The general pregnancy period for dogs is 58 to 65 days (average 63 days). Dogs will give birth after more than 60 days of pregnancy. Prenatal and postpartum care is vital to the health of your mother and puppies.

Prenatal

1. When the female dog is nearly 60 days pregnant, the signs of labor will Gradually it appears: The female dog begins to become restless, constantly scratching the floor and mats with her front feet, and may act like she wants to make a nest, biting old clothes or toys, etc.

2. Most female dogs stop eating within 24 hours before giving birth, become anorexic, have reduced appetite, and almost completely stop eating, which means that the time for the baby dog ​​to be born is very close. Or only choose a small amount of favorite foods to eat; some will vomit slightly before giving birth, have frequent excretions, and have soft stools.

3. The body temperature of the female dog will gradually decrease, and the closer it is to giving birth, the lower it will be. It may drop to about 36°C 24 hours before giving birth. Usually when the above symptoms appear, the mother dog will give birth in about a day, and you must be ready to deliver the baby at any time. A bitch who is about to give birth will keep turning back and forth, arching her back, and her abdomen will become larger, and she will begin to experience exertion and labor pains.

Usually when the above symptoms appear, the mother dog will give birth in about a day, and the owner must arrange a quiet place for the dog's nest.

Postpartum

1. Diet and nutrition: After delivery, female dogs need more nutrients to support lactation. Provide high-quality, easily digestible food and ensure your female dog has adequate water intake. You can consult your veterinarian to develop a suitable diet plan based on the specific situation of the female dog.

2. Hygiene and cleanliness: It is very important to keep the living environment of mother dogs and puppies clean and hygienic. Change bedding and clean the kennel regularly to prevent the spread of infection and disease. At the same time, pay attention to the cleanliness of the mother dog’s nipples to ensure that the puppies can suck clean milk.

3. Physical examination: A few days after delivery, the female dog may experience some physical discomfort, such as uterine contraction pain, fatigue, etc. Closely observe the behavior and physical condition of the female dog, and consult a veterinarian promptly if there are any abnormalities.

4. Vaccinations: Puppies need a series of vaccinations within a few weeks of birth to protect them from common diseases. Follow your veterinarian's recommendations and take your puppy for vaccinations on time.

5. Socialization: Starting from the third week after the puppies are born, they can be gradually guided to socialize with humans and other pets to help them adapt to the external environment.

6. Appropriate exercise: Postpartum female dogs need appropriate exercise, but overexertion should be avoided. Gradually increase the amount of exercise for bitches to help them regain their strength.

7. Pay attention to the mood of the female dog: After giving birth, the female dog may experience mood swings, such as anxiety, restlessness, etc. Give female dogs enough care and security to help them adapt to their new family members.

Dog postpartum care requires care and patience. If you have any questions or need more advice, please feel free to ask your veterinarian. They can provide professional guidance and assistance based on your dog's specific situation.