Pregnant Labrador Dog Pregnancy Calendar and Checklist

Congratulations on your pregnant Labrador dog! As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to stay on top of your dog's pregnancy to ensure a healthy and happy outcome for both mom and puppies.

Labrador dogs typically have a gestation period of around 58-68 days. This means you can expect your dog to give birth to a litter of 5-10 puppies.

Keep an eye out for your dog's behavior, as she may start to show signs of nesting and preparing for the big day around 30-40 days into her pregnancy.

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As you're expecting a litter of adorable Lab puppies, you're probably wondering how to tell if your furry friend is pregnant. One of the earliest signs of pregnancy in dogs is a decrease in appetite, which can be followed by weight gain.

A swollen stomach is another obvious sign of pregnancy in dogs. This is because the puppies are growing and taking up space inside the mother's abdomen.

Some dogs may vomit in the first few weeks of pregnancy due to hormonal changes. This is usually a temporary and harmless symptom.

Your pregnant Labrador may get tired more easily than usual, which can be a sign that she's carrying a litter of puppies. This is because the puppies are growing and putting extra strain on her body.

As the pregnancy progresses, you may notice your dog becoming more affectionate and irritable. This is a normal reaction to the hormonal changes happening inside her body.

Here are some common signs of pregnancy in dogs, including Labradors:

Keep in mind that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it's essential to take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup to confirm the pregnancy.

As your Labrador dog's pregnancy progresses, it's essential to ensure she receives proper nutrition to stay healthy. This means feeding her a good quality dog food, and increasing her food intake gradually as her weight increases in the last weeks of her pregnancy.

You won't need to make any changes to her diet for the first two-thirds of her pregnancy, but veterinarians recommend increasing her food intake by 35-to-50 percent in the last weeks. This can be achieved by feeding her small, frequent meals.

A high-calorie diet containing essential nutrients is necessary after about four weeks of pregnancy. Your vet can recommend a suitable dog food brand, as they often have specific formulations for pregnant dogs.

Proper Nutrition is crucial for a pregnant dog's health. A good quality dog food is essential, and your dog is likely already on a good quality food if she's at a healthy weight.

Increasing food intake during the first two-thirds of pregnancy can be harmful, so it's best to stick with her regular diet unless advised otherwise by your veterinarian. As her weight increases in the last weeks of pregnancy, veterinarians recommend increasing her food intake gradually, until she consumes 35-to-50 percent more than usual.

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You should start feeding your dog a high-calorie diet around four weeks into her pregnancy. These diets contain the necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. Your veterinarian can recommend a suitable high-calorie dog food brand.

Feeding smaller meals more frequently is a good idea, especially since your dog won't have as much room in her belly. This can help prevent discomfort and ensure she's getting the nutrients she needs.

Here's a rough guide to help you plan your dog's meals:

Remember to increase her food intake slowly and feed her small, frequent meals to prevent discomfort. Your veterinarian can provide personalized advice on your dog's specific needs.

As your dog's pregnancy progresses, it's essential to provide a comfortable nesting place for them to relax and prepare for the arrival of their puppies. This can be a quiet, safe spot where they can feel protected and hidden from too much activity or exposure.

You'll want to make sure this spot is at room temperature, so your dog doesn't get too hot, and the puppies don't get cold. This is especially important just prior to entering labor, when your dog will likely be looking for a cozy and secure place to settle in.

Some dogs may become more particular about their nesting spot, so be prepared to provide a variety of blankets and arrangements to ensure they're comfortable. In fact, many dogs will exhibit "nesting" behaviors, such as withdrawing and looking for a quiet spot, wanting to ensure everything is just right.

Here are some key things to consider when providing a comfortable nesting place for your dog:

By providing a comfortable nesting place, you can help your dog feel relaxed and secure as they prepare for the arrival of their puppies.

As a pregnant Labrador owner, it's essential to know what to expect during the different stages of pregnancy. The first trimester, which is roughly the first 12 weeks, is a critical period of development for the puppies.

During the third week of gestation, the embryos will implant into the uterus and receive vital nutrients and life support from the bitch's body. The foetuses are under a centimetre long at this stage.

As the pregnancy progresses, the foetuses will continue to grow and develop. By the fourth week, a vet or experienced breeder may be able to detect the presence of the developing puppies by gently palpating the abdomen. The eyes and spine of the foetuses begin to develop, and their faces begin to take shape.

