In the wild, animals engage in courtship, mate, give birth, and raise young entirely on their own; with no interference or assistance from humans. As mammals, dogs are absolutely capable of this as well. However, the dogs that we know today have grown accustomed to being cared for by their owners and trainers, and therefore require special care that is not normally available in the wild. While much of this involves basic healthcare and maintenance, a primary time for an owner to be carefully involved with their dog is when the bitch becomes pregnant. As with any mammal, complications can occur during and after pregnancy that require monitoring, and sometimes intervention. Before you allow your bitch to become pregnant, you need to have a strong understanding of what to expect, and how to take action in certain situations.

Whether the pregnancy of your dog was planned or intentional, there are a number of behaviors and signs to look for to determine if indeed the dog is pregnant. In most breed, the first three weeks of gestation will show no outward signs. At about four weeks, the abdomen may become distended slightly, and the dog's appetite will increase. These signs last until about the sixth week. At this time, appetite will increase dramatically, play and exercise will be decreased, and the abdomen will begin to exhibit the typical pear-shape of a pregnant bitch. By the eighth and ninth weeks, pregnancy is imminent in most breeds. While lying on her side, pups can actually be seen and felt at the side of the bitch's belly. Behavior will change significantly during this time, and can include extremes from dog to dog such as refusing to leave their owner's side, or becoming reclusive and irritable. Your pregnant bitch may also show other signs such as nesting, or a desire for constant attention.

During the entire course of the pregnancy, you need to educate yourself on what to expect. Complications could arise at birth that will become imperative to deal with quickly, efficiently, and safely. For this reason, you should consult with other breeders- especially of the same breed as yours, and you should also consult with your veterinarian. Together, an expected birth or whelping date can be determined, and you may opt to have your vet present or on-call. Books and other literature on canine pregnancy are widely available, and are free from your local library.

As the time nears for your dog to give birth, she should be confined regularly to the area that you would like her to give birth in. This area should be clean, dry, and warm. Blankets and other comforting items should be available for the dog to use, as well as fresh water and food. Even while birthing, your dog may want a snack or a quick drink. There are also specific tools and implements that may be required during the birthing process and these should be obtained from your veterinarian or other expert.

When the time for whelping finally arrives, it is an exciting time. However, it should be noted that wherever possible, you should allow your dog to do what comes naturally to her with as little assistance as possible. Some dogs have extremely adverse reactions to human interference, including the abandonment of puppies. Your job should be to monitor, and to act only when it is crucial. Remember- in most cases, your dog will be entirely able to birth her puppies herself.

 

About the Author

Geoffrey A. English is the Founder of GundogsOnline.com, the internet's premiere online magazine dedicated to bird dogs. Visit their site for more information on training bird dogs and hunting dog supplies including a wide variety of dog leads, shooting glasses, and electronic hearing protection