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Nutritional Needs of Pregnant and Nursing Dogs
Nutritional Needs of Pregnant and Nursing Dogs-mob

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Pregnant Dog Care Guide

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Nutrition and bodyweight management are crucial for the health of a pregnant dog and her puppies. While your dog may not require as many doctor visits as people do during pregnancy, you will still need to understand how to take care of a pregnant dog. This can be achieved by consulting your vet who can evaluate and treat her for both internal and external parasites that could pose a threat to her or her offspring. Pregnancy in a dog is one of the most exciting, but delicate times in the life of a female dog. Hence, providing sufficient care during the early weeks of pregnancy is critical.
 

Signs of dog pregnancy 
 

It can be difficult to notice anything unusual in your dog during the first few weeks of her pregnancy. However, you can watch out for subtle signs of pregnancy in dogs.
 

  • Reduced activity.

Your pregnant dog will get tired easily and spend more time napping. For dogs that usually have a high energy drive, this decrease in activity should be considered carefully. It may be difficult to spot a decline in energy in dogs who love resting all day. So, if this is the case, pay attention to how quickly she feels exhausted during walks.
 

  • Strange behavior.

You will observe certain changes in your dog's behavior if she is pregnant. For example, she may crave her owner's comfort more frequently. A pregnant dog will spend more time around you, seeking extra attention. At times, she will also prefer solitude and would not want to be bothered. And when given attention, she may appear depressed or even irritated.
 

  • Alterations in appetite.

Appetite fluctuations are another sign of pregnancy in dogs. She may eat less or perhaps even vomit sometimes, early or midway through the pregnancy. However, she may consume more than normal and be unhappy with her meals. These changes are caused by your dog's shifting hormones.
 

  • Weight gain and belly enlargement.

Your dog’s abdomen will grow in size as the puppies grow. This can be one of the most obvious signs of a dog’s pregnancy, particularly if your dog hasn’t gained weight for any other reason. However, because enlargement of the abdomen happens late in a dog’s pregnancy, and if you detect this sign, it’s time to take her to the clinic.
 

Proper nutrition requirements during the pregnancy


Proper nutrition for pregnant dogs is important in this period. Therefore, extra caution and care should be given while providing food for pregnant dogs and caring for them.
 

  • Feeding your pregnant dog with a high-energy diet is important since she requires higher energy during such delicate times. Along with letting a baby grow in her womb, she will also be gaining body weight. That’s exactly why your vet will advise you to provide your dog with a high-energy diet with appropriate levels of fat, carbs, and protein. So, make sure to give her as much food as she likes unless she has a tendency of gaining weight.
  • A dog's pregnancy usually lasts for nine weeks on average. During the first six or seven weeks, the food intake shouldn't be higher than normal. Use a puppy formula to feed your dog as it will enable her to stay strong. Puppy food is also more nutritionally packed, making it easier to pass through the mother's smaller stomach. In fact, providing puppy food during the first six or seven weeks will be beneficial later as well. It will eventually provide essential nutrients to your dog’s puppies through the mother's milk when they are born. Then, between weeks six and seven, start giving her additional food as per her weight gain. By the ninth week, her appetite may wane or vanish. This is usually a sign that the puppies will be born within the next few days.
     

Pregnancy and nursing are not only responsible for many changes in a dog's body, but for changes in her lifestyle as well. If your dog is pregnant or nursing, pay special attention to her changing nutritional needs as she carries, delivers and nurses her puppies.
 

A week-by-week overview of your dog’s pregnancy

 

Weeks 1 and 2

  • Breeding occurs
  • Fertilization occurs
  • Fertilized eggs embed into the female’s uterine lining

 

Weeks 3 and 4

  • Embryo develops
  • Spinal cord slowly begins to develop
  • The fetus grows facial features
Weeks 5 and 6
  • Other organs develop
  • Legs, eyes, and other features develop
Weeks 7 and 8
  • The puppy/ies are well developed
  • Slowly move around in the abdomen
Week 9
  • The puppy/ies are fully developed
  • Labor begins

 

Which vaccines are required before and during your dog’s pregnancy?


