You probably are aware that the United States has over 3. 5 million German shepherds? Dedicated and fearless, and always so warmly welcoming, this dog breed is a much-loved family companion. It also makes a great rescue and police dog, this is due to its great guarding intentions.

So, any person, who has a German shepherd, will eventually have to face the pregnancy of the dog. You would not wish to be a clueless person when that day comes, right? Life changing information concerning the pregnancy of the German shepherd will be provided in this article. Continue reading to learn more about how it developed, what you should expect in the week to come, and how you can keep your buddy safe, comfortable and happy. Shall we start this Show of ours?

German Shepherd Pregnancy Gestation Period :

Generally, the period of pregnancy in the dogs is between 56 and 69 days. However for all the breeds of dogs, including the German shepherd it takes about 63 days. Gestures like preterm birth are rare in these animals meaning your furry friend will easily go full term with its puppies. Of course, if you’re a first-time German shepherd parent, you might be off the first few days unless you’re well-versed with dog pregnancy symptoms, which include:Of course, if you’re a first-time German shepherd parent, you might be off the first few days unless you’re well-versed with dog pregnancy symptoms, which include:

Enlarged Nipples

The nipples of the German shepherd become more swollen during pregnancy as compared to the normal size. They grow pink every day and begin to release the drops of the clear fluid. Also, the areolas become round in this stage from normally being flat in shape.

Increased Appetite

Within the initial months of pregnancy your German shepherd will need more food to feed her puppies. Ideally, the dog would eat at the rate of 1.5 times as it used to which means that you should prepare for higher food bills. The German shepherd’s mean and is also able to get thirsty much more if pregnant as well. Hence the canine will have to take more water, for instance, during the early spring or summer.

Sickness

You would be happy to learn that, like people, German shepherds are also susceptible to ‘morning sickness’. Yes, your little companion is going to feel sick and vomit, that’s totally normal during the earlier weeks of pregnancy. Unfortunately, this could have a downside of chopping the appetite of the canine thus making it consume lesser meals than before.

Weight Gain

Here is another sign that your German shepherd is about to be a mother of a litter. The dog can increase her weight between twenty to fifty percent throughout the period of pregnancy.

German Shepherd Pregnant Is Confirm

As expected, your German shepherd may well have the above symptoms and not be pregnant with puppies. It should be noted that pseudo-pregnancies are quite frequent in these dogs. That is why, 7 out of ten female unneutered dogs undergo heats once or several times in their lifetime.

Hence, we suggest that you take your furry buddy to the vet so that a proper confirmation of pregnancy can be done. They will likely use these methods to test the dog. They will likely use these methods to test the dog:

X-Ray

Another simple method that one can try to find out whether their German Shepherd is pregnant is through an X-Ray. This method also shows how many puppies the dog is pregnant with so that one prepares for them to arrive.

Sadly, an X-Ray is only possible if your furry friend is at least 42 days pregnant. One’s bones of the canine may not even be seen before this stage.

Hormone Tests

Relaxing is another hormone that your veterinarian can check to prove that your furry buddy is pregnant. The hormone is only produced during the process of implantation of the embryo and is easily measured in the bloodstream as early as three weeks of pregnancy. Still, this hormone test may be negative if your German shepherd is only one or two weeks pregnant

Abdominal Palpation

Palpation is among the simplest methods which can be used to determine if your German Shepherd is pregnant. Your veterinarian will palpate your dog’s abdomen with an aim of feeling fluid-filled sacs that are commonly found as the fetus grows in the animal’s mother’s womb. Still, this method is only ideal between the third and the fifth week because the sacs may not be palpable before the third week.

Ultrasound

The veterinarians also use the ultrasounds to see whether the German Shepherds are pregnant or not. Fortunately, this procedure takes the extra step of also listening to the fetus’s heart, to ensure it is healthy. In case an ultrasound shows that the fetus of your German shepherd is dead, the best thing to handle the situation is to embalm the fetus in situ.

Caring for Your Pregnant German Shepherd

So if you are a parent or breeder of a German shepherd your role is to guarantee the canine gives birth to healthy puppies and is well taken care of throughout the whole process and after. Now the question arises as to how you can do that? So, you will come to know soon. please continue reading!

1.Maintain Proper Nutrition

Nutrition is of considerable essence while your German shepherd is pregnant since it determines its and the puppies’ health. Give the dog quality, protein containing adult food with fats and minerals. Also, do not forget that its appetite should increase during this period: so at least twice a day it should be fed.

Closely related to this is never starving a pregnant German shepherd as this will lead to the birth of crippled, sickly puppies. As for us, we encourage you to ask your local vet about the proper treats that you might put in its feeding bowl.

Like in the real case that has been presented, observe your German shepherd to know when the morning sickness begins. Since one is likely to vomit a lot at that stage, give it small portions of food at a go, like 5 – 6 small meals a day. One can also supplement its diet with some nutritional supplements but should avoid the ones rich in calcium as it leads to weakness, loss of appetite and frequent urination.

2.Exercise Your German Shepherd

Pregnant girls also need a low activity level to be healthy and energetic enough to give birth when the gestation period is fulfilled Pregnancy in German shepherds also requires that the females also be kept active in low intensity as this helps them maintain good body health and strength in order to give birth once the gestation period elapses. I find outdoor activity/packages good because it puts them in a position to get vitamin D which in turn assists the kidney in balancing the calcium level in their bodies.

But for socialization, we advise that the canine should be restricted to indoor play between week six and nine to avoid infecting it with diseases or parasites that may hinder its health. Also, make sure that, while indulging in such past times, one does not exert the dog since this may lead to stress. Here are some simple exercises for pregnant German shepherds: Here are some simple exercises for pregnant German shepherds:

Fetch

It is also fun for most of the dogs to be playing fetch because it is fulfilling and they are assured of the company of their owner. Well, pregnant German shepherds aren’t any different, meaning that you will not have a hard task to find a pregnant German shepherd for sale. Sometimes after the games like playing the ball, they are able to have more than play; they are able to build muscles required for the next challenging task.

Be Affectionate

Citation Note: During pregnancy German Shepherds become even grumpier with time. Also, they are hungry and thirsty all the time round the clock. Make sure that wherever they are at home they have adequate safety and comfort to allow them to get the rest they need. Some of the animals like to be left on their own sometimes and therefore should not be provoked to play the whole day.

The ideal environment to meet these requirements is one that is created well before birth and should include a confined space for your German shepherd and should always be clean and dry. On top of that, ensure that children and other members of the family do not approach the animal to avoid hassling it, something that it loathes.

In addition, the decision to delay family related events or even not to invite people to your home is also very wise as it reduces contact with smells and individuals the dog is unaccustomed to. It is also important to remind your kids that the family pet back home is pregnant, and may be delivering some puppies soon; therefore, should treat it gently.

Conclusion

For about half a year, you are going to care for a pregnant German Shepherd and thus she deserves only the best care. German Shepherds are among the most appreciated breeds of the large family of dogs breeds all over the world. Taking care of them during their pregnancy is the best way to appreciate their loyalty besides other qualities that are equally praiseworthy such as intelligence and gentleness.

While nurturing your German shepherd during pregnancy it’s also important to know some things that can happen after delivery. For instance, many of these dogs suffer from mammary operations or complications such as mastitis during the postpartum period, hence, mothering problems, infection of the womb, and inability to produce quality or sufficient milk for the developing puppies. As usual please consult with your vet on how to handle these problems – if any – that may affect the welfare of your pet.