The timeline of canine pregnancy is quick and detailed. Making sure breeders understand the process is important to ensuring the safety and health of mothers and their puppies. The entirety of the pregnancy takes place in only 9 weeks, meaning a lot is happening in a short amount of time.
Week 1
Week 1 begins the gestation period with conception. During this week the female dog is nearing the end of her heat cycle and will mate. Successful mating will result in the fertilization of the female egg by the male sperm, creating embryos. In week 1 the female may display changes in appetite, vomiting, decreased activity, or overall changes in behavior. Breeders can maintain regular feeding and light to intermediate exercise. A dog’s weight should remain stable at this stage; any major changes in weight should be reviewed by veterinary professionals.
Week 2
By week 2 the female’s heat cycle has come to an end. During this week the embryos have safely settled within the uterus and are well on their way to development. The development of spinal cords and facial features occurs during this stage. Changes in behavior during week 2 are similar to that in week 1. Mothers can continue their normal feeding and as long as they receive a proper nutrient supply there is no need for additional vitamins. Light to intermediate exercise can continue at this time and weight should not fluctuate by much.
Week 3
Embryos are embedded in the uterine lining in week 3. Here they will receive the proper nutrients they need for development. It is normal to notice an increase in appetite around this time, therefore food amount can be increased slightly. Exercise levels should remain the same as weeks 1 and 2.
Week 4
Pregnancy can be officially confirmed at week 4. At this point the uterus has filled with protective fluid and breeders may notice increased appetite and vaginal discharge. Females should be taken to a checkup with their veterinarian when they reach day 30. Some breeders may want to conduct an ultrasound at this point in time to confirm pregnancy. Palpation can also confirm pregnancy but is less reliable. Feeding can be slightly increased and exercise can continue but all strenuous activity should be eliminated.
Week 5
By week 5 puppies’ sex organs and limbs have begun to develop. At this point an embryo has become a fetus, meaning it has entered the later stages of development and its growth will continue quickly. Breeders may notice an even further increase in appetite in the mother and food can be adjusted accordingly. Generally speaking extreme changes should be avoided. Dogs’ weight will likely increase at this point in time. Strenuous activity should be avoided.
Week 6
The fetuses begin developing rapidly in week 6. The bones of the puppies solidify, they begin to grow claws and their weight increases. Both the mother and puppies require adequate food and nutrition at this point in time, therefore diet needs to be adjusted. Food should now include higher energy protein, minerals, and vitamins. It might be difficult to feed during this time as mothers may have decreased appetite due to puppies taking up more room and because of other side effects including stomach discomfort. If breeders are having difficulties getting their dogs to eat, feeding smaller meals more times a day should suffice.
Week 7
Mothers should return to the vet during week 7 for a checkup and deworming. It is important to have this checkup to ensure no parasites are present and the mother is on the right track. Puppies will continue to develop during this stage, growing their coat and increasing in size. Breeders should have a whelping box prepared and they may notice nesting behavior. Maintain increased levels of protein and nutrients during this stage.
Week 8
As the pregnancy approaches week 8 breeders may notice movement in the mother’s stomach as the puppies near full development. The mother’s teats should begin to fill with milk and may begin lactating. If lactation is not observed, a veterinary visit and alternative milk source should be considered. At this point, some breeders may prioritize knowing the number of puppies to expect. This can be obtained via x-ray but the method is not always precise. Benefits to knowing the count can help with planning and awareness of potential problems during labor. However, there may be health drawbacks to certain testing such as exposing the pups to low levels of radiation via x-ray. We believe in as much of an “all-natural” upbringing as is reasonable and decreasing the amount of carcinogens dogs are exposed to whenever possible, especially in early development. As with many aspects of dog ownership, this is an individual risk-reward decision. Breeders should make sure that the whelping box is in place and ready to go. Trimming hair around the mother’s teats and vulva can help out both the mother and breeder during the birthing and nursing process. It is normal for mothers to become restless and uncomfortable at this point.
Week 9
Puppies have reached full development by week 9 and slow their movement to prepare for the birthing process. The mother may seem anxious and will begin looking for a quiet place to nest. The whelping box can be moved to the spot she is drawn towards. Breeders should now be taking the mother’s temperature at least 3 times a day. The normal temperature for dogs is between 100.5 – 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit and breeders should notice a temperature drop below 99 degrees Fahrenheit about 24 hours before delivery. Once the birthing process has begun, the mother should be able to handle the process on her own. Breeders should oversee the birth and look out for the following: labor beginning too early (before day 57) or too late (after day 68) if there is more than 3 hours in between puppies, initial labor prior to birth lasting more than 4 hours, birth defects in puppies, puppies getting stuck, and stillborn puppies. Breeders should make sure to never pull puppies as it can cause severe damage. Once each puppy is born, the mother should lick open the fetal sack and consume it. If not, breeders must do so or it can lead to suffocation of a puppy. Clearing a puppies Breeders should also watch for the passing of placenta afterbirths, as this will help ensure all puppies have been born, otherwise an immediate visit to vet is needed.
After the birthing, the soiled parts of the whelping box can be replaced and the mother can be cleaned up with a wet cloth. Puppies should not be cleaned up at this time unless it is by the mother herself. Breeders should check on the mother and puppies often and make sure that the mother is properly nursing. The mother’s appetite may increase at this time and giving her more high-protein food will benefit both her and her milk production. Puppies should stay with their mother and littermates for 8 to support optimal physical, social and cognitive development.
