How to take care of a pregnant dog
In dogs, the pregnancy lasts approximately 58-66 days, moreover, as well as cats, during the firstmonths of signs are not observed. Later, changes in behavior are seen - the animal becomes more calm, slow, more sleeps, drinks, eats.
There are also physiological changes: increases the stomach and weight of the dog, lowers body temperature, decreases or completely disappears appetite. Sometimes dogs have a "false pregnancy" -this is when the embryos disappear at an early stage, but the development of the fetus starts using certain functions of the body: the stomach, udders and nipples increase, even milk appears. In this case, it is better to show the animal to the vet.
A pregnant dog needs better care than ever. It is desirable to ensure high-grade and high-qualityfood. But if your pet did not starve, and managed to gain a couple of extra pounds, try to limit her diet a little at the expense of cereals. And if on the contrary - it is too thin - slightly increase the portion.
At all, in the first month of pregnancy the dog should be fed normally - no more than twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. The ration must necessarily include raw meatwith the addition of a small amount of boiled liver, cottage cheese, milk porridge, grated vegetables (with the exception of raw cabbage that can cause gases) with finely chopped greens and vegetable oil.
To large dogs 2-3 times a week you can give a little boiled sea fish without bones, but not instead of meat, but as an addition to it. It is also useful to add to the meal a little cheese andsour-milk products, if the dog tolerates them well. Calcium from the animal's organism is actively consumed for the formation of the skeletal system of puppies, therefore it must necessarily give mineral substances: calcium glycerophosphate, calcium gluconate or calcium phosphate in tablets and powders.
It should also be pay attention to vitamins, especially A, B, C, E, D. During pregnancy, the body needsThe dog in vitamins increases 2-3 times. Since the beginning of pregnancy, the exchange of vitamins begins between the mother's body and the fetuses, which ensures a normal course of pregnancy, delivery without complications and full-fledged rearing of newborn puppies.
Some breeders prefer to feed the dogdry food and during pregnancy, they believe that all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals are balanced in it so that the body of their pets gets everything they need in the right proportions. Make sure that during your pregnancy your dog has a less active lifestyle - Do not allow sharp movements, moving games, do not force it to jump over obstacles, as it can hit your belly and damage the fruit. Postpone also the training.
Try to walk more often with your pet - at least 2-3 hours a day, but, at the same time, you should not allow severe fatigue. Bathing in water should be avoided - so that the dog does not subcool. At the 7th week of pregnancy the animal must be fed four times a day and more often taken to the street, as the increasing uterus presses on the stomach and bladder.
During pregnancy, the dog sometimes experiences nausea, she may have vomiting, decrease appetite. But all this is quite natural. So do not be frightened and do not try to force food into your dog - it does not want, so it does not. In the second half of pregnancy, even shortness of breath may occur. To reduce the burden on the cardiovascular system, consult a veterinarian who will prescribe the necessary drugs.
