Dachshund
Popularity: №9
Origin: Germany
full info about breed >>
Dachshund’s pregnancy will normally last somewhere about 63 -65 days, but in some cases, the length of the pregnancy can be up to 70 days.
In this article, we are going to give you some practical information concerning your Dachshund pregnancy on a week by week basis.
Week 1
The ovulation takes place at the end of the cycle. In a few days after the mating, the sperm reaches the eggs and fertilization occurs. However, the mating itself doesn’t ensure pregnancy.
Week 2
The fertilized eggs make their way to the uterus for implantation. The nipples of your Dachshund are growing bigger. There may be some changes in behavior: pregnant dogs usually tend to be more affectionate.
This is high time to visit a vet doctor for a checkup and exam.
Week 3
Implantation has taken place and the fetuses begin to develop. Your Dachshund may show some mild mood swings, and changes in the appetite; the development in the breast tissue is taking place.
Week 4
Visit your vet doctor one more time to confirm the pregnancy by means of an ultrasound examination. At this stage, a vet is able to already determine how many puppies your dog has, as well as to detect some possible abnormalities.
As fetuses begin to grow and develop, your dog’s appetite will likely increase. Actually, now your dog should eat 50% more food than she normally consumes. The diet should be rich in protein. The best food is meat porridges, dairy products and cooked vegetables.
Week 5
During this week the fetuses weight will increase by 75%. They develop their sex organs and actually begin to look like puppies. The belly of your dog is big and swollen. It is high time to feed your Dachshund more frequently but with smaller portions.
Week 6
Future puppies are big and this fact will cause some discomfort for the mother. She may vomit occasionally due to the extra pressure against her stomach. At this point, you should care for your dog to have no stress at all.
Your Dachshund’s nutritional requirements will change, as she now requires a diet with higher energy, protein and mineral content.
Week 7
Worms may be very dangerous for the puppies, so, ask your vet about the best product to deworm your dog.
Your dog is very anxious, feeling it is soon time to give birth to the puppies. Start to prepare a whelping box/place.
Week 8
Milk begins to flow from the nipples. Start to prepare for whelping.
You can ask your vet for an extra ultrasound examination to count the exact number of puppies.
Week 9
The pups are ready for birth. Your dog may appear restless.
During this week your dog will whelp. Make sure, you are prepared for it and have made a safe and cozy whelping place for your dog where she will feel secure and calm.
You may notice your dog licking at her vulva and maybe have some moderate cramping. Abdominal contractions may become more frequent.
Whelping can last from a few minutes to several hours. Check on your dog every 15 minutes to ensure that everything is going right.
Newly born puppies need extra warmth, so, provide them with blankets.
Keep your dog rested so she can get used to her new “role” – being a mother.
Be prepared to feed puppies in some cases. Feeding Kit could be very helpful
