Dog Owner's Manual › Chapter 8: Dog Health Care › Canine Reproduction ›

Prenatal Monitoring in Dogs

For a number of reasons, chief among them pet overpopulation, the breeding of dogs is not recommended by most veterinarians and trainers. However, if you own a purebred (some of whom are sold on condition that they be bred at least once), this section contains a brief overview of what to expect during the mating and reproduction process.

Your veterinarian can detect a pregnancy at 3 to 4 weeks via ultrasound, X-ray, or abdominal palpitation. Though a well-balanced diet for the mother is important, the volume of food need not be increased during the first 6 weeks. After that time, however, food intake should increase until, by week 8 or 9, the mother eats as much as double her usual amount (provided in small, multiple meals). Special vitamin supplements may also be prescribed. Mild exercise can be maintained to help keep the dog physically fit.

Comments (0)

Chapter 8: Dog Health Care

Post a Comment for This Page

Please log in or register to post a comment.

Email
Password:

Quirk BooksThe Dog Owner's Manual is a basic guide to dog care.
The book was written by a celebrated veterinarian and an acclaimed author. It provides dog owners with well-researched and helpful information presented in a lighthearted manner. The creators chose to write the book in a style similar to what you'd find in "operating instructions" for a car or computer. Of course they--and we--respect the fact that our beloved pets are not products or machines!