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Pregnancy |
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It is difficult to ascertain whether or not a bitch is in whelp for the first few weeks and your veterinary surgeon would be unlikely to feel the tiny fetuses much before the end of the first month. Indeed, you will not notice a visible change in the bitch until around the fifth week, prior to which she may have been carrying the litter high in the rib cage.
Around that time, her teats will begin to develop and will become more pink in color. It is likely that she may be greedy for food and also become more maternal and loving in her attitude towards you. It can even appear as if the expression in her eyes has softened.
At this stage the bitch will need a third more food than normal and this should be mainly in the form of protein. Do not load her with starchy foods such as extra biscuits or bread because these will lead to excess weight. Do not neglect the bitch’s exercise during her pregnancy but allow her to enjoy her customary walks as long as she is able to do so comfortably. It will do good to keep her muscles active.
By the time she reaches the seventh week of her pregnancy you will notice that the litter is carried downwards and protrudes low in the body, and at this time there may be some loss of appetite because of the fullness of the abdomen. It is a good idea to divide her meals into three or four small quantities rather than give one meal a day. It is possible that, because of the pressure on the abdomen, there may be the occasional puddle. Please bear with the bitch. She will return to her former cleanliness in due time.
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