How to care for a pregnant dog
Caring for a pregnant dog is a large responsibility, and once you have decided to take it on, it is important to know what to expect.
A dog that has just mated will be in heat for several days, so it is important to keep her at home, since dogs in heat can theoretically become pregnant from multiple dogs during this time period. Pregnancy lasts just about two months and the sixth week is the time when you must make several changes to your dog's diet.
VCA Animal Hospitals reports that after the sixth week, you should gradually increase the dog's food intake with high energy, low fiber foods. Because the fetuses are growing and putting pressure on the dog's abdominal area, small, frequent meals are recommended during this time. Talk to your veterinarian about DHA omega-3 fatty acid supplement during this time, too, since it has been shown to improve the health of the puppies.
Once your dog has had one pregnancy, you might consider dog spaying. Pet overpopulation is a huge issue in the U.S., causing the euthanasia of many dogs in shelters each year because there are simply not enough homes for them, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
Spaying and neutering pets is the number one way to prevent future dog pregnancies, and can also prevent a number of cancers.
