If you have recently discovered that your dog is pregnant, you may find the following advice to be helpful.
1. Inform your vet of the pregnancy if your dog is due to have their booster vaccination
If your dog is due to have their booster vaccination at some point during their pregnancy, it is important to tell your vet about the pregnancy before booking an appointment for this injection. The reason for this is as follows; whilst animal vaccinations play an extremely important role in reducing an animal's risk of developing a number of very serious illnesses, there are circumstances in which a vet might recommend that you postpone your dog's upcoming vaccination.
They may, for example, tell you to wait until after your dog has given birth before proceeding with the booster injection. The reason for this is as follows; it is possible that getting certain vaccinations during the gestation period could affect the development of your pet's unborn puppies. If this is the case in your situation, your vet may advise you to book the booster vaccination appointment for a few weeks after your pet is due to have her puppies.
2. Make sure you feed your dog a highly nutritious diet
It is important to be extra vigilant about what you feed your dog whilst they are pregnant. The reason for this is as follows; if your dog doesn't consume enough nutrient-rich food, her chances of experiencing a miscarriage will be quite high. As such, you must provide your pet with the healthiest possible diet. It is best to ask your vet for advice about the exact quantities and types of food you should give your dog, as they will be familiar with your dog's breed, weight, health and dietary needs, and as such, will be in the best position to determine what their diet should consist of.
During the early stages of pregnancy, your dog might not need too many extra calories; however, whilst you might not need to increase their food intake too much at this point, it is important to provide them with plenty of protein-rich foods, to ensure that the puppies in her womb grow at the correct rate. You will probably find that your dog's appetite increases during the late stages of her pregnancy, and provided she is not already dangerously overweight, your vet will most likely recommend that you increase the amount of food you give her during this phase.
Share
