Proper care of a pregnant dog will ensure the normal development of future offspring, help to avoid complications during childbirth. If during pregnancy the dog received a balanced diet, did not undergo stress and significant physical exertion, its chances of giving birth to strong healthy puppies are very high.
Instructions
Step 1
In the first half of pregnancy, the dog does not need special care. Training can be continued, slightly reducing the load. Contact of a pregnant bitch with other dogs should be limited, especially if there is doubt that they have no infectious diseases.
Step 2
As labor approaches, the load will have to be significantly reduced. The dog becomes slow, calm, avoids jumping and running. It is not worth insisting on heavy traffic. And if she has gained significant weight, and you are afraid of developing obesity in your pet, it is better to take long walks every day.
Step 3
The closer the delivery is, the more often the dog needs walks. The enlarging uterus presses on the bladder, so you will have to take the animal outside several times a day, and sometimes at night.
Step 4
The nutrition of a pregnant dog requires special attention. If the owners prefer to give their pet natural food, from the second half of pregnancy, the proportion of protein (meat, cottage cheese) and vegetables in her diet should be increased, vitamin supplements and calcium supplements can be given.
Step 5
If the dog eats ready-made food, vitamin supplements are not necessary. From the second half of pregnancy, you can transfer it to special food for pregnant and lactating bitches. Sometimes veterinarians recommend giving puppy food rich in vitamins and minerals.
Step 6
In the first half of pregnancy, the dog is fed as before, i.e. once or twice a day. From the second month, the number of feedings is increased to three, and from 6-7 weeks - to four. At the same time, the amount of food eaten daily should not increase significantly in order to avoid overeating, because obesity can lead to complications during childbirth. Frequent small feedings shortly before childbirth are caused by the increase in the size of the uterus and the pressure it exerts on the internal organs. Large portions of food can be uncomfortable for the dog.
Step 7
You should not feel the belly of the dog yourself, trying to determine if there are puppies and how many there are. If you have doubts whether this is a false pregnancy and whether it is going well, it is better to show your pet to a veterinarian. The specialist will gently palpate the abdomen, if necessary, do an ultrasound scan, and give individual recommendations for care.
