Congratulations on your Pomeranian's pregnancy! A Pomeranian dog pregnant is a joyful and exciting time, but it requires careful attention to ensure the health and well-being of both mom and puppies.
Pomeranians typically become pregnant after a 3-6 month courtship period, and the gestation period lasts around 58-68 days.
As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to monitor your Pomeranian's weight gain and overall health during pregnancy. A Pomeranian dog pregnant will typically gain 1-2 pounds per week.
Regular veterinary check-ups will help detect any potential issues early on, so schedule a series of prenatal visits to keep your Pomeranian healthy and happy.
7 Signs of Pregnancy
If you're wondering whether your Pomeranian is pregnant, there are some telltale signs to look out for.
One of the first signs of pregnancy is an increase in appetite, which can start as early as the first few weeks.
Weight gain is another common symptom, as the puppy's development inside the womb causes the mother's body to expand.
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A swollen stomach is a clear indication that your Pomeranian is pregnant, and veterinarians can even feel the uterine enlargement as early as 20 to 30 days after conception.
Some Pomeranians may vomit or experience a decrease in appetite in the first few weeks due to hormonal changes.
As the pregnancy progresses, you may notice that your Pomeranian gets tired easier, possibly due to the added weight and energy demands of carrying a litter.
Irritability and more affectionate behavior are also common signs of pregnancy in Pomeranians.
Here are the 7 signs of pregnancy in Pomeranians:
- Weight gain
- Swollen stomach
- Increase in appetite
- Gets tired easier
- Irritability
- More affectionate
- Vomiting (in the first few weeks)
Caring for a Pregnant Pomeranian
Caring for a Pregnant Pomeranian is crucial to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a successful delivery.
Ultrasounds can identify pregnancies in Pomeranians as early as 25 days after mating, providing a non-invasive view of the abdomen and finding heartbeats.
Dogs who are expecting will have bloated tummies and changing nipple sizes, making it easier to determine if your Pomeranian is pregnant.
Take radiographs of your Pomeranian's abdomen to confirm the pregnancy and determine the number of puppies she is carrying.
It takes around 45 days into the pregnancy for your Pomeranian to be able to use X-rays to determine the number of puppies and their health.
You can also measure your dog's rectal temperature to determine if she will give birth within the next 24 hours, as her temperature will drop below 100 degrees Fahrenheit during this period.
Here are some tips for caring for a pregnant Pomeranian:
A high-calorie diet with essential nutrients is necessary for a pregnant Pomeranian after four weeks of pregnancy, and your veterinarian can recommend the best food brand for your dog.
Preparing for Puppies
As the end of your Pomeranian's pregnancy approaches, you'll notice a significant enlargement of her breasts and nipples, and might even detect some milky fluid as the milk glands develop and enlarge.
Her abdomen will increase in size and may sway a little as she walks. You want to prepare yourself and your dog for whelping, or puppy birthing, by setting up a whelping box.
A whelping box offers a safe, warm, draft-free, easily cleaned location for your dog to have her puppies. You can purchase a whelping box or use a small children's plastic swimming pool.
Preparing for Puppies
As your dog's pregnancy approaches its end, you'll notice her breasts and nipples enlarging, and you might even detect some milky fluid as the milk glands develop.
Her abdomen will increase in size and may sway a little as she walks, so be prepared for a more noticeable belly.
You might even be able to see or feel the puppies moving around inside the mother at the very end of the pregnancy.
To prepare for whelping, set up a whelping box, a safe, warm, and easily cleaned location for your dog to have her puppies.
A whelping box can be purchased or made using a small children's plastic swimming pool, and it should be easy for the mother to get in and out of but not the puppies.
You'll want to place the whelping box in a quiet area of the house but in an area that you can have easy access to.
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How Long Are?
Dogs are pregnant for approximately 62-64 days, or about two months.
The length of pregnancy can vary with breed and litter size, making it difficult to predict the exact timing of delivery.
Fertilized eggs travel to the uterine horn and embed themselves in the lining at about 15-18 days.
Fetal growth is rapid during early pregnancy, with these swellings doubling in diameter every 7 days.
By the end of the first month, a veterinarian can detect a fetal heartbeat.
The development speeds up into the second month as the embryos develop into recognizable puppies.
The puppies are ready to be born by the end of the second month and the start of the third.
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Health and Labor
As a Pomeranian owner, it's essential to know the signs of labor and potential complications that can arise during whelping.
A drop in rectal temperature is a common sign of impending labor, usually occurring 8-to-24 hours before delivery, when the temperature drops below 99 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Pregnant Pomeranians may stop eating and start building a "nest" in the whelping box a few days before whelping, and heavy panting is also a normal sign.
Abdominal contractions may begin slowly, gaining strength and frequency, accompanied by straining and moaning.
If your Pomeranian is not removing the placental membrane from each puppy, you'll need to do it, as puppies can't survive for more than a few minutes without oxygen.
Here are some warning signs of potential complications that require immediate veterinary attention:
- Your Pomeranian's rectal temperature dropped more than 24 hours ago and labor isn’t starting.
- The mother is exhibiting symptoms of severe discomfort, or if she doesn’t deliver the first puppy 2 hours after contractions begin.
- More than 2 hours pass in between the delivery of puppies, or your Pomeranian experiences strong contractions for an hour without a birth.
- Trembling, collapsing, or shivering are warning signs of serious complications.
- It’s normal for dogs to deliver a dark green or bloody fluid after the first puppy, but if this happens before the first puppy, seek veterinary help.
Mood Changes
Mood changes in pregnant dogs can be quite noticeable. Many Pomeranians, in particular, may exhibit sudden shifts in temperament or demeanor.
