During pregnancy, the bitch needs special care and nutrition, because otherwise not only the dog itself, but also its future puppies may suffer. That is why, having learned that the pet is preparing to become a mother, her owner must transfer the bitch to a new menu and a special walking regime, and the sooner this happens, the better.
Instructions
Step 1
Pay attention to the dog's behavior. As a rule, in the first 1, 5 weeks, it is almost impossible to determine pregnancy by a change in physical condition, however, soon after mating, changes in the behavior of the bitch may occur. In 1-3 weeks of pregnancy, she may become more affectionate and calm. Some pregnant dogs try to spend as much time with people as possible, while they sometimes become lethargic, lethargic, and the owner may even get the impression that the bitch is not well.
Step 2
Go to the veterinary clinic that does a pregnancy test for bitches. Veterinarians take the dog's blood for analysis, and then determine the level of relaxin in the blood. High levels of this hormone indicate that the dog is pregnant. This test is most effective 3-4 weeks after mating. It can be carried out earlier, but the reliability of the results will be in doubt.
Step 3
Ask your veterinarian for palpation to determine if the bitch is pregnant. As a rule, this procedure is effective in the period from 24 to 35 days of pregnancy: up to 24 days, the lumps-puppies are still too small and difficult to feel, and after 35 they become very soft, which greatly complicates the determination of pregnancy by palpation.
Step 4
Give your dog an ultrasound. After 35-38 days, you can not only determine the pregnancy of a bitch in this way, but also find out how many puppies she is carrying. With the help of ultrasound at later stages of pregnancy, you can also check whether the fetuses are viable, whether they develop normally, and whether there are any serious abnormalities.
Step 5
Observe the changes in your dog's appearance. In some bitches, already at 5-6 weeks, the abdomen begins to increase, and the nipples are slightly swollen. This is especially noticeable if there are many puppies in the litter. However, it is important to remember that some bitches barely change in appearance until 1-2 weeks before delivery.
