will be like!
What foods and exercises do Pregnant Dogs need?
When your dog is pregnant, there’s got to be some things for her to do for her puppies as well as herself to get better. Giving your pregnant dog the right nutrients and exercises will result in a success and healthy labor or the birthing process. Her puppies will also receive such healthy treatment and will be happy and ready puppies as they experience life! Here are some supplements you can give your pregnant dog…
- Cleavers
- Baryta Carbonica
- Echinacea Purpurea
- Saw Palmetto
- Calcium
- Folate or B9
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Iron
- Dulce
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
Do know that most of these supplements can even be found in high-quality dog foods specially made for pregnant dogs. It is better to give your pregnant dog a diet they are all needed to take. They may be experiencing deficiencies the whole time during their pregnancy state which can be critical for her and her puppies. Always make sure to provide the needs of your pregnant dog.
As for their exercises, you can give them mild or short walks. Don’t ever go for anything strenuous! This might result in a miscarriage. Have them do their exercises regularly for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
The advantage of letting her do some exercises is to prevent from gaining excessive weight, keep her muscles tones and her blood flowing.
How can you tell whether it is time for labor?
Oh no! Is it time?! Or this must be a false alarm! As mentioned before, their pregnancy could last for 58 to 68 days. But we are not sure which specific day it would be. The signs you should look out for when it is time are:
- Anxiousness
- Nesting for nearly hours
- Lactation
Conclusion
There you go, guys! You have reached the end of this article. A dog’s pregnancy does not exactly intend to last longer like us humans. Compared to us, theirs last for 2 to 3 months. They can even have more than one gestations all at the same time! You will be having a whole cute bundle of joy when all meet their delivery date. So, guys, I hope you like this article and that you will share this with all your family and friends! Thank you.