Americans are the largest pet owners around the world. There is a perception that most of them have a soft spot for most pets, which makes them adopt stray cats and dogs and keep them in their homes. Besides the fact that most pets have to visit an animal hospital regularly, most Americans believe dogs and other docile animals make good pets.
One aspect that some dog owners have to do is care for a pregnant dog. Most pet owners know that they would have to take their dog to the veterinary clinic, but they don’t know what else to do. If you notice early dog pregnancy symptoms, use this guide to get some important tips on how to take care of your pregnant dog.
1. Determining Pregnancy
If you have stayed with a dog for a longer period, you will notice early signs your dog is pregnant. Changes in normal animal behavior are expected. In most cases, most dogs will change their routines and will tend to spend much of their time sleeping. Others might have mood swings, which is something that you are probably not used to seeing in your dog.
However, given that you are not a veterinarian by profession, you might not have full information as to whether your dog is pregnant or not. You need to visit a veterinary clinic where the vet will confirm pregnancy through palpation or urine testing. Using a vet to confirm pregnancy is very important as it will help you to prepare for the number of puppies you are expecting.
2. Feeding and Nutrition
Most animal hospitals have guided a considerable number of pet owners on how to take care of their pregnant pets. This means that they know everything to do with the feeding program and nutrition that your dog needs. Veterinary advice comes in handy because your pup needs special treatment and attention.
Pet owners make the mistake of thinking that they can provide animal care during pregnancy without the support of a professional only for them to make considerable mistakes. A regular visit to a veterinary clinic will offer insight on what foods your pet needs so that it can be able to sustain the increasing nutritional demands inside the body.
3. Exercises
Just like humans need exercise, pregnant dogs should also have an exercise routine. However, most of the exercises performed by your dog should not be strenuous so that any form of injuries can be avoided.
It is important to keep in mind to avoid any form of exercise that could be detrimental not only to the dog but also to the puppies. Depending on the health, breed, and age, your dog should exercise between 30 minutes and two hours, but this should gradually decrease in the final trimester.
4. Medications
Most canine medications are considered safe to use during pregnancy. There have never been major reported instances where canine medications cause serious problems to the pups. This doesn’t mean that you should ignore a veterinary hospital and give your dog any canine medicine that comes your way. It is important to consider advice from your veterinary clinic because you might get to learn something new about canine medication during pregnancy.
5. Vaccinations
Pet vaccinations are not recommended during pregnancy. They have been known to have significant impacts on the health of the pups and the mother as well. It would be important to vaccinate your dog when you are preparing her for pregnancy. Vaccinating your dog before pregnancy helps her to have enough antibodies that are later passed on to the puppies.
6. Preparing for birth
In the final stages of pregnancy, specifically three weeks before birth, it would be good to separate her from other dogs. She might not like it, but this is very important as it prevents any chances of miscarriages and will help her to look for a safe place to give birth.
Remember to keep consulting a veterinary clinic for any assistance that may be deemed necessary. Contact Sykesville Veterinary Clinic with any questions or concerns that you may have about helping your dog through a pregnancy.