German Shepherd pregnancy by day photo of expecting belly

How long does a German Shepherd pregnancy last?

So how long does a pregnant dog (German Shepherd) walk? 60 days is how long it takes for a bitch to bear offspring. But pregnancy can last a little less - 58 days. Deviations are also possible in the direction of increasing the terms up to 65 days.
The pregnancy of a German Shepherd lasts a little longer for first-time mothers than for an experienced mother.

If the pregnancy is multiple, the dog usually whelps earlier - from the 58th to the 60th day, and if the pregnancy is small, then the German Shepherd can give birth between the 63rd and 65th day. When there are few fruits in the womb of a bitch, the whelping date is delayed. In this case, the puppies are larger and it is more difficult for the dog to give birth.

If whelping delays up to 10 days, you will definitely need the help of a veterinarian. How long does a German Shepherd’s pregnancy last in your specific case? It’s better to check with your veterinarian. specialist

Imaginary pregnancy

What is imaginary pregnancy in a German Shepherd? It occurs when a dog experiences a hormonal imbalance in the body. This is due to irregular or rare matings. False pregnancy can occur 5 weeks after estrus, and sometimes after 2 months. Sometimes this happens even when mating has been carried out and fertilization has occurred, but the fruits have died for some reason. How can you tell if the pregnancy is not real? There are a number of physiological and psychological signs that can be used to tell whether a dog is pregnant or whether it is simply a failure of the reproductive system:

The animal's behavior changes dramatically. It becomes apathetic, sometimes on the contrary excited and nervous.
A certain amount of milk appears, the breasts swell, the belly increases in size.
Sometimes the dog stops eating and doesn’t want to play or go for walks.
The bitch prepares a place for the puppies and guards it.
The animal mistakes its soft toys for children, tinkers with them, and nurses them.

One way or another, the imaginary pregnancy passes in about 2 weeks. If this condition does not end, you must immediately consult a veterinarian. Otherwise, your pet may develop mastitis, a disease of the mammary glands, or mental abnormalities may appear.

Signs of Pregnancy in a German Shepherd

How to determine pregnancy in a German Shepherd? Clear signs that a German Shepherd is expecting offspring are evident in the second half of pregnancy.

During the first month of pregnancy, the bitch's appearance does not change. And palpation will not help you understand whether your pet is in an “interesting” position. This is the responsibility of the veterinarian, who can thus diagnose pregnancy after the third week.

IMPORTANT : In the first month, an attentive owner can assume from the dog’s behavior that she will soon become a mother. A pregnant German Shepherd (photo below) at times becomes apathetic, lethargic, wants to drink more often and requires more affection.

By the end of the first month – the beginning of the second, more obvious external signs of the bitch’s pregnancy :

closer to the 30th day, the mammary glands begin to enlarge, the growth of the abdomen is already more noticeable;
the dog quickly gains weight after the 33rd day;
after the 38th day (at the 6th week of pregnancy) you can feel the fetuses in the uterus. At this time, using an x-ray, it is determined how many puppies the bitch is carrying;
at the 9th week of pregnancy, the dog’s stomach drops, vaginal discharge appears, and abundant colostrum appears (this may threaten the development of mastitis);
Milk appears in dogs that have given birth 7–10 days before the day of expected birth, and in primiparous shepherd dogs immediately before whelping or right during the process.

ATTENTION! Any disturbances in the normal course of pregnancy are a reason to urgently consult a veterinarian.
Deviations manifest themselves in the form of depressed behavior, lack of appetite, shortness of breath, bloody vaginal discharge, and tightness of the mammary glands.

What does a pregnant shepherd look like?

In the second half of pregnancy (from the 5th week), the signs become obvious even to novice dog breeders.

Enlarged belly

A pregnant German Shepherd Bitch
may simply look fatter, but with a multiple pregnancy at the end of the term, the dog’s figure becomes pear-shaped: the swollen belly drops.

The mammary glands enlarge and change color.

Enlargement of the mammary glands
The nipples may swell as early as the fifth week, and the skin on them becomes darker. By week 7, the fur falls out around them. Sometimes the bitch facilitates this process by carefully licking her belly. A few days before birth, milk appears in the glands, sometimes it spontaneously drips out of them.

False pregnancy

False whelping most often occurs in dogs that are bred rarely and not regularly.
This is a condition when an unmated bitch begins to behave like she is pregnant. False pregnancy can be identified by the following signs :

the shepherd sets up a den for its offspring and aggressively protects it;
the dog becomes nervous and excited;
may lose appetite and show indifference to games and walks;
tinkers with soft toys and things, mistaking them for puppies;
The bitch's nipples swell, milk appears, and her belly enlarges.