Did you know? You must ensure that your female dog is up to date with vaccination before and during pregnancy. After all, it offers protection from rabies and other severe illnesses. So, let’s explore the vaccination needs of a female dog during this delicate, yet beautiful stage of its life.
 

Before dog pregnancy
 

There are certain vaccines that you should consider giving your dog before she’s pregnant. 
 

The Canine Task Force of the American Animal Hospital Association believes the following canine immunizations to be essential:

  • Canine Distemper
  • Canine Parvovirus
  • Hepatitis
  • Rabies
     

During dog pregnancy


In general, normal pet owners will not need to vaccinate a pregnant female dog. If she is up to date with all her vaccinations, there is usually no need to give her an additional booster shot just because she is pregnant. Moreover, even veterinarians discourage vaccinating pregnant dogs.
 

Nutrition during nursing in large and small breeds


The nutritional requirement for large-breed dogs differs from that of small-breed dogs. While you would want to shower your pregnant dog with endless foods and treats, it is best to refrain from it. Overfeeding could lead to obesity towards the end of pregnancy. This will increase the risk of difficult labor, which will thereby cause stress to the dog. Hence, during these delicate times, following the feeding guide provided by your vet is a must.
 

A small breed dog needs more calories per pound than a large breed dog to sufficiently sustain her puppies during pregnancy as well as breastfeeding. The to-be mother dog’s food consumption should be increased by roughly 15% to 25% as she nears the date of delivery.
 

Small dog breeds should be fed small breed puppy food. Therefore, choose a highly nutritious puppy diet for your dog based on the size of the breed.
 

Before pregnancy: Plan ahead


If you're planning to breed your female dog, it’s important to assess her body condition well in advance due to the physical demands of pregnancy and nursing, a dog with less-than-ideal health can experience problems.
 

  • An underweight dog often has difficulty consuming enough food to support both her own nutritional needs and those of her developing puppies.
  • Overweight dogs may experience abnormal or difficult labor because of large fetuses.
     

Be sure to feed the proper amounts of a complete and balanced diet. This will support the mother's healthy weight and body condition before breeding and help maintain her health and that of her babies throughout pregnancy and lactation.
 

Pregnancy: Monitor your dog’s weight gain


The gestation period for dogs is nine weeks. Pregnant dogs gain weight only slightly until about the sixth week, and then gain weight rapidly.
 

The energy requirements of pregnant dogs are reflected in the pattern of weight gain. Pregnant dogs will need to consume 25% to 50% more than their normal food intake by the end of pregnancy, but energy requirements do not increase until about the sixth week.
 

The best diet for pregnant and nursing dogs is a high-quality, nutrient-dense pet food formulated for all life stages. Although puppy diets are generally recommended for pregnant or nursing dogs, large-breed puppy formulas may not be appropriate for this use due to their adjusted energy and mineral content.
 

What food should be avoided while caring for a pregnant dog?


Raw foods are not recommended for nursing or pregnant dogs. Most dogs can get by on high-quality dog food alone, so unless your veterinarian suggests otherwise, you should avoid giving your dog any additional vitamins or supplements.
 

A good option is to give your pregnant dog IAMS™ PROACTIVE HEALTH™ Mother and Baby dog food. It supports the mother’s gestation and milk production for healthy puppy development while also boosting your puppy's training capacity with vital DHA for healthy brain development, making its first year of life a pleasant one.
 

Nursing: Make sure your dog gets sufficient nutrition


Pregnant dogs lose weight after giving birth, but their nutritional needs increase dramatically. Depending on litter size, nursing dogs might need two to three times their normal food requirement to nourish their pups. Be sure your nursing mom has plenty of water, so she can generate the milk volume she needs to feed the litter.
 

