subject: How To Know If Your Pet Dog Is Pregnant [print this page] For almost any dog lover with positive maternal or paternal inclinations, the wait for your very own pups is a fun time as you get ready for the newborn of the family. Apart from this excitement comes the need to know of the changes that could crop up and is taking place to your dog. For new dog lovers, it may be a somewhat anxiety-inducing as you mentally fiddle with it, if your dog is really expecting a baby or if you are just plainly over-eager and hallucinating.
You cut the chase any time you are prepared for these signals. After all, if having a pet dog is costly enough, you would choose to fully ready yourself financially and mentally if your family pet is pregnant. The first thing that you can do if you are suspecting of giving birth is to transport your pet dog to the vet. The vet will be running a number of tests to verify this but normally it would take several weeks before the pregnancy can be completely confirmed. Meanwhile, you can also start with your own 'testing' to ascertain your dog's pregnancy. Do not worry too much though, this is simple to do and need not be as complicated or energy consuming as finding out how to complete your own custom website design. You will have more or less 65 days before your pet dog gives birth so you have all the time for observation.
Sign number 1: Be aware of any shifts in your dog's behavior. Expectant mother dogs are much less playful than usual and once in a while, could be distant as a result of the physiological changes that they are undergoing. She may choose to sleep more than usual and would want to be left alone in her corner. If she is normally fond of your physical affection, she may seem to be aloof at one occasion and may only wish to be patted at certain times. At some time, this behavior may swing to her needing more affection and your attention.
There will also be several changes in her desire for food. At the beginning of her pregnancy, she may not have interest in taking in food and might even appear uninterested with her chosen dog bones. But when the young puppies are approximately a month old, your pet's desire for food will increase tremendously. If she had been satisfied with a cup or 2 cups per meal, this could increase and she would wish to drink water more regularly. This is not a good time to put her on a diet. If possible, she should be turned to a diet more in protein. You may switch her back to puppy food as this is much higher in protein in comparison to adult dog food. Also right now, her nipples will become bigger and suppler. Also, is the evident increase your pet's size; she will have the baby bump.
As soon as you start to see these couple of major signs, you should take your pet dog back to the vet. There are several tests that can be used to determine the pregnancy of your mom-to-be. One of these tests is the ultrasound. This is also helpful as it is non invasive and will your family dog with the least amount of discomfort. Also at about 25 days into the pregnancy, the pet's body would release relaxin and this would manifest in endocrinological tests. If you own a stethoscope at home, you should be able to hear to the heart rhythm of the puppy dogs. Just remember that the heartbeats will be not able to reveal exactly the number of pups she has. An x-ray test may be carried out to properly ascertain the number of puppies that the family pet is carrying. This is not advised though as radiation may have adverse reactions on the puppies.
On the 60th day of her being pregnant, you should start seeing physical and behavioral changes in your family dog just like a white and odorless secretion as her body getting ready for whelping (or giving birth). She could be sleepless at times and would start scratching the floor. This is an age-old behavioral instinct that she should start preparing for a home for her pups. She may also favor remaining in dimly lit and quieter corners and may be seen keeping her beloved toys or bone there. Check her temperature every once in a while. A day before she gives birth, her temperature could instantly shift to 99 degrees Fahrenheit.
These guidelines and indications are guaranteed ways for you to find out if your pet is expecting a baby. This should truly be a special day for the whole family as well for your dog so be sure that you are fully prepared for your dog's conception.
