Canine pregnancy does not need extreme, everyday supervision; after all, canines were whelping puppies long before they became the pets of humans.

With canine pregnancy, what is important is understanding what is normal and getting involved if trouble arises for your canine; that is your responsibility.

Canine pregnancy last approximately 64 to 66 days.  The first 40 days or so, the pregnancy progresses with a normal appetite, appearance and activity level in the dog.  Feed your canine her normal diet in the usual amounts.  The developing pups do not utilize the fat deposits that develop as a result of overfeeding.

During canine pregnancy the last 3 to 4 weeks show changes in the canine.  Mammary glad and puppy development increases now so that the female may gain weight by as much as 15 to 25 percent.  Adding nutrition and calories at this time will help the pups.  Your dog will appreciate several small meals a day at this time because the stomach space is filled with the growing pups and will not hold as much food.  Supplements are not required; however consult your vet about this.  Pregnancy toxemia can develop due to inadequate eating.  The dog may lose its appetite just before labor or at the beginning of the dog pregnancy, but this temporary appetite loss is normal.  Prolonged appetite loss is a problem, however, and your veterinarian should be alerted.

Canine pregnancy has three stages of labor.  Canines whelping puppies should have quiet and solitude.

Canine pregnancy, Stage I starts with uterine contractions and ends with the cervix being opened to allow the pups to pass through the birth canal.  The canine may pant; show restlessness, vomit, lose its appetite and a nesting behavior may develop.  This stage may last from 6 to 24 hours.  While whelping puppies the female should be left alone and quiet at this time. 

Canine pregnancy, Stage II labor alternates with Stage III.  Stage II ends with the delivery of a pup, whereas Stage III ends with the expulsion of the placenta.  Each pup has its own placenta and as each is birthed, its placenta is expelled.  Fifteen minutes to four hours may elapse between the deliveries of one put and its placenta and the next.  However, longer than four hours or extreme straining by the female longer than 30 minutes requires contact with a vet or pet hospital.  Always notify your vet if complicates arise.

Purchase quality food for your pregnant dog; visit our pet food link below.  Other unique online pet shopping & products are available too, at the links below.

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