To help your nursing dog get enough nutrition, you can try several tactics:
 

  • Feed a nutrient-dense diet such as puppy food.
  • Instead of increasing the quantity of food in a single meal, increase the number of meals throughout the day.
  • Adopt free-choice feeding and offer unlimited access to dry food throughout the day.
     

Weaning: Return to a pre-pregnancy diet


By four to five weeks after birth, most puppies start showing an interest in their mother’s food. Gradually, the puppies will begin eating more solid food and nursing less. At the same time, the nursing mother will usually begin eating less. Most puppies are completely weaned around age 7 to 8 weeks. By this time, the mother's energy requirement is back to normal, and she should be eating her normal pre-pregnancy diet.
 

Frequency of vet visits during pregnancy


Your pregnant dog must be taken to the vet multiple times during her pregnancy. To begin with, schedule a prenatal appointment two to three weeks after mating. And later on, go for vet examination three weeks before whelping, especially to confirm that the mama dog and puppies are in good health. You can visit your veterinarian at regular intervals for your pooch’s well-being.
 

Female dogs need special care during pregnancy. And since you have reached the end of this article, you probably know your responsibilities now. From feeding them right to providing sufficient exercise, as a dog parent, you must ensure that your pet and her babies are in the pink of health.

 

If you're looking for the perfect dog for you, try our Dog Breed Selector today and enjoy a lifetime of tail-wagging joy.

FAQs On Nutritional Needs for Pregnant and Nursing Dogs

  1. What should a pregnant dog eat?
  2. A pregnant dog should be switched to a higher-calorie diet (when they are already a month into pregnancy). The food should also have 22% protein and 1600 kcal of digestible calories per pound.

  3. How many months is a dog pregnant?
  4. A dog can be pregnant for up to 70 days. However, in most cases, puppies arrive within 63 to 65 days of conception.

  5. Can I feed my dog during labor?
  6. If your dog is in active labor, she would most likely refuse to eat. The labor process can be exhausting, resulting in stomach trouble, pacing, vomiting, and uneasiness. As a result, feeding her during this period is ineffective. If your dog eats soon before labor, she may vomit up the meal.

  7. Can a dog get pregnant if not in heat?
  8. Your dog can only become pregnant when she is in heat, which occurs once or twice annually depending on the breed. When dogs are about 6 months old, they go into heat for the first time. The entire heating cycle takes about three weeks, and it is during this cycle that your dog can become pregnant.

  9. Do mother dogs miss their pups?
  10. Mother dogs may miss their pups if their specific circumstances are not taken into account. Therefore, plan everything carefully before breeding her to a male to ensure that the separation of her litter is not all at once.

  11. Can my dog get pregnant while nursing puppies?
  12. Yes, your dog can get pregnant again at any time after she has given birth. However, it will depend on when she goes into heat again. Thus, it is best advised to keep the male dogs away from her so that insemination doesn't happen accidentally.

  13. How to take care of a pregnant dog?
  14. Here are a few tips on caring for a pregnant dog:

    • Indulge her in short walks or easy and light playtime
    • Follow a healthy, nutrition-rich diet
    • Dogs can pass worms to their puppies. So, ensure that you deworm her. However, not every deworming medicine is safe for pregnant dogs; hence, consult your vet.
    • Stay in touch with your veterinarian at every stage of pregnancy. The doctor will help you manage her weight, mood, and overall health.
  • Signs and Symptoms of Upset Stomach in Dogs
    Signs and Symptoms of Upset Stomach in Dogs
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    Signs and Symptoms of Upset Stomach in Dogs

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    It is a sight no dog owner wants to see – your beloved pet heaving and uncomfortable, its body racked with nausea. For many, the sound of a dog vomiting sets off alarm bells. But why do dogs vomit, and what causes an upset stomach in dogs? More importantly, when is a dog's upset stomach merely a passing concern, and when does it indicate a more serious issue? Let's delve into these questions to better understand our four-legged friends' health.


    What causes vomiting in dogs?