How long do pregnant German Shepherds walk if there was no pregnancy? After two weeks, the German Shepherd’s condition should return to normal, but if not, it is better to contact a specialist.

Diagnosis, signs of pregnancy

Miniature Shepherd (German mini dog)

During the first half of pregnancy, the dog does not change in appearance. The pet's behavior may change slightly; it becomes lethargic, tries to be alone, and is not happy about long walks. It is difficult to visually determine fertilization in an animal. You need to take your dog to a veterinary clinic, where they will conduct a blood test for the hormone, which will show whether pregnancy has occurred.

What does a pregnant shepherd look like?

In the first 3-4 weeks of an interesting situation, the animal may become drowsy and require more food and water. In the second month, the expectant mother is actively gaining weight, her sides are rounded, and her belly sags. The female becomes slower and shows more affection.

Caring for a pregnant bitch

During this special period, the owner of a puppy German Shepherd needs to show his pet maximum care, love and attention. Stress and stress are harmful to the expectant mother, but she needs special nutrition and frequent walks.

If you are the happy owner of a unique dog - a dwarf or Chinese shepherd, then you should definitely check with your veterinarian about the specifics of care. doctor

Walk

During pregnancy, it is beneficial for your dog to spend more time in the fresh air. Walks can be long, but the owner needs to observe the behavior of the shepherd and not overtire him.

For walking, choose quiet places, walk at a leisurely, measured pace.

Starting from the 7th week of pregnancy, the bitch should be taken outside more often. The growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder and intestines, causing the desire to have a bowel movement. German Shepherd pregnancy, which can vary in length, can bring many surprises into your life at the end of the term, including even night walks .

Nutrition

During this period, the dog requires food high in protein - eggs, cottage cheese, meat, liver, fish. Give your pet grated vegetables mixed with herbs, seasoning the food with vegetable oil. Limit soups and cereals.

The puppy dog needs to be given special supplements so that she receives calcium, which is intensively consumed by the body during pregnancy.

The transition to eating 3 times a day should be done starting from the 4th week of pregnancy. 4 meals a day are introduced in the 7th week, food portions should be small.

About a week before giving birth, they stop feeding the dog meat, giving it cottage cheese and fish instead. This is necessary to prevent eclampsia (there is a form of toxicosis - in the form of seizures).

Physical exercise

By the middle of pregnancy, the bitch limits herself to sudden movements, jumping and running. But the owner also must not let down his guard, so as not to harm the health of the dog and puppies. How long does a pregnant German Shepherd dog walk? It is impossible to say exactly how long a pregnant German Shepherd dog walks a day; it all depends on the physical fitness of the pet.

Until the end of the 3rd week, physical activity can still be at the usual level. But, starting from the 4th week, you should limit games and exercises. Excessive mobility can harm the development of puppies .

In the second half of pregnancy, monitor your shepherd’s exercise, they should be gentle.

How to care for a pregnant shepherd

Owners should begin planning for pregnancy long before its onset. While the dog is carrying puppies, the use of any medications is highly undesirable. All chronic diseases, if any, must be treated to stable remission in advance. Necessary:

get preventive vaccinations at least a month in advance;
give a broad-spectrum anthelmintic a week before mating;
in the warm season: select flea and tick medications approved for use by pregnant animals (Bravecto tablets, collars and drops based on essential oils).

After mating, the dog is considered pregnant, and although there is no need to change food or exercise in the first month, it is necessary to handle the bitch as carefully as possible.

When playing with a pregnant shepherd, you should ensure that the dog does not injure itself.

Nutrition

It is very important to feed your German Shepherd properly during pregnancy. During this period, the bitch's body weight increases by 10-25%. In addition to fruit growth, nutrients for future lactation (proteins, minerals) are deposited. In the second half of pregnancy, the diet should be 1.5-2 times higher in calories than usual.

When eating at home, it is important to follow a number of rules:

do not allow feeding of expired, low-quality products;
meat, offal, fish are thoroughly boiled;
exclude bulky foods (“empty” cereals, soups);
Do not give foods that cause bloating (brown bread, potatoes, peas).

To compose the shepherd's diet, they use lean meat, offal, cottage cheese and cereals (rice, buckwheat), boiled vegetables (pumpkin, zucchini, carrots). With this type of nutrition, vitamin and mineral supplements must be used.

