Tips for a healthy dog pregnancy



There are several things that you can do to ease the strain of having little bundles of joy, and ensure that everything goes smoothly. It’s an exciting time! During pregnancy, your dog will need your love and attention more than ever. Remember, as her body changes, you will have to change the way you care for her in a few simple ways to make sure that she has everything she needs.
What you should feed your dog will also depend on her body condition and any medical problems that she may currently have or has had in the past, so make sure you check with your vet before changing her food.
For more details on what to feed a pregnant dog, visit Feeding during pregnancy.
Dogs are man’s best friend, but need you to care for them too when they are expecting. Purina offer simple tips on how you can support them during pregnancy.
Exercise

When caring for a pregnant dog, regular walks will help keep up her strength, so she’s primed and ready for the arrival of her little ones! Avoid any intensive training, showing, or even obedience schooling though during pregnancy as this can be stressful, and bumps or knocks to her body from boisterous dogs could hurt her unborn puppies.
Walking is a great way to help expectant mums keep fit, which will make her much more capable of handling labour and birth. Try to keep walks shorter but more regular during her pregnancy, as mum will most likely become a bit uncomfortable and tired as her pregnancy goes on. Aim for three to five short walks a day.
Building a ‘nest’
In the final stages of her pregnancy, your dog will want a private place to relax and peacefully give birth in. You can help her by building a ‘nest’ where she can feel warm, comfortable and safe for the delivery of her puppies.
A cardboard box filled with clean blankets, sheets or towels works particularly well. Place the nest in a quiet spot so other pets or children do not disturb her! It’s not unusual for soon-to-be mums to choose somewhere else other than the nest you’ve built, but try to encourage her gently back to your chosen spot.
Keep the nest at room temperature (don’t forget to check for any draughts) to make sure she and her puppies are comfortable.

If you’d like more information on tips for a healthy dog pregnancy or have any other queries, contact our PETCARE EXPERT TEAM