{"id":632,"date":"2018-01-24T14:35:52","date_gmt":"2018-01-24T18:35:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beverlyhillsvets.com\/blog\/?p=632"},"modified":"2024-04-03T11:11:00","modified_gmt":"2024-04-03T18:11:00","slug":"having-puppies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beverlyhillsvets.com\/blog\/having-puppies\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Expect When Your Dog Is Expecting: All You Need to Know About Having Puppies"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"BeverlyIf your dog is expecting, chances are, you have done a lot of research. There is much that goes into responsible dog breeding, and anticipating the arrival of your new litter is exciting. But, are you ready to be having puppies?<\/p>\n

When your dog is having puppies, they rely on you to have a good handle on what to expect. Luckily, you aren\u2019t alone. Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates<\/a> is here to support you.<\/p>\n

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Prenatal Pet Care<\/h3>\n

As soon as you know that your pet is expecting, you have work to do. Good prenatal care is paramount to having strong and healthy puppies, and an equally strong and healthy mother.<\/p>\n

For the most part, pregnant dogs know how to take care of themselves. They do, however, require your help in a few areas:<\/p>\n

Make nutrition a priority<\/strong> \u2013 A pregnant dog needs extra calories and quality nutrition to grow healthy puppies and produce food for them. Select a diet that has been approved for growth and lactation (check the AAFCO statement<\/a> on the bag). Diets marketed for puppies are typically suitable. Call us if you need help. Remember that, as pregnancy progresses, your little mama may prefer smaller, more frequent meals to accommodate her shrinking stomach volume.<\/p>\n

Encourage activity<\/strong> \u2013 Pregnant pets are still able to exercise, and most should continue to stay active. A conservative exercise routine can help to maintain physical health and ward off boredom. Watch your mother-to-be for signs of fatigue or over-exertion, and decrease the level of activity accordingly.<\/p>\n

Maintain a good wellness program<\/a> <\/strong>\u2013 It is important that we care for your pet as a team during this crucial time in her life. Prior to conception, all appropriate vaccinations should be boostered to protect your dog and allow her to pass immunity to her pups. We can help you to develop a parasite preventative plan that is safe to administer throughout pregnancy (not all products are). Mother dogs should visit us a few times prior to and during gestation, so that we can be sure that she\u2019s doing well and address any special needs or concerns that may exist.<\/p>\n

How to Help When Your Dog Is Having Puppies<\/h3>\n

As you approach the two-month mark, you are likely to be pretty excited, but are you really ready? There are some things that you definitely want to do, in order to prepare for the arrival of a litter of pups. Take some time to:<\/p>\n