If your pet is kept on commercial food, in the second half of pregnancy and during lactation they use a diet for puppies up to two months of age (Royal Canin Maxi Starter Mother&Babydog and others). It is better if the food is from the same brand that was fed previously; the transition to a new diet is carried out within a week.

From the 3rd week of pregnancy the bitch is fed three times a day, and from the 7th week - 4 times a day. Frequent meals in small portions eliminate unnecessary pressure on the uterine horns. Water is given to drink ad libitum; pregnant females usually experience increased thirst.

During pregnancy, a German Shepherd requires an increased diet

Exercise

The fact that a dog is carrying puppies is not a reason to refuse walks. In the first month, the dog can lead a normal life. Further walks should be long, but calm. The puppy bitch is not allowed to take barriers, jump, or play with other dogs. In the summer, overheating is very dangerous, so they walk in the early morning and evening, in the shade.

A high level of activity allows your dog to maintain muscle mass and not gain weight. Obesity greatly complicates labor, contractions will be weak, and oxytocin may be needed.

Timely help

Any, even the most minor, wounds received during a walk should be washed with antiseptics until complete healing. In case of purulent inflammation, antibiotics are used, and this is extremely undesirable during pregnancy.

In case of any ailment (vomiting, diarrhea, etc.), you need to see a doctor as soon as possible in order to stop the disease at its onset.

Dog behavior before giving birth

On the eve of giving birth, the bitch behaves restlessly:

She whines, looks for secluded dark places, and can tear her bedding with her claws.
Often the dog follows the owner's heels.
The shepherd's appetite may completely disappear, but some expectant mothers eat as before, right up to the start of whelping.
The onset of contractions causes pain, the dog trembles, and breathing becomes heavy. The harbinger of contractions is the release of mucus from the loop.

When such signs appear, the bitch should be taken to a pre-prepared place for childbirth.

Physical indicators

Be prepared for the fact that due to pregnancy, your shepherd's usual signs will change dramatically - she may vomit. The shepherd may also refuse to eat. If you notice strange discharge, contact your veterinarian immediately.

First – fourth week

In the first month, you don’t have to change the shepherd’s normal routine, as long as there are no significant signs of pregnancy, with the exception of possible lethargy and a constant feeling of thirst. Continue to spend as much time walking as you did before pregnancy. The diet also remains unchanged.

Due to changes in the body, the shepherd becomes vulnerable to various infections - protect your dog from communicating with sick animals. During pregnancy, avoid treating your dog's fur with toxic substances due to the increased reaction of the fetus to them.

Changes in diet

If your pet is overweight, remove bread and cereals from the diet. Their absence can be easily replaced by greens and vegetables.

Continue to feed your dog twice a day. Among the products, give preference to raw meat, boiled liver, cottage cheese, and porridge cooked in milk. It is best to grate vegetables and mix them with finely chopped herbs and vegetable oil.

Add minerals to your shepherd's diet, which are found in cartilage, chicken breasts, heads and wings.

It is necessary to know how much calcium and phosphorus a dog needs in the first month of pregnancy. For one kilogram of a dog’s weight there should be forty grams of calcium and thirty grams of phosphorus. If there is a shortage of these substances, add them to your diet in special tablets and powders.

Consult your veterinarian about how much and in what quantities to give your shepherd vitamins A, D1, D3, and tetravit.

Fourth – sixth week

At this stage of pregnancy, you can already show your dog to the veterinarian, he will determine how many puppies are in the womb.

Increase food intake – At this stage, your German Shepherd should be fed three times a day. Try to give your dog meat, cottage cheese, and fish.

To ensure puppies develop properly, feed your dog liquid milk porridges and soups. Double your mineral supplements by the end of the second month.

Sixth – seventh week

It is worth reducing the number of walks, as the shepherd dog gets very tired while walking. Avoid active physical activity.

Add bone meal to your diet - two tablespoons per day will be enough. Be careful - you cannot feed the dog. This will complicate future births.

Seventh – eighth week

By the end of the seventh week, the fetuses in the womb begin to move. It is necessary to prepare the future place for birth in advance so that the dog can get used to it and not give birth in an unsuitable place. Make sure that the birthing area is in a warm place, without drafts. Prepare newspapers for convenience - they absorb excess liquid and odor well.

At this time, you need to divide the diet into four doses. Do not feed bones or tendons to avoid constipation in your dog. If you cannot avoid this unpleasant situation, you need to give your shepherd a natural laxative in the form of orange juice.

