You finally decided to get tiny lumps of happiness and wrote an ad on the Internet about mating. Do not rush to search for your beloved father for her future cubs. First you need to take the dog to the veterinarian so that he will conduct a sufficient number of tests before mating. When everything is done correctly, and you and the veterinarian are convinced of successful fertilization, you can begin to worry about feeding, caring and giving birth to future puppies. Pregnancy is a very depleting process, so it is very important to give your pet vitamins for pregnant dogs to help improve regeneration, metabolic processes, as well as absorb proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Before you buy a vitamin complex, consult your veterinarian who will tell you what and how to take the dog.
How to understand that your dog is pregnant?
For two to three weeks after mating, the dog’s owner (especially the one who did not give birth) is tormented by the question: “How to understand that the dog is pregnant?” There are many different symptoms of dogs becoming pregnant, but they can both indicate an early appearance of the cubs or not. Remember: it all depends on the individual characteristics of your pet, which you perfectly know. Only you can notice the slightest changes in the behavior of the pet, which may be associated with the onset of pregnancy.
In the first weeks, it is almost impossible to notice anything in the appearance of the pet, so you should pay attention to behavior. During the entire period of carrying puppies, the dog’s body is under stress. Symptoms in the early stages of pregnancy: drowsiness, calm, desire for privacy or excessive need for affection.
In the third or fourth week, the mammary glands bulge out noticeably and change color, possibly a slight increase in the volume of the abdomen where the ribs end. At this stage, you can lead your four-legged friend to the procedure for determining pregnancy using an ultrasound device. You also need to donate blood to detect the hormone secreted during this period.
At the fifth to eighth week, an increase in weight, the size of the mammary glands (due to the appearance of milk) is observed, the tummy becomes noticeable. In the period from the fifth to the sixth week, the bones of the skull and the ribs of future puppies are clearly manifested on the x-ray. If you are lucky, you will feel the jolts, leaning your hand against the dog’s stomach. Also, when probing, puppies are easily identified.
Sometimes owners can’t afford to contact a veterinarian in the near future, and I really want to know if they will be puppies. And how to understand that the dog is pregnant? There are a number of other signs of pregnancy:
- Poor appetite (this may be due to an increase in the uterus, which puts pressure on the stomach).
- The future mother is trying to make an ideal place for her offspring (the place is usually quiet, secluded and warm, the dog can wear all kinds of rags or things to improve comfort).
- The dog “protects” its belly or treats it too carefully.
How many days does a dog's pregnancy last?
On average, pregnancy lasts from 61 to 66 days. There may be a slight difference in 2 or 3 days. This is directly related to the characteristics of the rocks.
Nutrition Feature of Pregnant Dogs
In no case can you dramatically change the feed, as this will cause even more stress on the body and upset the digestive system. Plus, the pet can not be overfed, because it is almost impossible to give birth to obese bitches without the help of a veterinarian. Servings should be increased gradually.
There are three types of owners:
- those that provide natural food;
- those that give special feed;
- those that mix both.
If you prefer to give meat and cereals to your dog, add cottage cheese, milk, raw eggs, vegetables, fruits, good quality beef, yogurt, beef heart, kefir, lamb to your daily diet. Consult a good veterinarian about choosing a vitamin complex.
If you give your pet food, switch to the one intended for pregnant and lactating women. Buy good quality feed. Although such food will not hit your wallet weakly, it will make your dog healthier, stronger and happier. Always watch the composition carefully. Vitamin supplements are not needed for pregnant food, since all the nutrients are already there.
It is advisable to adjust the diet before pregnancy, but if this occurs during the gestation of puppies, then this should be done gradually.
Caring for a pregnant dog
With the question of feed, everything seems to be clear, but how to care for a pregnant dog? It is enough to be more attentive while walking, reduce activity, insulate the stove bench, make it softer and more comfortable. Keep track of your favorite not only on the street, but also at home. During gestation, the body produces a special hormone that relaxes the ligaments. One unsuccessful jump can endanger the lives of not only puppies, but also mothers.
Every day, inspect the expectant mother: clean the coat, wash the genitals, if there is mucus, check the skin. Silently clean the dog if it goes to the toilet in the wrong place - at the last stage of gestation, it is difficult for pets to patiently wait for a walk.
What is calcium for?
Calcium is important for the good condition of the teeth of future puppies, their musculoskeletal system. It should be noted that calcium for dogs contributes to favorable gestation and a quiet birth. With a lack of this useful substance, an animal may experience hypocalcemia, which may result in the death of both mothers and puppies. As you can see, calcium is very important for dogs. A huge amount of this mineral is present in the curd.
Canina Vitamin Supplements for Pregnant Dogs
In online stores, a huge selection of different products for four-legged pets. It is worth paying due attention to the choice of vitamins for pregnant dogs. It is best to consult a veterinarian. Below is information about one of the best manufacturers of pet products - Canina.
The properties of the vitamin complexes of this brand include: the quality of the coat, the cheerful mood of the pets, the addition of strength and energy, strong and healthy teeth, bones, joints, and high immunity. What vitamins for pregnant dogs are best to buy for your pets?
"Canina Caniletten Active Calcium" is suitable not only for pets awaiting replenishment, but also for pets of any age and getting stronger. With this complex, your four-legged friends are not afraid of anemia and infection. You can take it with food or with natural food. For dosage, consult your veterinarian.
What is vitamin B9 for?
Vitamin B9 is needed to prevent various pathologies in puppies. Some breeders insist on taking this vitamin at the planning stage of pregnancy. As for the dosage, it is better to consult a veterinarian, but there is an average daily dose for breeds of various sizes: large - 400 mcg, medium - 200 mcg, small - 50 mcg. This vitamin is found in poultry, liver and pork.
Vitamins for pregnant dogs are an essential part of caring for pregnant pets. It is very important to consult with the veterinarian about the choice of the manufacturer's brand and dosage.