Hormonal variations are the main cause of these mood swings. This can lead to a Pomeranian seeming exhausted and sluggish.
Some Pomeranians may become grumpy during pregnancy, while others may behave in the opposite way. They may develop a clingy attachment to their owners.
A dog's normal demand for attention can be amplified during pregnancy. This may lead to a Pomeranian following its owner around more intently and constantly trying to get attention.
Here are some possible mood changes to watch for in a pregnant Pomeranian:
- Grumpiness or irritability
- Clingy behavior and increased demand for attention
Keep in mind that some dogs may exhibit these signs but be experiencing a false pregnancy.
Possible Lethargy
Lethargy in pregnant dogs is a common symptom, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. It's not uncommon for a pregnant dog to feel tired and spend most of the day lying down.
Pregnant Pomeranians, in particular, may exhibit lethargy due to the stress of carrying multiple puppies and the hormonal changes in their body. This can result in a decrease in energy levels.
If you notice lethargy in your pregnant dog, it's essential to consider other symptoms as well. For example, if your dog is showing signs of fever, vaginal discharge, or not producing milk, it's crucial to call your vet as quickly as possible.
Here are some common signs of pregnancy in dogs that may be mistaken for lethargy:
- Increase in appetite
- Weight gain
- Increase in nipple size
- Swollen belly
- Tires more easily
- Nesting behavior
- More affectionate
- Irritability
Keep in mind that some dogs may exhibit these signs, but may actually be experiencing a false pregnancy. It's always best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying conditions.
Whelping
Whelping is an exciting and potentially overwhelming experience for new dog owners. A pregnant dog's temperature will usually drop to 99 degrees or lower 8-to-24 hours before delivery. This drop in temperature is a key indicator that labor is approaching.
Many pregnant dogs will stop eating a few days before whelping and may start building a "nest" in the whelping box. They may also pant heavily and experience abdominal contractions that gain strength and frequency.
A normal whelping duration is about equal to the number of puppies in utero. For example, a litter of 6 should normally take about 6 hours total. If there's a break of more than 2 hours between puppies, it's a good idea to call your veterinarian.
It's essential to keep track of the number of placentas and be prepared to intervene if the mother doesn't remove the umbilical cord or if a retained placenta is suspected.
Here's a checklist of things to have on hand during whelping:
- Lots of newspaper to line the whelping box during delivery for easy cleanup
- Non-skid bath mats for bedding after whelping is done
- Clean, sterilized scissors to cut the umbilical cords
- Unwaxed dental floss to tie off the umbilical cords
- Iodine to clean the puppies' abdomens after the cord is cut
- Bulb syringe to clean puppies' nose and mouth
- A baby scale in ounces
- Honey or light corn syrup
- Veterinarian's phone number and the number of a nearby emergency clinic
The mother should be offered water to drink and taken outside to relieve herself if she's in the middle of having a large litter. It's also essential to keep the puppies warm in their whelping box with a light towel over them to prevent chilling.
Possible Labor Complications
Possible Labor Complications can be a stressful and worrying time for dog owners. Your dog's rectal temperature dropped more than 24 hours ago and labor isn’t starting.
If your dog is experiencing severe discomfort, or if she doesn’t deliver the first puppy 2 hours after contractions begin especially if she has passed green discharge, it's time to call the vet.
More than 2 hours pass in between the delivery of puppies, or your dog experiences strong contractions for an hour without a birth or if the mother seems exhausted. This can be a sign of complications.
Trembling, collapsing, or shivering are warning signs of serious complications that could put both the bitch and the puppies at risk. If you notice any of these signs, seek veterinary help immediately.
It’s normal for dogs to deliver a dark green or bloody fluid after the first puppy, but if this happens before the first puppy, call the vet.
Here are some possible labor complications to watch out for:
- Your dog’s rectal temperature dropped more than 24 hours ago and labor isn’t starting.
- The mother is exhibiting symptoms of severe discomfort, or if she doesn’t deliver the first puppy 2 hours after contractions begin especially if she has passed green discharge.
- More than 2 hours pass in between the delivery of puppies, or your dog experiences strong contractions for an hour without a birth or if the mother seems exhausted.
- Trembling, collapsing, or shivering are warning signs of serious complications that could put both the bitch and the puppies at risk.
- It’s normal for dogs to deliver a dark green or bloody fluid after the first puppy, but if this happens before the first puppy, call the vet.
- Your dog shows no signs of whelping 64 days after her last mating.
- All of the placentas aren’t delivered.
- Puppies aren’t nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many puppies does a Pomeranian give birth to?
A Pomeranian typically gives birth to 1-3 puppies, but can have up to 5, 6, or 7 in rare cases. Litter size can vary significantly in Pomeranian breedings.
How many months is a Pomeranian dog pregnant?
A Pomeranian dog is typically pregnant for about 2 months, as the normal gestation period is approximately 63 days. This short pregnancy duration is a characteristic of small breed dogs like Pomeranians.
What food to give to a pregnant Pomeranian?
For a pregnant Pomeranian, feed a high-protein puppy food for a couple weeks before birth to meet her high energy needs. Gradually switch her to puppy food to ensure a smooth transition.
Sources
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/dog-pregnancy-care-prep/
- https://www.learnaboutnature.com/mammals/dogs/signs-of-pregnant-pomeranian/
- https://www.michigananimalhospital.com/site/blog/2021/11/30/dog-pregnant-signs
- https://www.dogster.com/dog-health-care/when-does-a-pomeranian-go-into-heat
- https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/can-dogs-sense-pregnancy
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