In the second half of pregnancy, the belly begins to droop, which is why the appearance of the shepherd dog changes greatly. While walking, she begins to get tired quickly and eats poorly. Limit your walking time. For a quiet, short walk, choose quiet places where there is no pond, since the shepherd dog is strictly prohibited from swimming in it.

Start introducing calcined cottage cheese into your dog’s diet.

Eighth – ninth week

At this time, it is necessary to replace meat with boiled fish to prevent the development of toxicosis. Monitor the behavior of the shepherd - walk as much as he asks, as puppies begin to put pressure on the bladder. If necessary, get up even at night.

Before birth

The first signs before giving birth in a dog are swelling of the nipples and the appearance of milk. The large belly drops, the appetite either disappears completely, or the shepherd eats selectively. The dog sleeps very soundly, and when you wake up, it begins to follow you.

The day before giving birth, the shepherd completely refuses to eat, begins to whine and behaves extremely excitably.

The temperature twelve hours before birth drops by two degrees, whereas usually it should be 38.5 degrees.

The closer the birth is, the more fussy the dog walks. May begin to look for a place for future delivery, breathing heavily. At the first sign, take your pet to a place that has not been prepared in advance.

What should the owner do before giving birth?

Giving birth to a German Shepherd at home is quite acceptable and even encouraged, since the owner can also deliver a German Shepherd with the correct instructions from a specialist.

The shepherd owner needs to prepare a whole kit that will be useful during obstetrics, including:

oilcloths, diapers and sterile napkins;
thermometer;
scissors, tweezers;
syringes, cotton wool, disinfectant solutions, medicines;
string (to tie the umbilical cord), scales, puppy box and heating pad;
multi-colored woolen threads (to mark puppies);
notebook with pen.

All this is placed on a table near the delivery box. The owner needs to constantly monitor his pet so as not to miss the beginning of the birth process. And don’t forget that the shepherd can hide in secluded, narrow places, so keep a close eye on him and close cabinet doors and doors to other rooms.

Preparing for childbirth

According to all physiological standards, labor in a German Shepherd will begin only 60–65 days after mating.

But both the owner and the four-legged pet must prepare for this moment.

First of all, the owner will need:

- pay special attention to the dog’s diet (it is advisable not to change the menu immediately, but gradually increase the amount of foods containing vitamins A, B, D and E, as well as calcium; these include pure beef or lamb, chicken eggs, cottage cheese, you can give even Dutch cheese in small portions);

— provide the animal with access to fresh water (during pregnancy, the shepherd dog must drink a lot in order to produce the so-called amniotic fluid that fills the fetal bladder);

- walk your pet more often (both a woman during pregnancy and a dog during whelping have problems with the frequency of urination due to pressure on the bladder of the uterus with puppies);

- in no case should you overload the dog physically (firstly, it is already difficult for her to move as the fetuses develop, secondly, it is not advisable for future puppies to be subjected to significant fluctuations while the bitch is running, thirdly, it is strictly forbidden to give a puppy dog command “barrier” and take the stairs home, if there is an elevator, to avoid blows to the stomach, which can lead to abortion);

— don’t be lazy and bring your bitch to the veterinarian for regular checkups (he will palpate and listen to the babies’ heartbeat);

- build a den for the dog in advance so that it does not look for somewhere to settle down (experienced breeders make it in the form of a wooden playpen, which can then be easily disinfected, disassembled and washed);

— inside the “house” it is necessary to provide warmth, but at the same time the floor or linoleum must remain uncovered so that it can be easily wiped and disinfected;

— agree with the veterinarian to be present at the birth (the fact is that German shepherds are prone to weak labor, and in this case the help of a specialist will be needed).

Setting up a place for childbirth

You should prepare the birthing area in advance so that you have time to accustom your dog to it.
The room where the bitch will whelp should be warm (+28), and there should be no drafts . It will be convenient for a bitch to give birth to puppies in a large box, wooden box or collapsible playpen. The height of the walls should be such that older puppies cannot crawl out of the shelter through them.

Prepare bedding (blankets, mattresses), which will need to be changed periodically.

In winter, if the room is cool, the whelping area is equipped with an additional source of body. If the dog lives in its own enclosure, then it is worth moving it into the house.

Born puppies are placed in a separate box, the bottom is covered with sterile bedding. The walls of this nest for newborns should not be high so that the mother can see the children. How many puppies a German Shepherd bears is written below.

How to determine that childbirth is near?

