Caring for your pregnant dog

Finding out that your dog is pregnant can be an exciting time, but it can also leave you wondering exactly what she needs during the weeks ahead. Pregnancy brings a number of changes to your dog’s body, appetite, behaviour and energy levels, so knowing how to support her can help you feel prepared as the puppies develop. Whether the pregnancy has been carefully planned or you are expecting a surprise litter, good nutrition, appropriate exercise, veterinary care and preparation for whelping can all contribute to your dog’s wellbeing.

So, how should you care for your pregnant dog? What should you feed her, how much exercise should she have, and when should you arrange an ultrasound scan to confirm the pregnancy?

What does a pregnant dog need?

As the pregnancy progresses, your dog’s body has to support the growth and development of her puppies. Her needs can therefore change as she moves through the different stages of pregnancy. Providing appropriate care can help you to:

Support your dog’s health throughout pregnancy
Provide the nutrients needed for healthy puppy development
Maintain an appropriate level of exercise and fitness
Identify potential health concerns at an early stage
Prepare your dog for labour and whelping
Create a safe and comfortable environment for her and her puppies

Every pregnancy is different, so your veterinary team can provide advice based on your dog’s breed, age, health and individual circumstances.

How can you confirm that your dog is pregnant?

If your dog has been mated, it is important to book a professional dog pregnancy check, to establish whether she is actually pregnant rather than relying solely on physical or behavioural changes. A veterinary ultrasound scan is one of the most useful ways to confirm canine pregnancy. It can generally detect pregnancy from approximately 25 to 30 days after mating, although the precise timing can vary.

An ultrasound allows your vet to look for developing puppies and assess the pregnancy. It can also provide useful information about how far the pregnancy has progressed. This gives you a clearer idea of what to expect and allows you to make appropriate changes to your dog’s care.

Later in pregnancy, your vet may recommend an X-ray. This can be particularly helpful for estimating the number of puppies before labour, although the timing of this examination will depend on your dog’s individual circumstances.

How should you feed your pregnant dog?

Good nutrition is an important part of caring for your dog during pregnancy. During the early part of pregnancy, her food requirements may not change dramatically. However, as the puppies develop, she will gradually require more energy and nutrients.

Your vet may recommend moving onto a nutritionally complete food designed for growth or puppies during the later stages of pregnancy. This can provide the additional nutrients and energy needed as the puppies grow.

As her abdomen becomes larger, your dog may find it more comfortable to eat smaller meals more frequently rather than one or two large meals.

You should also make sure she has access to clean, fresh water throughout the day.

It is important not to give supplements simply because your dog is pregnant. Some supplements can be harmful if given in inappropriate quantities, so always speak to your vet before adding anything to her diet.

How much exercise should a pregnant dog have?

In most cases, gentle, regular exercise can help your dog remain comfortable and maintain her muscle tone and general fitness. However, the amount and intensity of exercise may need to change as the pregnancy develops.

During the earlier stages, she may be able to continue with her usual routine if your vet is happy for her to do so.

As the puppies become larger, she may tire more quickly and naturally want to slow down. Shorter walks and gentler activities may then be more appropriate. Try to avoid activities that could place unnecessary strain on her body, including:

High-impact exercise
Jumping from heights
Long or strenuous runs
Rough play
Activities involving a risk of collision or injury

Allow your dog to determine her own pace and give her plenty of opportunities to rest.

What physical and behavioural changes are normal?

You may notice a variety of changes as your dog’s pregnancy progresses.

Some common changes include:

Gradual weight gain
Changes in appetite
More prominent nipples
Increased tiredness
Sleeping for longer periods
Changes in temperament
Becoming more affectionate or seeking additional attention
Reduced interest in strenuous activity
Nesting behaviour

Not every pregnant dog will display all of these signs, and some changes can also occur for other reasons. This is why physical symptoms alone aren’t enough to confirm pregnancy.

As the birth approaches, nesting behaviour may become more noticeable. Your dog may begin looking for a quiet, secluded place where she feels comfortable and secure.

How can you make your pregnant dog comfortable?

As your dog gets larger, she may appreciate having a comfortable place where she can rest without being disturbed.

Make sure she has access to a clean, dry and quiet area away from excessive noise and household activity.

You should also avoid making unnecessary changes to her routine or environment, particularly during the later stages of pregnancy.

A calm environment can help your dog feel secure and gives her somewhere suitable to relax as the puppies continue to develop.

When should you prepare for whelping?

It is a good idea to begin preparing for whelping before your dog’s due date is approaching.

Setting up a dedicated whelping area in advance gives your dog an opportunity to become familiar with it. This can be particularly useful because some dogs will naturally begin searching for a suitable place to give birth as labour approaches.

Your whelping area should be: