If you have a female dog that is not spayed, there is a good chance that sooner or later she will become pregnant. Given the case, you should keep an eye on her when she is in heat if you don’t want her to procreate, because she can let herself be mounted by any male or fight with other dogs.
Once fertilized by the male, a female dog’s pregnancy lasts about two months, between 58 and 65 days. Knowing the symptoms that announce the pregnancy of a dog is essential to go to the vet on time, care for it properly and prepare for the time of delivery. Likewise, it will help to differentiate if it is a psychological pregnancy or if she is really pregnant.
Depending on the breed and size of the dog, as well as how many puppies she is carrying, the symptoms may appear earlier or later. In some cases pregnant bitches may vomit early in pregnancy. Her appetite will also decrease in the first few weeks, while later her hunger will increase significantly, in order to meet the nutritional needs for the pregnancy to develop normally and the puppies to be born healthy.
You will show noticeable physical changes such as enlarged breasts and swollen, pink nipples. In addition, as the weeks of gestation progress, the bitch will gain weight and her belly will increase in size. In the final stretch of the pregnancy, you may even be able to feel the puppies moving when you feel her belly.
Another symptom of pregnancy in bitches is an increase in the frequency of urination, due to the fact that their bladder is pressed by the uterus. A month after mating, her vagina may secrete a viscous, transparent or very light pink fluid.
Its character will also be altered as a result of pregnancy. It can be much more affectionate and cuddly or, on the contrary, distrustful and surly, preferring to isolate itself in a corner. In this sense, it is common that they do not want to interact with other animals. You will find her more tired and listless, with less desire to play and she will spend more time asleep.
If you don’t know for sure if your dog has been mated or not, it is difficult to discern if she has a real or psychological pregnancy. The duration of a pseudopregnancy is limited to three or four weeks. In addition, the symptoms of psychological pregnancy evolve more quickly, with a very accelerated growth of the breasts and abdomen.
Another clear indication that it is a pseudo-pregnancy is that the bitch begins to look for the nest to give birth and take care of her pups and may even try to raise toys or stuffed animals. In any case, when abnormal behaviors and symptoms appear in your pet, it is best to go to the vet as soon as possible.