At this stage, it's crucial to limit rough play and strenuous exercise in your dog to prevent damage and developing defects. You should also consult with your vet about your bitch's changing nutritional requirements and find out if you may need to feed any supplements.

As the due date approaches, your puppies could be born at any time, so be prepared! Your bitch will probably begin 'nesting' at this stage, and you may even be able to see and feel the puppies moving within her tummy when she's lying down.

As you enter the first week of pregnancy, it's essential to maintain your usual feeding and exercise routine. Consider adding a nutritional supplement in consultation with your vet to support the pregnancy and your dog's changing needs.

During this period, it's crucial not to use any flea treatments or wormers without first consulting your vet.

As we reach the third week of pregnancy, the embryos are now under a centimetre long.

During this time, the embryos will begin to implant into the uterus, where they will receive the vital nutrients and life support that the bitch's body provides.

Continue to feed your dog normally, but start monitoring her for increased appetite and adjust her diet accordingly.

Do not make any sudden or unnecessary changes to the content of her diet, as this can be stressful for the developing puppies.

During week four, your dog's teats may begin to swell as her body prepares for milk production.

The developing puppies are growing rapidly, reaching a length of around 1.5 centimetres.

Your dog may have a thin, clear discharge from the vagina, a normal sign of pregnancy.

It's essential to limit rough play and strenuous exercise to prevent damage to the growing puppies.

Consult with your vet about your dog's changing nutritional requirements and potential supplement needs.

At week five, specifically between days 28-35, the amniotic fluid in the uterus increases to protect the developing puppies. Around day 32 of gestation, you'll no longer be able to detect the presence of puppies by feeling your bitch's abdomen.

The puppies are becoming less susceptible to developmental issues, which is a relief for any expecting dog owner. This is a crucial time for their growth, and their individual toes are starting to form.

Claws and whiskers are starting to grow, and the foetuses are developing their male or female sexes during this time. It's essential to monitor your bitch's weight, as it will begin to noticeably increase.

You should increase her food rations now, feeding little and often, and start introducing your chosen puppy food into the mix. This will ensure she's getting the necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy.

If you've decided to have an ultrasound scan, this is usually performed during the fifth week to try and ascertain the number of puppies and identify any potential problems.

At this stage, your dog's pregnancy is becoming increasingly obvious, with her tummy growing noticeably larger on a daily basis.

Her nipples will become noticeably darker, and the puppies will start to develop their markings and skin pigmentation, which will determine their color and looks.

You'll need to increase the amount of food your dog is given, letting her eat as much as she wants, and also increase the ratio of puppy food in her diet.

Some breeders may also be giving their dogs a multivitamin supplement at this time.

Week 8 (Days 49-57) is a critical time in your dog's pregnancy. Your puppies could be born at any time from now onwards, so be prepared!

Your bitch will likely start "nesting" at this stage, which means she'll begin preparing a safe and cozy space for the puppies to arrive. You may even be able to see and feel the puppies moving within her tummy when she's lying down.

Your bitch will start producing colostrum, the forerunner to her nutrient-rich milk, and then the milk itself. This is a sign that she's getting ready to nurse her puppies.

Continue to feed your bitch as much as she will eat, as this will help her stay healthy and strong for the upcoming birth.

The first couple of days after bringing home a new furry friend can be overwhelming, but it's essential to establish a routine that prioritizes the mother's and puppies' needs. The mother is very protective of her puppies and may show aggression to anyone who approaches them.

Newborn puppies are very susceptible to illness, so it's crucial to keep them away from any potential hazards. They can't regulate their own body temperature until they are approximately 3-4 weeks old.

You'll need to provide a warm, clean box or bed for the puppies to share, keeping the area at a comfortable temperature of 97°F. This will help them stay comfortable and warm. The mother will also appreciate a quiet space to nurse and care for her babies.

As the puppies grow older, their mother will start taking breaks to socialize with other pets and people in the home. She'll still check on her puppies regularly.

You should keep an eye out for any runts in the litter, as they may have an underlying health condition that needs attention from your vet.

The mother's breaks are a normal part of the puppies' development, and it's essential she gets some time to herself too.

Make sure she's still returning to check on her puppies, and don't worry if she's getting some exercise and socialization while she's away.

It's crucial not to send the puppies to a new home until they're at least 10 weeks old, as this gives them enough time with their mother and siblings.