When dogs are pregnant, you need to give them special care and concern, just like human beings. The hormonal changes in a dog's body can be tiring for them and the best care will ensure that you have healthy puppies to look forward to.
1. Consult a veterinary doctor for a complete health checkup and ensure that adequate medications are given.
2. Dogs have to be taken for regular walks during pregnancy. However, avoid any strenuous activities which will lead to stress that can result in re-absorption of the fetus.
3. Vaccination against core diseases is important at this time to prevent pregnancy related diseases and infections. Your veterinary doctor will guide you in this.
4. Give her a balanced diet, but never overfeed your dog as deposits of fat near the reproductive organs can cause a difficult delivery for the dog.
5. Do not give calcium supplements as it can lead to blockage of natural release of calcium, causing milk fever.
6. The last month of pregnancy is very important and the dog must be kept under isolation and away from other dogs to prevent the occurring of canine herpes that can cause infection in the puppies and can also lead to miscarriage.
7. A whelping box must be kept ready with newspapers, towels and sheets. The dog's temperature will dip below normal before whelping.
8. Stay near your dog during whelping as it may need assistance and some would require cesarean to save its life and also the puppies.
