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How long is a Labrador Dog Pregnant for?
The pregnancy phase of a Labrador dog can last about nine weeks. So every week of canine pregnancy equals a month of human pregnancy. But, it is challenging to determine the precise due date. You may anticipate your Labrador to deliver between days 55 to 64 after breeding if you don’t know their ovulation date. [1]
Different Stages of a Labrador Dog Pregnancy Period
Weeks 1 – 2
The Lab is unlikely to exhibit any symptoms during the first few weeks of pregnancy. Their time span is identical to human gestation in the sense when the ovary is being fertilized as well as the puppies are in the initial phases of development.
If you are aware that your dog has mated within the last 7–14 days, you can expect no noticeable signs of pregnancy at this period. Alternatively, you can assume your dog is carrying babies as a result of its current breeding. [2]
Did you Know?
Your dog might experience morning sickness and irregular appetite in the first two weeks
Weeks 3 – 4
The eggs will connect to the reproductive tract for fertilization around week three of pregnancy. At this time, don’t modify your canine’s diet and keep an eye out for a boost in appetite. A boost in hunger during week three indicates that your dog is pregnant.
You should bring your pet to your vet for an ultrasound and examination at week four to verify pregnancy. The ultrasound would provide a more accurate estimate of the baby’s count and any other health issues with the baby or the mother. [3]
Try to walk your canine once the pregnancy has been revealed, but refrain from using force or violence.
Wrestling or tug-of-war are classic games to engage with your Labrador. Eliminate these sports from your pet’s everyday exercises if they might cause damage. Rather, try to walk and engage in low-impact exercises with your pet.
Weeks 5 – 6
Week 5 marks the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy. The eggs mature into fetuses around week five.
During this period, the babies’ weight grows significantly, which might also lead the Lab’s weight to start rising. While comparing all the stages of pregnancy, this stage is somewhat shorter.
Your dog will reach the last stage of pregnancy during week six, which would be about day 42. The fetuses will start to look like dogs.
You’ll need to change your Lab’s dietary requirements at this stage of pregnancy. To keep up with the developing litter, your dog will need additional protein in the meals.
Did you Know?
A pregnant lab should have at least 158g of crude protein daily
Weeks 7 – 8
Take your expecting Labrador to the vet for a thorough examination at week seven. The veterinarian would be able to examine for infections in the babies and take the appropriate action. You might even observe that your Lab has started to shed fur around her tummy. It is standard procedure when delivering the litter to the attendant. [4]
At this point, your veterinarian may advise you to prepare an environment for your Labrador to give birth. It is highly unusual for canines to give birth prematurely around week seven, but have a place freed up in such cases.
Week eight shows additional signs of approaching labor. It’s possible that your dog has started to lactate. Lactation normally starts a week prior to the due date. If lactation hasn’t started yet, a supplemental natural diet for the pups is essential. [5]
It’s possible that a canine won’t be able to provide enough milk for her puppies. Consider buying a puppy diet supplement to ensure that the litter is properly fed.
Week 9
Your dog can give birth real soon if it hasn’t already. During this period, your dog may get fussy. You should’ve already chosen a location for your dog to deliver. It’s good to have a room having a huge storage box.
You should layer the box with a couple of newspapers, clean towels, and soft blankets. It’s important to keep your dog comfortable and relaxed at this time. Your Lab may readily pick up on your moods and reactions. She will become anxious if you are.
Labor and birth should be as stress-free as possible. Keeping your dog relaxed will contribute to successful, stress-free delivery. [6]
Many dogs might faint before labor due to dehydration or excessive stress. [7]
Going Into Labor
There are several signs that show your dog is about to give birth. When the cervix expands and gets ready for birth, it can remain for 6 to 12 hours, or perhaps even more. Human mothers exhibit the same kind of symptoms, such as restlessness and a decreased appetite. Especially nesting personality — a desire to organize and set up the home – is a common occurrence. [8]
Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
- Restlessness and walking, then feeling sleepy
- Digging
- Breathing heavily and shaking/shivering
- Coming back several times to the area where she wants to give birth
- Licking herself
- Becoming more reserved and introverted
- Not wanting to have food
- Possible vomiting
Caring for a Pregnant Dog
Pregnancy is a period to shower more support and attention on your dog than ever before, and it’s important to consult your veterinarian about her health care as soon as possible. Make an appointment for your dog to see a specialist three weeks post-breeding to ensure the pregnancy. Don’t use any flea or tick remedies in the pregnancy.
Please note that your dog’s babies would be at a highly vulnerable period of growth during weeks four and five, so consider reducing difficult activities and excessive running during the time to keep mother and puppies healthy. But, you’ll like to maintain her muscles toned and avoid her from getting obese. It will assist mom in staying energetic during delivery.
She can participate in daily tasks, and you can enjoy going on regular walks with her. Your pet will be tired quickly after she’s around six weeks pregnant, so let her determine the speed. During this stage, she’ll begin to consider where she can give birth to puppies. Create a warm, contained space with plenty of bedding for your dog to rest in, and motivate her to get proper sleep, water, and diet. [9]
Recovery
Once the puppies are delivered, the first aim is to make the Labrador mom as relaxed and tidy as possible. Replace stained bedding or sheets with fresh cloths to keep their surroundings hygienic. This method also helps you to detect whether the mom is releasing a brown fluid. A brown fluid with an odor might indicate that the mom has been infected.
Avoid overcrowding the mom or touching the puppies since she will need to relax with her pups. She could be selective about what she eats, so talk to your veterinarian about the ideal diet to offer your new Labrador mom.
Once your dog has found a diet she enjoys, she can boost her intake to compensate for the nutrients her puppies consume from her milk production. The mother would appear cheerful, healthy, and active! If things appear opposite to this, consult your vet for a thorough analysis and provide her with the best treatment.
Did you Know?
The dog mother usually has a speedy recovery as compared to humans
Conclusion
The nine stages of your Labrador’s pregnancy will most likely pass soon. Understanding what to plan at every weekly phase will enable you to provide the best possible treatment for your Labrador and keep you ready for the future batch of Labrador puppies.
Provide your dog with a balanced diet and proper exercise during her pregnancy. Try not to be too hard on your dog if she is not willing to walk. Consult your vet when you notice any suspicious behavior or any unusual symptoms in your pet.
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