The Mystery Of Multiple Due Dates In Dogs

A dog's gestation period typically lasts 63 days, or around two months, from the date of mating. However, the length of pregnancy can vary between 58 to 68 days, and in some cases, even up to 70 days. Due to this variability, a dog can be said to have two due dates: a narrower due date range of 63 days plus or minus 2 days, and a broader due date range of 58 to 68 days. The former is calculated from the day of ovulation, which is not always the same as the day of mating, as sperm can remain viable for up to 11 days in a female dog's reproductive tract.

Pregnancy confirmation methods

There are several methods to confirm a dog's pregnancy. Here is a list of some of the most common methods:

• Ultrasound: Ultrasound examinations are safe and can detect developing embryos as early as three weeks into the pregnancy. While it may not provide an exact count of the number of puppies, it is considered the "gold standard" for detecting pregnancy and assessing the viability of the fetuses.
• Palpation: Abdominal palpation, or gently pressing on the abdomen with fingers, can be performed by a veterinarian starting at approximately 28-35 days after breeding. At this stage, the puppies feel like little balls, and the sacks surrounding the fetus lose their distinct shape after one month, making the timing of this test crucial.
• Hormone Testing: A blood test can be performed to detect the hormone relaxin, which is produced by the developing placenta following the implantation of the embryo. This test is typically done between 25 and 35 days of gestation and is relatively accurate as relaxin is only produced during pregnancy.
• X-ray: X-rays are most effective in determining pregnancy in the last trimester, around 55 days or more, as the puppies' skeletal systems become visible. X-rays are the best way to determine the exact number of puppies in the litter.

It is important to consult a veterinarian for accurate pregnancy confirmation and to ensure proper care for the pregnant dog.

Pregnancy care

Vet Visits

If you think your dog might be pregnant, it's important to visit your vet to discuss her needs. Your vet will be able to advise on how to keep your dog happy and healthy during pregnancy and how to prepare for whelping. They can also determine how many puppies your dog is carrying and whether a normal birth or C-section is required.

Diet

Pregnant dogs need more calories and nutrients. Feed your dog food that has been formulated for growth, such as puppy food, and twice the calories by the halfway point of her pregnancy. Continue this diet while she is nursing.

Exercise

Your dog can still exercise during most of her pregnancy, but avoid any strenuous or stressful activities after four to six weeks. Gentle walks are best.

Deworming

Your dog will need to be dewormed more frequently while pregnant to prevent her from passing worms to her puppies. Speak to your vet about suitable treatments.

Warning Signs

If your dog experiences vaginal bleeding or discharge, or any signs of illness during pregnancy, contact your vet for advice. Complications can harm both mother and puppies.

Whelping

Prepare a whelping box or a simple bedding area in an exercise pen. Keep your veterinarian's contact information close by in case of an emergency.

Labour Warning Signs

• A drop in rectal temperature of 8-24 hours.
• Loss of appetite.
• Heavy panting.
• Abdominal contractions.
• Green or bloody fluid before the first puppy is born.
• More than two hours between the delivery of puppies.
• Strong contractions for an hour without birth.
• Trembling, collapsing, or shivering.

Labour signs

While it is not possible for a dog to have two due dates, the due date can be difficult to pinpoint. The gestation period for dogs is usually around 63 days, but it can vary from 58 to 68 days, and in some cases, even up to 72 days.

Drop in temperature

A drop in body temperature is one of the early signs of labour in dogs. The average body temperature for a dog is between 100°F and 102.5°F, and when it drops below 100°F, labour usually begins within 12-24 hours. Start taking your dog's temperature twice a day with a rectal thermometer during the final week of pregnancy to monitor this change.

Nesting behaviour

Dogs will instinctively look for a safe, cosy, and quiet place to give birth, often moving their bed or scratching at blankets to create a comfortable space. Allow your dog to choose the spot and build a nest for them in the last two weeks of pregnancy. Make sure the area is undisturbed, at room temperature, and has enough space for both the mother and the litter.

Loss of appetite

It is common for dogs to lose their appetite before going into labour. Make sure your dog stays hydrated, and if vomiting occurs, provide plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Restlessness and discomfort

Behavioural changes such as panting, pacing, digging, or shivering are often observed in dogs about to go into labour. These signs indicate the beginning of uterine contractions, which typically last between 6 and 12 hours.