When a German Shepherd is nearing the end of her pregnancy, there are clear signs that the event is approaching :

The dog's temperature drops by an average of one and a half degrees.
The behavior becomes restless - the bitch begins to fuss and ask for help from the owner.
Breathing is rapid, the dog is either cold or hot, the heart rate is increased, the pupils are dilated.
Mucus is released from the loop.
The bitch arches her back, squats - the contractions are approaching.

And when a woman in labor lies down and pushes, it means that labor has already begun.

How to prepare for childbirth

When your German Shepherd dog's pregnancy is coming to an end, it's time to create the necessary conditions for a successful birth of your pet. It is very important not only to monitor the health condition, but also to ensure that the dog gives birth in a favorable environment. You need to take a quiet and peaceful corner in your apartment or private house, where you are going to arrange a “seat” for the future woman in labor. It is recommended to transfer the dog here about a week before giving birth. Remember: even after newborn puppies are born, the bitch should not be disturbed, and she herself should not move to another place for the next two weeks. You should not delay the arrangement of such a corner until the last few days.

Related article: Genetics and groups of the long-haired German Shepherd

In this case, your four-legged friend may be very worried about the sudden change of housing, which will not have the most favorable effect on the condition of future puppies. It is also advisable to build a structure similar to a box. The material you use in the process should be easy to clean. Try to choose a coating that will not absorb the strong odors of the disinfectant. It is also important to place an oilcloth on the bottom of the box before the birth begins.

You can cover it with some kind of material (you need to throw it away later). Remember that the first-time German Shepherd is sensitive to the slightest stress and change. Remember to keep the room where your mother is in labor clean and dry. There should be no drafts in the room, otherwise you risk catching a cold in your dog at such a crucial moment.

How is childbirth?

The first stage of the labor process is contractions, which can last from several hours to a day. When the cervix opens, the bitch begins to push. With frequent pushing, the fetus moves out through the birth canal.

Then the process of the puppies exiting begins - pelvis or head first. The mother must rupture the amniotic sac, gnaw the umbilical cord and lick the baby to stimulate breathing and circulation.

The bitch eats the afterbirth that came out after the puppy. It contains many substances that are beneficial for dogs. But eating more than two afterbirths is harmful , you need to watch this. Otherwise, the shepherd may have indigestion.

Features of pregnancy in a dog

Pregnancy and childbirth in dogs, duration and characteristics, depend on the breed and size of the dog. Large dogs often produce fewer puppies, while small dogs tend to have more puppies in their litters. Litter size can vary from one to fifteen puppies. Puppies can be quite large - this will complicate the birth process and require more strength from the woman in labor and constant attention from the owner.

The owner or breeder must be present at the birth and help accept the puppies. This is the only way he can have a beneficial influence on the course of events. Even weak puppies survive if the birthing process was successful, and active assistance was provided to the babies and mother and proper care was provided. In unfavorable conditions, if the owner is inattentive, negligence is allowed in relation to the mother in labor, and there is a high probability of death of both the mother and the offspring.

The gestation period in dogs, the number of puppies in the litter, and the course of labor may vary depending on the size, breed, and individual characteristics of the animal. Throughout pregnancy, the dog needs careful treatment. The dog should not be picked up or disturbed, often trying to feel the fruits; active walks, jogging and jumping should be limited.

Regardless of how long pregnancy in dogs lasts, throughout the entire period the dog should receive a balanced diet, with the addition of vitamins and mineral supplements. Experts recommend reducing the amount of protein foods 10 days before the expected birth, and in the last week giving up protein altogether. The veterinarian observing the dog must select a suitable diet for the expectant mother - the selection of the diet takes into account the general physiological state of the animal.

How to give birth?

A bitch who has already given birth usually manages to produce offspring herself. The presence of the owner nearby has a calming effect on her.

But an inexperienced woman in labor often needs help. Obstetric care will be needed and, if any difficulties arise:

Hands should be treated with a disinfectant solution and be ready to help the puppy go out into the world.
If the birth canal is dry, moisten it with Vaseline (sterile). The drug is administered with a syringe or catheter.
A tired dog during childbirth is given a little broth or tea with milk and sugar.
In between puppies, the bitch may need to empty her bladder and bowels. She needs to be taken outside. Don't forget to take a diaper - another puppy can be born at any moment. How many puppies does a German Shepherd give birth to, see in another section.

What to feed?

A pregnant dog's weight increases by 10-25%. At the same time, in addition to the fruits, nutrients are deposited for the mother herself during the lactation period. Therefore, her diet, starting from the second half of pregnancy, should be 1.5-2 times higher in calories than usual.

