What Are The Indications That My Beagle Is Pregnant?

Dogs are very discreet when it comes to mating and pregnancies, and without attentive observation you might not even realize that you have a pregnant dog in your possession until she’s near giving birth. If you suspect your beagle may be pregnant, have the diagnosis confirmed by your veterinarian. It is crucial to identify an early pregnancy so your pet can receive best treatment and have time to plan for an unborn litter.

Signs of a pregnant beagle

Canine gestation usually lasts around the 63-day mark. There are also indications of pregnant dogs in your dog. Take note of your pet’s sleeping patterns as the dog that appears to be exhausted than usual could be carrying a baby. Beagle s that are pregnant can show signs of a greater appetite, a bigger belly as well as an increase in nipple size, and weight increase. Dogs who are expecting may be prone to mood fluctuations. Certain days, they’ll be more affectionate while others they may be more angry.

Recognizing a pregnant beagle

You can take four diagnostic tests to determine whether you have a pregnant pet in your home. The first test your vet may perform is likely to be trans-abdominal assessment which is a gentle probe of your dog’s belly to feel for an over-extended uterus or the fetal sacs. To determine if there is a hormone relaxin, the vet may take blood. If your dog is a puppy and you are able to detect increased levels of relaxin.

Between the days 25-35 of gestation, the doctor can also perform an ultrasound scan to determine fetal heartbeats and estimate how many puppies your pregnant beagle is carrying. The heartbeats of puppies are about three times faster than the mother’s. An X-ray could also be requested to confirm a dog’s pregnancy.

Care for your expectant dog

The pregnant beagle needs to be cared for to ensure healthy puppies. Keep your beagle’s appointments to the vet for routine check-ups so any problems are detected in the early stages. A healthy diet is essential for expectant dogs and that means sticking to a good dog food and keeping the quantity you’ve fed her during the first two-thirds of her gestation. Offering too much food in the first stages of canine pregnancy can actually be harmful.

It is possible to gradually increase the amount you feed your dog until she is taking in about 35-50 percent of her usual amount of food. You should make sure your dog is on a regular exercise routine. Regular walks and playtime is suitable for pregnant dogs but only until the belly of your dog is big. At this point, ease off the workout and stick to more frequent but shorter and less strenuous outings.

Prepare yourself for puppies!

Giving birth is the end stage for a pregnant beagle, naturally, therefore, having supplies ready ahead of time is wise. For her birth and labor it is necessary to have an enormous container or kiddie pool. Place it in a quiet part of your home and in a location which is not too chilly, and put it over with towels, newspapers, or bathmats. It’s recommended to put it up a few weeks before your puppies arrive to ensure that the dog’s mama is able to adjust to the nest.

If the dog’s mother can’t do this, you’ll have to use sterilized cutting tools and paper towels to cut the umbilical chords. Iodine can also be used to clean the pups’ stomachs, where the cord was cut. Finally, keep your vet’s number close by and dial if there’s anything odd during the birth. The majority of dogs can perform the labor themselves. However in the event of any delay during the delivery, or you discover an absent placenta (each puppy must have one) Contact your veterinarian.