how to tell if your dog is pregnant 2008 PLR Article

Determining if your dog is pregnant can be difficult, but the earlier you can identify a pregnancy, the better you will be able to care for her. Of course, if you have been breeding your dog in the hopes of having a litter, you’ll probably know exactly when she conceived. Your veterinarian should be able to determine if she is pregnant within three weeks after a breeding attempt. If you aren’t planning for your dog to be a mommy, you probably won’t know she’s pregnant until nearly six weeks into the pregnancy, when her abdomen will start to enlarge. However, there are a few early signs, such as decreased eating, appetite loss, an inflamed vulva, vaginal secretions and engorged nipples. After discovering a pregnancy, you should take your dog to the veterinarian for an examination. The vet will determine if she needs any unusual prenatal care other than the standard improvements to her diet. As the pregnancy progresses, your dog will likely sleep longer and eat more food to feed her growing pups. Maintaining a regular exercise routine during the pregnancy is vital to make sure she’s fit for the delivery. The average dog pregnancy lasts eight to nine weeks. As you approach the last two weeks, you should create a whelping box packed with velvety blankets. Try not to leave her alone during the final days, since she may require help in delivering the litter. Word count: 236