    Vomiting in dogs is a common occurrence and can be triggered by various factors. This process involves the forceful ejection of the contents within a dog's stomach or upper intestine. This action is often preceded by signs of nausea, such as drooling, licking lips, and swallowing excessively. Sometimes, the cause of vomiting is fairly benign – your dog may have just eaten too quickly or consumed something that didn't agree with its stomach. In other instances, it could be a sign of something more serious, such as ingestion of a toxic substance or a serious illness.


    The reasons behind a dog's upset stomach are varied and can range from mild to severe. Upset stomach, medically termed as gastroenteritis, is caused by inflammation or irritation in the stomach or intestines. This can be triggered by a sudden change in diet, food intolerances, ingestion of foreign substances, bacterial or viral infections, and even serious conditions like pancreatitis or kidney failure. 


    One common mistake dog parents make is confusing vomiting with regurgitation. When a dog regurgitates, it's typically soon after eating and is a passive process, where undigested food comes up without much effort. On the other hand, vomiting involves active abdominal contractions and results in the expulsion of partially digested food mixed with bile.


    Symptoms of an upset stomach in dogs

    Any dog owner knows that an upset stomach can leave their furry friend feeling less than their best. Recognising the signs of an upset stomach can help in providing prompt care and relief for your pet. Typical symptoms include:

    • Drooling
    • Chattering teeth
    • Lip smacking and excessive licking

    More serious signs include:

    • Vomiting
    • Belching
    • Passing gas
    • Diarrhoea
    • Increase in bowel movements.

    If your dog appears to be in pain, loses appetite, shows signs of dehydration, has a fever, or exhibits unusual behaviours such as lethargy, restlessness, or shivering, it's a clear indication that something is wrong.


    In extreme cases, an upset stomach can result in weight loss and frequent vomiting in dogs, which can be a sign of serious medical conditions such as liver or kidney disease, pancreatitis, or even cancer. It is also important to monitor stress in your dog, as this can often exacerbate or trigger stomach issues.


    How to treat an upset stomach in dogs

    When it comes to treating a dog's upset stomach, the appropriate treatment will largely depend on the underlying cause. If it's a mild case, such as a dietary change or eating too quickly, simple home remedies might be sufficient. However, if the condition persists or is associated with other serious symptoms, it's essential to consult with a vet.


    Some common dog vomiting treatments are:

    • Adjusting the feeding schedule
    • Offering bland, easily digestible food
    • Hydration is key, so ensure your dog always has access to fresh water
    • Over the counter medications can also help, but always consult with your vet before administering any medication to your pet

    The best remedies for your dog’s upset stomach are probiotics such as IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Digestive Health Supplement and pumpkin, which can aid digestion. However, it's essential to remember that these are not cures but temporary solutions. If your dog continues to vomit or display signs of an upset stomach, a trip to the vet is necessary.


    It's essential to remember that while some instances of dog vomiting or upset stomach can be managed at home, more frequent or severe symptoms necessitate a visit to the vet. Early detection of symptoms can make a significant difference in your dog's health. If your dog vomits multiple times in a day, shows no signs of improvement after 24 hours, or frequently throws up mucus, it's time to take your pet to the vet. The age and overall health of your dog also play a crucial role in this decision.


    While home-cooked foods like skinless chicken, boiled potatoes, or rice can be good short-term options for a dog with an upset stomach, they are not nutritionally complete for long-term care. It's also crucial to avoid feeding your dog raw food, which can contain harmful germs like salmonella. Always follow your vet's recommendations to ensure your dog's health and safety.


    In addition to following your vet's advice, consider integrating a digestive health supplement into your dog's diet. IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Digestive Health Supplement is a soft, chewable supplement that combines prebiotics and probiotics to regulate your dog's gut health. It contains no artificial colour, flavour, preservatives, or fillers, making it a safe and effective choice for enhancing your dog's digestive health. 


    Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of dog vomiting and upset stomach, and consulting with a vet, when necessary, can help ensure your furry friend's well-being. Remember, their health is in your hands.