Dog Pregnancy & Signs of Labour in Dogs
We can’t think of anything more exciting than finding out your dog is expecting! As dog pregnancy only last for around 2 months, you can look forward to bundles of fur filling your home very soon!
When your dog is pregnant, you may find yourself wondering “how do dogs give birth?”. You don’t have to panic as her due date approaches - dog labours are usually much less dramatic than ours, and she should be able to bring her puppies into the world without any worries. Mum should be more than capable, but keep her company during labour in case she runs into any complications.
Speak to your vet if you have any concerns about pregnancy in dogs or about your dog giving birth. Their advice should help to put your mind at rest. Here are some helpful tips from our PetCare Team to help you be as prepared as possible for when your pet becomes a new mum.
Preparing for the birth
Hopefully your dog’s birth will go smoothly, but it’s always best to be prepared in case the unexpected happens.
The stages of labour and delivery
In general, dog births are normally straightforward and don’t often involve complications. Although you should interfere as little as possible, it’s still important to be with your dog giving birth so that you can support her and step in if there are any problems. Labour normally lasts 3-12 hours.
After the birth
When you are sure that labour has finished, and that everyone is healthy and happy, get mum something to eat and drink. Give her the normal puppy food she has had throughout pregnancy, as she’ll need something she’s used to that’s gentle on her stomach.
Try to help her go outside for fresh air and to go to the toilet – this might be tough to do straight away. Remove and replace anything that has been soiled during delivery, and then give the new family some quiet, quality time together.
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