Caring for a pregnant female dog properly is essential in the breeding process. Before your puppies are born, you need a nice, clean and quiet atmosphere.
Steps
Step 1. Give your dog plenty of rest
Let her rest as long as she needs it, as pregnancy can be exhausting.
Step 2. Try feeding her a little more than normal, as she has more mouths to feed inside of her
Good quality puppy food is best during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. Your vet will be able to tell you how much to feed her.
Step 3. Avoid having contact with other dogs, especially males
Step 4. Provide a comfortable place for the delivery, such as a large cardboard box with a pillow on the bottom and a newspaper rag on top
Your vet can give you suggestions.
Step 5. When she gives birth, try to be with her and comfort her
**** Be there when she gives birth! You must be available in case any complications arise! ****
Step 6. Make several vet appointments for checkups during your dog's pregnancy
Step 7. Your dog may need extra calcium while nursing; of fat-free ricotta is healthy and delicious
Add some in his food every day (about 2/3 cup for 1- 1, 5 - 2 bowls of food). (Your vet may also suggest giving him a calcium supplement; DO NOT do this yourself, wait until he tells you a specific amount.)
Step 8. Make sure you know where the nearest emergency veterinary clinic is (the one open 24 hours, not the normal veterinary clinic)
In case your dog is giving birth in the evening and has serious complications. (In my case I was blessed to have one nearby because while one of my dogs was giving birth at 1:00 in the morning, there was a complication, and we rushed.)
Step 9. Make sure you don't let her jump on beds, furniture, or high places
Step 10. Give her nice, clean FILTERED water (change every day)
Step 11. Make sure she has a nice, clean, soft bed to sleep on (even before the puppies are born)
Step 12. Brush and clean her eyes every day and her ears twice a week
Brush your teeth at least twice a week and make sure it's free from parasites.
Advice
- Instead of feeding your dog commercial cans - which aren't all that good for your dog and puppies - keep her healthy by giving her all the natural treats. From raw vegetables and cut fruit. Most dogs love: carrots, apples, bananas, berries, broccoli, papaya, mango, watermelon, cantaloupe, spinach, romaine lettuce, and so much more! Make sure you don't feed her foods such as chocolate or grapes, as they will make her sick.
- Or, alternatively, you can give her calcium supplements to enrich her diet.
- Having a clean, healthy, and quiet environment is best for pregnant dogs.
- Remember, chocolates may be a delight to us but they are poisonous to dogs!
Warnings
- Research human foods before giving them to your dogs. You may think that some foods are harmless to dogs, such as grapes and raisins, but they are actually toxic.
- Get flea and tick preventative treatment if your vet recommends it! Sometimes these are bad for pregnant dogs!
- If your dog needs help, contact your vet as soon as possible, don't try to do anything on your own unless you're sure what you're doing.
