In order for the generic activity of the dog to go well and the new puppies have grown healthy and strong, it is important to watch how pregnancy proceeds. The hosts, it is desirable to take more care of their favorite during this difficult period. In time to begin to improve the regime and diet of the dog, it is necessary to diagnose pregnancy in a timely manner.
How to determine the pregnancy in a dog?
If the dog has become pregnant for the first time, then visually it can and not be noticed until the birth. But why wait all this time, if you can use the pregnancy test for dogs or ultrasound in veterinary clinics in the first month.
A pregnancy test is an analysis of blood serum for a dog that detects the content of relaxin. The content of this hormone increases by 2-3 weeks. The test performed at 3-4 weeks gives a 100% correct result.
Approximately on 25-30 day after mating it is recommended to conduct ultrasound to determine the exact diagnosis. And on day 40 and later with the help of the same device you can already find out the number of puppies.
Let's try to figure out how to learn about the pregnancy of the dog yourself.
As you know, pregnancy in dogs is 2 months, to be more specific - 60-66 days. In the early stages, it is almost impossible to determine the interesting position of the pet. The first clinical symptoms of pregnancy in a dog can be awakened only by the end of the first month for 25-30 days. But experienced dog breeders claim that there are many indirect symptoms of pregnancy. Around the second week, the appetite disappears. Many notice that their favorites are more asleep. One of the first visible signs is the swelling of the skin near the mammary glands. You can also see an enlarged abdomen around the pelvis. Animal sharply gaining weight 3 weeks before the birth. You can notice the appearance of milk about 8-10 days before the birth of puppies. In the first-born, lactation can begin a little later, sometimes during labor.
Imaginary Pregnancy in Dogs
Imaginary pregnancy is a consequence of a decrease in the level of progesterone in the body in a dog. This happens after unsuccessful mating or lack of it at all, 2-4 months after estrus .
Signs of a false pregnancy in dogs are an increase and swelling of the mammary glands, the appearance of lactation. You can observe and change in the behavior of the bitch - she arranges a nest, nurse her favorite trinkets.
Statistics show that over 80% of dogs suffer about a false pregnancy about two times in their life, and about 60% suffer this condition regularly.