Congratulations! Your dog is pregnant. You get to witness the incredible journey of new life developing in the belly of your furry friend – a great honor. Over the next 63 days of her average gestation period, your fluffy best friend needs you more than ever. From proper nutrition to necessary vaccinations, we’ll tell you what you can do for your pregnant dog. With these tips, you’ll be ready for the birth.

Signs of Pregnancy in Dogs

First and foremost, you should make sure that your dog is indeed pregnant. The key factor determining this is the estrus cycle in the female dog, which typically occurs between the sixth and twelfth months for the first time. If a female dog is not in estrus, pregnancy is ruled out, even if a male dog attempts mating. If your dog was in heat during the act, or if you’re unsure whether she had contact with an unneutered male during this phase, the following symptoms may indicate pregnancy:

If you’re still unsure whether your dog is expecting, consult your veterinarian. Once pregnancy is confirmed, the tips in this guide can help you and your dog.

False Alarm? False Pregnancy in Dogs

It might sound strange, but your dog can “imagine” her pregnancy. This is known as false pregnancy or pseudopregnancy. This phenomenon occurs in unspayed females about 1-2 months after estrus, but it doesn’t happen after every heat cycle. If it occurs, it is primarily due to hormonal reasons triggered by a significant release and subsequent rapid decline of the pregnancy hormone “progesterone.”

As a result, the dog’s body thinks it has gone through a pregnancy cycle, and the dog’s nipples may even produce milk. Other signs include “nesting” behavior or carrying and defending stuffed animals and toys as “puppy substitutes.” Appetite loss, changes in behavior, and mood swings are also typical symptoms of false pregnancy. Usually, this condition is curious but not alarming and resolves on its own. If there are prolonged behavior changes or if you’re not entirely sure whether it’s false pregnancy or a real one, consult a veterinarian.

New Diet Plan for the Pregnant Dog

Until the fourth week of pregnancy, keep the diet the same. High-quality adult dog food ensures a balanced nutrition. However, starting from the fifth week, the culinary needs of your pregnant dog change. The pregnant body craves puppy food. Yes, you heard that right – puppy food. But why would an adult dog specifically want food designed for very young dogs?

The body of your pregnant dog is now working overtime. After all, almost fully grown puppies develop from fertilized eggs in just two months – a wonder of nature. But that’s not all: while a human typically gives birth to one or two babies, a dog often gives birth to up to ten little furballs. And after giving birth, she needs to properly nurse these hungry darlings. For that, she needs strength, and she gains that strength from nutrients.

Puppy Food: Power for Pregnancy

Your pet experiences an especially high nutritional demand in the second half of pregnancy. Suddenly, the puppies in its belly are growing at record speed. Only with enough calories and nutrients can the body overcome this challenge. Your dog needs 40 to 70% more protein now. However, regular dog food doesn’t meet these high demands. It contains too few nutrients and calories.

And that’s where puppy food comes in. Specialized nutrition is a greater source of nutrients and energy than adult dog food. It can offer:

Therefore, puppy food provides everything that the diet of a pregnant dog must have.

The meals cover the entire nutrient content. You can confidently avoid additional food sources or supplements. After all, you want to feed your dog well during the pregnancy weeks but not overfeed it. If your beloved pet is overweight, complications during birth can occur at worst. Birth defects in puppies or a lack of milk are also possible with an above-average nutrient intake.

Valuable Nutrition Tips for the Pregnant Dog

How much food does a pregnant dog get?

In the first few weeks of pregnancy, your pet receives two to three balanced meals per day. From the fourth week onwards, four meals per day are recommended. And please don’t panic: If appetite decreases in the last weeks of pregnancy, there’s no need to worry. The puppies in the belly are now so big that they no longer leave enough space for hearty meals. And the further the pregnancy progresses, the less appetite your dog will have. Often, she won’t eat anything at all shortly before the due date.

The size of the meals depends on the size of the litter. For example, if you expect four or five puppies, your pet needs a lot of energy. Ideally, grant constant access to food. Regularly fill the bowl. This way, your dog will satisfy her appetite on her own.

Vaccinations and Parasite Treatments for Pregnant Dogs?

Whether and to what extent you should vaccinate your pregnant dog is best discussed with your veterinarian. After all, the health of both the mother and the offspring must be considered. Vaccination can be beneficial because, since the puppies’ organisms are closely connected to the mother’s in the womb, they also benefit. In this context, vaccination against “Canine Herpesvirus” (CHV) is recommended, as it triggers “puppy mortality,” leading to more frequent deaths of puppies between the first and third weeks of life.

However, some vaccinations may be treated with caution during this period, and your veterinarian is the best source of information. The same goes for deworming, where the American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends a treatment for roundworms to prevent puppies from getting infected.

Comprehensive Care from Your Trusted Veterinarian

No textbook in the world can replace a veterinarian. An experienced practitioner, trusted by both humans and animals, is even more critical. From start to finish, the veterinarian accompanies the dog’s pregnancy. They not only determine the due date and litter size but also assist your pet during the birthing process.

Exercise is Good – Even During Pregnancy

Rest and staying at home – is that what your dog needs now? You’re mistaken. Exercise is good for her. Regular walks keep her fit during pregnancy and prepare her body for the due date. Your pet can enjoy three to five short outdoor activities daily. Experts recommend between 15 and 30 minutes per walk.

But be cautious: Please don’t overdo the exercise. Physical exertion is now taboo. Avoid long walks through challenging terrain with steep slopes. A simple stroll along the riverbank is just as good. Obedience training and dog shows are not necessary right now. They only stress the expectant mother. And stress is not good for the puppies.

When walking, maintain enough distance from other dogs. If another dog gets too playful, it might lead to scuffles. In the worst case, the pregnant dog may endure severe bumps and hits. The unborn puppies won’t appreciate that at all.

Dog Pregnancy: Possible Complications

Unfortunately, not every pregnancy proceeds without issues. Even though everything goes smoothly in many cases, complications can arise, seriously threatening the health of your pregnant dog and her puppies. In rare but severe cases, a condition known as “pregnancy toxemia,” also referred to as “uterine poisoning,” may occur. In such, but also in less dramatic situations, it is crucial to go to the veterinarian immediately. This way, both the mother and the offspring can be quickly assisted, and a miscarriage can be prevented. Signs of problematic pregnancy include:

The Due Date Approaches – What Happens Next?

As your dog’s pregnancy approaches its end, things get exciting. To ensure you are well-prepared for this phase, we have created a separate article on dog birth for you. There, you’ll find all the information from preparation and signs of birth to the stages of delivery. We wish your dog all the best for her pregnancy and whelping.