Labrador Retriever Pregnancy
If your dog is carrying a fetus, Labrador Retriever Pregnancy can be a sweet, happy time. Labrador Retrievers go through a fertility cycle that is divided into two stages. The first stage begins nine to ten days after conception, and the second stage lasts about five days. While there are a few things to watch for, such as sudden refusal of solid food, restlessness, or antisocial behavior, Labrador owners should avoid intervention unless the symptoms are extreme or the puppy is exhibiting other symptoms. A blood test may confirm your pet’s pregnancy.
One of the earliest signs of pregnancy in a female Labrador is a swollen tummy. Many people mistake this sign for an overweight dog. However, if a dog is overweight, this could also be an early sign of pregnancy. Fortunately, this symptom usually disappears after the first trimester. A Labrador Retriever should start taking prenatal vitamins during this period.
A pregnant female Labrador will suddenly spend more time grooming herself and she may swell up her vulva. A red discharge may also signal the start of puberty. During this time, timing is important. If a female Labrador is pregnant, you should begin giving her a high-quality prenatal vitamin. Beware of cheap prenatal vitamins, as they may not contain enough vitamins. Buy a high-quality, prescription-only prenatal vitamin from a veterinarian or pet supply store.
Although Labradors are medium-sized dogs, female Labrador Retrievers can give birth to litters of five to 10 puppies.
Some litters have weighed as many as fifteen puppies. Labrador puppies can weigh eight to 12 pounds. Some can even weigh up to 50 pounds! And don’t forget to check your weight. Depending on the breed, it could even be more than fifteen.
A pregnant Labrador needs plenty of rest and extra love. A daily walk should be enough to keep the dog active, but don’t expose it to too much exercise. Make sure it has plenty of fresh water to drink. Increase the amount and frequency of feedings by about 30 percent. A pregnant dog will need more rest and fresh food than a dog who is not pregnant. If you plan on bringing a puppy home, ensure that it has adequate fresh food and fresh water.
An ultrasound is a reliable method of determining whether your dog is pregnant. An ultrasound will detect if your pup is carrying a fetus and can confirm the fetus’s position in the abdomen. An abdominal radiograph also helps your veterinarian to calculate the exact number of puppies. An ultrasound will also allow you to see the fetus’s heartbeat and the gestational age of the fetus.
After the dog delivers her puppies, the mother Labrador Retriever must be isolated from other dogs for at least three weeks. This will help prevent her from spreading herpes to the puppies. A mother dog can contract herpes by licking and sniffing other dogs. Herpes will kill the unborn puppy. It is also important for the dog’s health. Your vet will give you advice regarding the diet and exercise to help your Labrador get through the pregnancy.
The first signs of pregnancy include a larger abdomen and lower belly.
A dog may show signs of fatigue and listlessness as the hormones work their magic. The placenta may also change shape. A pregnant dog may also discharge thin, clear mucus. This is normal. Your dog will not even show signs that she is pregnant if you don’t notice the change. However, if your dog doesn’t look like this, there may be something wrong.
It is important to keep your dog’s diet consistent during the first two-thirds of her pregnancy. Pregnant dogs need more calories for the developing pup. Be sure to monitor your dog’s weight closely, as a healthy dog will gain about fifteen to twenty percent of its normal weight. However, if you overfeed him or her, your dog may become obese. A healthy pregnant dog will gain about a half pound or more, but if she is overfed, she will easily become overweight.
The next phase of pregnancy begins when the dog is 40 days old. At this point, the uterus will begin to expand, and the nipples will become darker. During this time, the dog will begin to produce colostrum, nutrient-rich first milk for her growing pup. The uterus can only be detected by a vet, so you must check the dog’s weight and see if it’s normal.
Leave a Reply