Clinginess or distance

Some dogs may seek comfort and want you around more during labour, while others may become reclusive and prefer to be alone in a secluded area. Respect your dog's preference and provide comfort or privacy as needed.

Enlarged mammary glands

A few days before labour, your dog's mammary glands will start to enlarge as they prepare to feed the puppies. This is also when milk production may begin.

Incessant licking of the genital area

As fluid comes out during birth, your dog may excessively lick their genital area in an attempt to stay clean.

Contractions

Contractions usually start 48-72 hours before delivery, and you may hear whining or yelping during this time. The abdomen will feel firm, and you may even be able to feel the contractions by placing your hands gently on your dog's stomach.

Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can occur due to the stress and pain of labour. Make sure to provide water to prevent dehydration.

Start of milk production

Some dogs will start producing milk before giving birth, and their breasts may become hardened, indicating that labour is imminent.

It is important to monitor these signs and contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns or if labour lasts longer than expected.

Labour complications

• Prolonged labour: If your dog does not go into labour within 24 hours of her temperature dropping below 38.5°C (or 100°F), or if there is a delay of more than two hours between puppies, this could indicate a problem.
• Difficult contractions: If your dog is straining and having strong contractions for more than 20-45 minutes without producing a puppy, contact your vet immediately.
• Stuck puppy: If a puppy appears to be stuck in the birth canal, or halfway out, and the mother is unable to push, this is an emergency situation that requires veterinary assistance.
• Greenish/brown discharge: This may indicate that a placenta has separated, and a puppy should be born within the next 2-4 hours. If not, contact your vet as there may be a complication.
• No puppies after discharge: If there is a green or red/brown vaginal discharge, and no puppy is born within four hours, seek veterinary help.
• Resting for too long between puppies: If more than two hours pass with only weak contractions between puppies, and you know there are more inside, this could indicate a problem.
• Extreme pain: If your dog appears to be in extreme pain during labour, contact your vet right away.
• Prolonged gestation: If the gestation period reaches 70 days and your dog has not given birth, this could indicate a problem.
• Uterine inertia: This is a rare condition where the dog does not experience contractions at all (primary uterine inertia) or has contractions that decrease in strength or disappear (secondary uterine inertia). It is a form of dystocia, or difficult birth, and requires immediate veterinary attention.
• Other concerns: If you have any other concerns about the mother dog or her puppies during or after labour, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian.

It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the health and well-being of your dog and her puppies. If you notice any unusual behaviour or signs of distress, don't hesitate to seek professional help.

Post-birth care

For the mother dog

• Feed your dog puppy food that is high in protein and calcium until the puppies are weaned so that she can produce substantial amounts of milk.
• Do not add calcium supplements to the mother dog's diet without first talking to your veterinarian. Getting too much calcium can lead to milk fever.
• Allow the new mother to set her schedule. During the first 2-4 weeks, she will be very busy taking care of the puppies and won't want to be too far from them. Take her out for short bathroom breaks for only 5-10 minutes.
• Trim the hair on dogs with long fur. Give her a "sanitary cut" around her tail, hind legs, and mammary glands to help keep these areas clean.
• Check the mammary glands of the lactating dog daily. If you see glands that are very red, hard, hot, or painful, take her to the vet immediately.
• Expect to see vaginal discharge from the mother dog for a few weeks (up to 8 weeks) after birth. This discharge can look brownish-red and stringy. If you see yellow, green, or grey material, or notice a foul odour, take your dog to the vet.

For the puppies

• Make sure the puppies are nursing within 1-3 hours after birth. You may need to place the puppy in front of a nipple and gently squeeze a little milk out.
• Count the puppies after they are born so you know exactly how many there are.
• Keep the birthing area warm. Puppies do not regulate their body temperature well and need to be kept warm. For the first few days after birth, keep one area of the whelping box around 85 degrees F, then you can drop the temperature down to 75-80 degrees F.
• Take the mother and puppies to the vet for check-ups to ensure the mother is healing properly and the puppies are growing.
• Handle the puppies to socialise them. Hold each puppy several times a day and get them accustomed to being touched everywhere on their bodies.
• Wait until your puppies are 8 weeks old before giving them away. Puppies should be fully weaned and eating dog food on their own before they leave for a new home.

For both mother and puppies

Keep the whelping box clean. As the puppies get older and more mobile, the confined area will get messier. Cleaning up after the puppies at least 2-3 times per day will be needed to keep the whelping box sanitary.

Frequently asked questions