Dog 7 Weeks Pregnant

dog pregnancy care information

Your dog is seven weeks pregnant! This is the final stretch, and exciting changes are happening daily as she prepares to welcome her puppies. At this stage, she’s likely quite large and showing significant signs of pregnancy.

Physical Changes: Her abdomen will be noticeably distended, and you might even be able to see or feel the puppies moving inside. Be gentle! Her nipples will be enlarged and possibly leaking colostrum, the antibody-rich pre-milk that will nourish her pups in the first few days after birth. She’ll be shedding more, so expect increased grooming. Panting is also common, even when she’s resting, due to the increased pressure on her lungs and the metabolic demands of the growing puppies.

Behavioral Changes: Nesting instincts are kicking into high gear. She’ll be searching for a quiet, safe place to prepare for whelping. Provide her with a comfortable whelping box lined with soft blankets or towels. Encourage her to use it by spending time with her there and making it a positive space. She might become more restless, anxious, or clingy. Some dogs become more withdrawn and irritable. Observe her closely and be patient and understanding. She might also lose her appetite in the days leading up to labor. Offer small, frequent meals of highly palatable food.

What’s Happening with the Puppies: The puppies are nearly fully developed! Their skeletons are calcifying, and they have most of their fur. They’re gaining weight rapidly in preparation for life outside the womb. Their organs are mature enough to function independently. They are essentially miniature versions of their breed.

Veterinary Care: You should have already consulted with your veterinarian throughout the pregnancy. Now is the time for a final check-up. Your vet can confirm the puppies’ viability and estimate the litter size. They can also discuss potential complications and what to do in case of an emergency during labor. Be sure you have your vet’s emergency contact information readily available. It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in case your vet is unavailable.

Preparing for Whelping: Gather all the necessary supplies for whelping: clean towels, blunt-nosed scissors or hemostats (for clamping umbilical cords if necessary), dental floss (for tying off umbilical cords if necessary), iodine solution (for disinfecting umbilical cords), a bulb syringe (to clear puppy airways), a heating pad or lamp (to keep puppies warm), and a scale (to weigh puppies after birth). Prepare a comfortable, warm, and draft-free environment for the whelping box.

Monitoring Your Dog: Start taking your dog’s temperature twice a day. A normal temperature is around 101-102.5°F (38.3-39.2°C). A significant drop in temperature (usually below 99°F or 37.2°C) indicates that labor is likely to begin within 12-24 hours. Knowing her baseline temperature will help you recognize when labor is imminent. Be prepared to stay by her side and provide support throughout the whelping process. Remember, trust your instincts, and if you are concerned about anything, contact your veterinarian immediately.