As a breeder, understanding the gestation period for dogs is crucial for ensuring a successful and healthy pregnancy. The length of a dog’s pregnancy varies depending on the breed, with an average of around 63 days. During this time, it’s important to provide the pregnant dog with proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care to ensure the health and wellbeing of both the mother and her puppies.
Coincidence or not, it seems our puppies always delivered at 61 days after ovulation. We know when ovulation is because we do progesterone testing on all of our moms once they go into heat.
Breeding dogs is a a lot of work and so much responsibility. It’s important we prepare for the arrival of the puppies by creating a comfortable and safe space for them to be born and raised. Our moms deliver inside a whelping box. We are prepared with lots of calcium, blankets, towels, and more in case mom needs extra help. Additionally, as a breeder, we work to be knowledgeable about the potential risks and complications of pregnancy and birth.
We know delivery is close once we start to see these these signs:
*Nesting Behavior: she starts seeking out a quiet and comfortable place to give birth and start creating a nest with blankets or towels. She will also begin digging and scratching.
*Drop in Body Temperature: About 24 hours before labor, the dog’s body temperature may drop below 100°F (37.8°C).
*Restlessness and Panting: As labor approaches, she becomes restless, paces around, and pants excessively.
*Loss of Appetite: she often loses interest in food or refuses to eat as she gets closer to giving birth.
*Increased Affection: some of our moms become more affectionate and seek extra attention as they near labor.
*Contractions: Once labor truly begins, she will start having contractions, which can be identified by a visible tightening and relaxing of the abdominal muscles.
