My dog is Pregnant

[blueparadise]

My dog is pregnant. She is almost 2 yrs old and this is her 1st litter. As not having any puppies for a long time, I don't know what to expect. What type of food do I need to be feeding her? Do I need to increase the number of times that I feed her? Sometimes she acts like she does not feel good, with her head hanging down. By my calender she is due around March 27th. What signs do I need to be watching for of impending labor and delivery? Also we have another female dog that has been with her, her whole life. She has been hanging around her alot lately, (sleeping near her, staying near her during the day). Do you think she can tell that something is different? Should we let her be with the mother during delivery, as the mother dog is quieter with the older dog around and she may be of some comfort?

[Ltlpistol]

From what I've been told, you need to switch the momma to puppy food, as it has more calories and better nutrition for her. I keep dry puppy kibble down all the time for my girl (we've got 4 week old pups right now). As for her not feeling good, that is possible. My Cookie definitely had morning sickness! LOL

I've been told my entire life, and it's always been helpful, if you firmly place your hands on the momma's belly, each day, one day you will feel a little nudge against your hand, either a puppy head or foot or something like that, then about 9 or 10 days later the pups will arrive. The vet techs on here will give you some ideas about that also.

The other dog probably can tell there is something going on, especially if the momma doesn't feel well sometimes. I don't see any problem with letting her stay around the momma during delivery, as long as the momma doesn't get stressed by her being there. Our little male has always been with our female, and he's been right beside her during each of her deliveries. He gets bored about halfway through the first pup coming out and goes to sleep somewhere! LOL

The vet techs on here will give you some good advice when they get online.

[That_girl]

Puppy food for mom is a great idea - more calories and protein to help with baby development.

She probably won't eat the day of her delivery - so that's a good sign to watch. If you are monitoring her temperature, it will drop 1 degree within the 24 hour window.

I would give her her own room for when she goes into labor and monitor her periodically. Don't let the other dog in there because her behavior will change before, during, and after she has the puppies. Leave the lights on, but close the door and make sure she's in a quiet environment. Dogs mostly want to deliver in peace, so if you wait up with her, she'll wait until the moment you leave to start dropping puppies. I would say starting around March 25th, check on her every few hours at night.