Dog Pregnancy by the Week Quick Reference Guide

Keeping track of a dog pregnancy by the week is no easy task. Getting the most detailed information isn’t always easy. I’m here to help with that. I will share all of the knowledge I have, week by week.

Let's get started with dog pregnancy by the week...

During Week One:

• Fertilization occurs
• Your dog may experience morning sickness, and may seem more agitated.
• Feed your dog as you normally would, and exercise her.
• Do not use any flea treatments on her, as this may harm the embryos.

During Week Two:

• The embryo enters the uterus
• Your dog may experience morning sickness, if she didn’t before
• You should continue to feed your dog regularly, and exercise her.

During Week Three:

• At approximately day 19, is when the embryos are implanted in the uterus
• There is nothing special to be noted in the third week

During Week Four:

• Spinal cords and eyes begin to develop on the puppies
• Days 25-33 are the best times to feel for puppies, this will confirm gestation
• Your dog may have vaginal discharge and her mammary glands (nipples), may become enlarged
• Do not over exercise her

During Week Five:

• Toes and claws begin to form and the fetuses look like dogs
• The gender of the puppies can be determined
• Swelling in the dog becomes more evident
• The amount of food you give your dog should be slightly increased, splitting her meals apart so she has a couple of little meals in a day is ideal

During Week Six:

• Your veterinarian will be able to hear heartbeats with a stethoscope
• Fetuses weigh about 6 grams, depending on the breed
• Heartbeats can be heard
• Nipples will begin to darken and the abdomen will swell

During Week Seven:

• Puppies continue to develop
• At this point, it is very obvious that the dog is pregnant.
• You should increase her meals quite a bit

During Week Eight:

• Puppies can be seen moving around in the stomach
• Milk can be detected in the nipples
• Your dog may become agitated and begin pacing. She is beginning to look for a place to give birth.

Week Nine:

• The puppies are generally fully developed
• Your dogs’ temperature should be approximately 37.9 to 38.2 degrees Celsius. Below this means that the puppies could be born within 24 hours.
• Your dog may lose her appetite.

You have followed dog pregnancy by the week. Now it’s time to get everything together and be prepared for the birthing process.

RECOMMENDED READING

Dog Pregnancy

Pregnancy of Dogs

Symptoms of a Pregnant Dog

Dog Pregnancy Week By Week

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