If you have bred or are considering breeding your bitch, you may be wondering how to best support her body and the development of her litter in utero. As humans, we highly recommend prenatal vitamins for pregnant women, which contain a variety of vitamins, folic acid, iron and zinc. Does something like this exist for dogs, and if not, what are some ways that you as a foster parent can support your pregnant dog?
Prenatal vitamins for dogs
Commercial prenatal vitamins for dogs exist, but the truth is that the best prenatal vitamin for your pregnant dog may already be found in a quality, commercial dog diet. Make sure this food is labeled for all life stages.
Research shows that folic acid supplements reduce the risk of certain birth defects like cleft palate, neural tube defects, and spina bifida. Two additional supplements that can be considered as fatty acid supplements include EFA and DHA and Vitamin B9.
It is paramount to consult your dog’s veterinarian for guidance before starting any of these supplements. Please do not give your dog a human prenatal vitamin.
How to support your pregnant dog
More prenatal care begins prior to Your dog becomes pregnant!
Prenatal care includes:
- Genetic assessment. Not responsible for breeding dogs with a history of genetic diseases, such as dysplasia. Do your due diligence and consult your veterinarian before breeding your dog.
- Proper diet. This is possibly one of the most important aspects of supporting a pregnant dog. The best and most sustainable diet for these dogs is a quality, commercial diet. You can feed your pregnant bitch like any healthy dog during the first two trimesters, as long as they don’t gain or lose too much weight. During the third and final trimester, it is advisable to switch to a commercial puppy formula. Avoid formulas for large breed puppies, as the calcium phosphorus content will not support your healthy dog. Discuss the best diet with your veterinarian.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Both underweight and overweight dogs and their litter is at risk. Underweight dogs are likely to become malnourished and are at risk of stillbirth or underweight puppies. Obesity during pregnancy can cause a multitude of problems including difficulty in labor and can reduce milk production.
- Work with your veterinary team. Find a veterinarian who specializes in dog breeding and establish a relationship! Pregnancy can be a time of stress and anxiety, especially when your puppy is about to go into labor. Having a medical team on duty will be extremely necessary, not only to give you peace of mind but also to ensure the health of your pregnant dog and its litter.
When it comes to raising a dog, some of the most critical aspects to her success include her health during pregnancy, your resources to support her throughout her pregnancy, and postpartum care. Always consult your veterinarian before deciding to adopt a dog to make sure that both you and the puppy are fully prepared!
Note: Dogster believes in spaying and spaying dogs so as not to add more homeless dogs to rescues and shelters. Never keep a dog on a whim and neuter to avoid your dog accidentally getting pregnant. Responsible dog breeders strive to achieve the highest level of care, keep litter numbers to a minimum, and provide a lifetime home for all of their dogs so none of them will ever have to return. become homeless. Read more about responsible dog breeders here.
