pregnant

blue

My Dog Is Pregnant For The First Time I Know That A Dog's Gestation Period Is For About63 Days, But I Am Beginning To Think That She May Be Further Along Than The Vet Suggested. I Know That She Went Into Heat Sometime In Oct. But I Don't Know When. What Are Some Of The Signs Week By Week That Might Help Me? Just so you know we did not plan on her getting pregnant. We kept her in the back yard while she was in heat and another dog dug a hole and came on in. As soon as I realized that she was pregnant I began to find homes for the puppies immediately. Luckly I have eight familes lined up so I know that the puppies will be well taken care of. I also have Blue scheduled to be fixed as soon as she has weened the pups.

LabLady101

I know this is not exactly what you asked, but one thing I would suggest is an ultrasound or an x-ray. You would be better off knowing how many pups she is carrying and if a normal delivery can be expected than go through this completely blind. Puppies are not always the same size, so you need to prepare yourself in case you have a very large puppy with no way through the birth canal. It's a very easy way to actually lose a female during whelping, having her trying and trying to push out a pup that is just simply too large for natural delivery.

I would also watch her temperature. Yes, that's right, you'll have to stick a thermometer you know where! LOL I'd take it at least every couple of hours and when she's closer to due date every hour. When you notice her temperature drop, it's usually 12-24 hours before the whelping of the first pup.

Like I said, I realize this is not exactly what you asked, but they are concerns. Also, do you have anyone (responsible breeder would be best) nearby who has any experience in whelping? They could be of a BIG help! I would seek them out if at all possible. They would be able to guide you through this and even possibly be able to help if there were to be any trouble.

These are just my immediate thoughts and I'm sure others might have more to add...

Dogged

If the male was alot bigger than she is, she could have problems passing large pups and she may need a C-section. An X-ray is a good idea, but they have to be at a certain stage in pregnancy for the fetuses to show up on the x-ray properly.

This is a common problem when a dog comes into heat, because any male that picks up that scent will do unbelievable things to get at the female, including going under, over, or through any fencing. Climbing 6 and 7 foot fences or even higher is not unheard of. This is why it is recommended to spay your dog before the first heat so this doesn't happen and also for health reasons. A dog spayed before the first heat has almost no chance of getting breast cancer later on in life.

Then of course there is the overwhelming overpopulation problem. There aren't enough homes out there for all the dogs that need them. Each puppy you bring into the world and find a home for will take a home away from another that will be killed because of it. Please tell all your friends and anyone who will listen what you have learned from this ordeal so that they can learn from your mistakes and maybe the trend won't continue. Try to bring some good out of this situation.

blackgavotte

I just want to add a bit more for anyone else reading these posts. After a female is bred, she can still very safely be spayed up to five weeks pregnant, and in a pinch, even after that if need be. This is why I feel that the greater good is served when pups are spayed and neutered by 6-8 months old.

Dogged

I agree, good point.

Although alot of dogs can come into heat at 6 months old, so I usually recommend doing the spay around 5 to 5 1/2 months or earlier just to be sure they don't come into that first heat.

Puppy & Dog Forums

 

DogAdvocat

I don't know the answer to your question, but I'm glad you've got Blue scheduled to be spayes. While you're at it, how about having early spay/neuter done on the puppies before they leave for their new homes so that this doesn't happen to them too. It's amazing how fast dogs (and cats) can multiply.

67,000 dogs can be produced by a female dog and her offspring in 6 years

8 to 10 million dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters each year

61% of all dogs and 75% of all cats entering shelters are killed

cshellenberger

have mom to be x rayed or an ultrasound done, that will help to determine how far along she isand how many pups she is going to have. What breed is she? Some breeds have more difficulty bearing than others and require c-sections.

FYI you can have her spayed if she has a c-section at little additional charge. Also I suggest a contract tothe puppy owners requiring spay nueter of the pups at an appropriate age for the breed.

Puppy & Dog Forums