If there's a chance your dog is pregnant it's probably because you've bred her intentionally and are hoping for that outcome. Nevertheless, you'll need your vet to check your dog over to confirm she is definitely expecting. Your vet can also support your dog in other ways throughout the course of her pregnancy, but you may not be aware of exactly what support your vet can offer if this is the first time you have bred your dog. Here are three reasons you should take your pregnant dog to the vet:
Pregnancy Ultrasound
Your vet can carry out an ultrasound on your dog to let you know how many puppies she is carrying and check on their growth and development. This can give you peace of mind that the puppies are doing well, but if there are any concerns, regular ultrasounds will allow your vet to keep a close eye on your dog and her puppies. Pet ultrasounds are carried out in the same way ultrasounds are carried out on humans. They are considered safe and are a non-invasive way of diagnosing some health problems before the puppies are born, which can help reduce the risk of complications during labour and allow your vet to be prepared to treat whatever health issues are present as soon as the puppies are delivered.
Health Screen
Having a thorough health screen carried out on your dog at the start of their pregnancy can ensure they are in tip-top condition to carry their puppies to term. A health screen will include being screened for fleas and worms and having blood samples taken. Blood tests can show whether your dog's organs are healthy and will highlight whether there are any indications of an infection, such as raised inflammatory markers.
Nutrition Support
A pregnant dog has different nutritional needs, and ensuring your dog's needs are met during pregnancy will aid her in staying healthy and delivering healthy puppies. She'll need more calories, calcium and protein, and she may also benefit from smaller meals at more regular intervals throughout the day. Your vet can recommend types of dog food that will support your dog during pregnancy and explain how to spot the signs that indicate your dog may not be getting the nutrients they need.
These are just a few reasons to work with your vet during the course of your dog's pregnancy. A vet can confirm a pregnancy in your dog at least a month after you suspect she has conceived, so schedule an appointment to ensure your dog's health and well-being are optimal during her pregnancy.
For more info, contact a local company like Findon Vet Surgery.
When I notice that my dog didn't look well, I was really worried. Little Danny hadn't been eating his food and had been sleeping a lot. I called my sister and asked for advice. She recommended that I take my dog Danny to the vet. I booked an emergency appointment at the veterinary surgery and later that day my dog was seen by the vet. Assess Danny's help and prescribed some antibiotics. I was really impressed with the level of care provided by the veterinary surgery. Since this time, I have become extremely interested in animal well-being, so I decided to start this blog. Enjoy!