Pregnancy in Dogs: Symptoms, Care and When to Go to the ER

Welcoming new tiny puppies can be an exciting experience but can also come with challenges. Recognizing the symptoms of pregnancy in your dog and understanding how to provide the needed care will ensure the health of your furry companion and her litter. Our team at McKinney Emergency Veterinary Clinic has put together tips and guidelines to help ensure your furry friend remains healthy and safe throughout pregnancy.

What Are the Symptoms of Dog Pregnancy?

While every dog is different, here are some common signs of pregnancy:

• Changes in Behavior: Pregnant dogs often show changes in their behavior, such as becoming more affectionate or withdrawn. Your pup may also start to “nest,” gathering cozy blankets or favorite toys to create a comfortable space for her newcomers.
• Physical Changes: Around the third week of pregnancy, you may see slight changes as the abdomen starts swelling and the nipples become more prominent and change in color. By the fifth week, you should see noticeable weight gain and abdominal growth as the puppies start to grow and develop.
• Appetite Fluctuations: Your pregnant furry companion may start showing changes in appetite, including a decreased interest in food in the early weeks. As the pregnancy progresses, you may notice a significant increase in appetite, so make sure to provide extra food.

How Should You Care for Your Pregnant Dog?

Here are some tips to provide your furry companion with the needed care during pregnancy:

• Nutrition: Your pregnant dog will need a high-quality, nutrient-rich diet to support her health and the growth of her puppies. As the pregnancy progresses, you may need to increase intake to support her growing needs. Your veterinarian can recommend the best diet and supplements for your dog’s needs.
• Exercise: Even though you’ll need to adjust your pet’s activity levels during pregnancy, it’s important to maintain an active lifestyle. Gentle walks can usually provide the needed exercise. Avoid strenuous activities that could harm your dog or the growing puppies.
• Veterinary Visits: Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are critical during pregnancy to monitor your dog’s health and the development of her puppies. Your vet will provide you with tailored care and advice to ensure your dog’s health stays on track.

When Should You Go to the ER?

While most dog pregnancies progress without complications, the following are some situations that require urgent care:

• Prolonged Labor: If your dog has been in labor for over 12-18 hours without delivering a puppy, or if she has gone more than two hours between delivering puppies, contact McKinney Emergency Veterinary Clinic for immediate care. Prolonged labor can indicate complications that put the health of your pup and her litter at risk.
• Difficulty Birthing: If your dog strains forcefully during contractions but no puppies emerge, or if you can see the membranes of a puppy in the birth canal without the puppy following, she may be experiencing dystocia or difficulty birthing. This can be caused by factors such as oversized puppies, abnormal fetal positioning, or uterine problems.
• Excessive Bleeding: While some discharge is normal during labor, excessive bleeding or a foul-smelling discharge is often cause for concern. This could indicate a serious problem, such as uterine rupture or the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall.
• Fever or Vomiting: A pregnant dog with a fever, vomiting, or signs of severe discomfort needs immediate medical attention. Don’t wait. These signs could indicate an infection or other serious concern, putting the health of your furry friend and litter at risk.
• Difficulty Breathing or Lethargy While Nursing: If your nursing dog struggles to breathe, appears extremely lethargic, or collapses, this could be a sign of eclampsia, a serious condition that’s characterized by a dangerously low level of calcium in the blood. Urgent veterinary care can help prevent seizures and additional complications.

Emergency Care Near Me in McKinney, TX

If your pregnant dog requires emergency care, contact McKinney Emergency Veterinary Clinic right away. Our experienced emergency veterinary team will provide the needed care to ensure the best possible outcomes for your furry friend and her newcomers. You can always count on us for compassionate, state-of-the-art care.

If your pet experiences an emergency, please contact us at 469-820-0233. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care to household pets in McKinney, TX, and the surrounding communities.