Understanding The Basics Of Treating A Pregnant Dog
If you suspect that your dog is pregnant, the prospect of little puppies running around can be exciting! However, having a pregnant dog means some serious attention to care if you want to give your pup the best possible chance to get through the pregnancy and delivery safely. Here are some things you need to remember if you have a dog who is expecting.
Make Sure Her Diet Is Optimal
Much like pregnant women, a pregnant dog needs small meals frequently throughout the day, not large meals once or twice a day. Make sure that you're feeding your dog a food that is designed to focus on the nutritional needs of a pregnant dog.
A dog's pregnancy only lasts about two months, so it's important that you address nutrition immediately when your pup gets pregnant. The best thing you can do is to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian right away for guidance about your dog's nutritional needs. The sooner you can ensure that your dog is eating right, the better.
Prioritize Veterinary Visits
Your dog will need to have more frequent veterinary visits while she is pregnant. The vet will monitor your dog's progression and ensure that both she and the puppies are healthy. In addition, your vet will ensure that your dog gets any supplements or specialized medical intervention that's necessary. Make sure that you choose a vet that's nearby, though, as you'll want to be able to get your dog there quickly when she goes into labor.
Maintain Activity Levels
Pregnant dogs, like pregnant women, need exercise to stay healthy throughout the pregnancy. Dogs may feel fatigued during pregnancy, causing your dog to rest far more and get a lot less exercise. It's important that you help your dog stay active as much as possible. Even just walking your dog twice a day is enough. As your dog's pregnancy progresses, she may feel more worn out. You can reduce exercise close to the end of the pregnancy, but that doesn't mean that you should eliminate it completely.
When your dog is expecting puppies, it's important that you are attentive to her care. These tips are just the beginning. You'll want to work closely with your veterinarian to ensure that your dog gets the treatment that is necessary for both her and her puppies to be healthy and safe. Talk with your veterinarian today for more information and guidance.