It is also important to follow a number of recommendations:

Do not feed your dog expired or low-quality products.
Cook the meat thoroughly.
Do not give food that causes bloating - brown bread, legumes, potatoes.

The diet of a pregnant dog includes foods high in protein - lean meat, cottage cheese, as well as cereals (buckwheat, rice), boiled vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, zucchini). Be sure to add vitamin and mineral supplements.

If the pet is kept on ready-made industrial food, then from the second half of pregnancy and throughout lactation, puppy food is used for up to two months.

From the fourth week of pregnancy, the female is transferred to 3 meals a day, from the seventh - to 4 meals a day, in small portions. A week before giving birth, the dog is not given meat, replacing it with fish and cottage cheese. This is necessary to prevent eclampsia - a special form of toxicosis in the form of seizures.

Helping puppies during birth

It happens that the fetus comes out with difficulty, then it needs to be carefully pulled out. Pull the baby by the exposed parts of the body, grabbing them with a sterile napkin. Do this by adjusting to the rhythm of your contractions.

If the mother herself cannot treat the newborn, she should:

free it from the amniotic sac,
cut the umbilical cord 2 cm from the tummy;
Use sterile gauze to remove mucus from the puppy’s mouth and nose;
let the mother lick the baby;
if the puppy does not squeak and is breathing with difficulty, he is shaken sharply;
As soon as the newborn makes squealing sounds, it is applied to the mother's nipple.

After feeding, all born puppies are placed in a prepared box with bedding and a heating pad. The babies are applied to the mother's nipple one by one. Everyone should get their portion of colostrum to strengthen their immune system.

Immediately after birth, the color of the puppy cannot be determined. You can read more about the types of colors in the article.

How long does it last

Shepherd puppies carry puppies for about two months, all this time it is correct to pay a lot of attention to her and carefully look after her. The period may extend or end several days earlier. This depends on health, body characteristics and the time difference between mating and ovulation.

If the period has already increased by more than a week, you need to urgently contact a veterinarian, otherwise the babies may die in the womb.

Sometimes four-legged animals have an imaginary pregnancy; it happens in unfertilized females a couple of months after mating with a male.

Signs include enlarged mammary glands, the appearance of milk, and nervous behavior. She may refuse food and begin to look for a place to give birth. In this case, it is best to consult a doctor, he will prescribe medications and tell you how to take them. Now the dog is stressed and needs help to cope with it.

Remove dairy products from the menu and offer her as little water as possible, walk her more, put on a muzzle if she drinks milk on her own. If there is a lot of it, you need to bandage the chest with a bandage. Try to get your pet to run and jump more.

How does a dog behave immediately after giving birth?

A female who has just given birth has a strong maternal instinct and is protective of her litter.
She is afraid to leave the kids alone, so walks should be short. In addition, your dog is weakened by childbirth and needs rest. It is normal for the mother to feed the offspring and lick the puppies. She should behave calmly and not drag the children to other places. Pay attention to how much the German Shepherd carries puppies from corner to corner. If she does not calm down, then arrange another place for the dog, otherwise such movements may pose a threat to the health of the puppies.

But some shepherd dogs are characterized by postpartum titania. Its symptoms are:

the dog behaves nervously, it is frightened by something;
sometimes he lies down, sometimes he gets up, he leaves the puppies;
The bitch's breathing is rapid, saliva is released from the mouth;
convulsions and trembling in the muscles begin;
the dog does not eat.

In this case, urgent assistance from a specialist . While waiting for the doctor, give the shepherd dog Valocordin, cover it warmly, and apply a heating pad to its paws.

Diagnosis of pregnancy

As a rule, when approximately 1.5 months have elapsed from the beginning of the shepherd's pregnancy, the dog breeder finally notices external changes with the naked eye. The bitch's tummy begins to round and her sides appear. Another key factor indicating that your pet is pregnant is hardening of the nipples. But to know for sure how long a dog bears puppies, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. In this case, you will be sure that the pregnancy is not imaginary.

Related article: How to choose the right healthy German Shepherd puppy

How many puppies does a German Shepherd have?

Much depends on how long the dog is pregnant; German Shepherd puppies can range from 1 to 12. For the dog itself, it is better if the number of puppies does not exceed 10. Otherwise, it is difficult to feed them. How many puppies can a German Shepherd give birth to? Answer: up to 14, but this is extremely rare.

On average, a female of this breed gives birth to 7 to 8 babies. A first-time dog may have fewer children. But in general, the number of offspring depends on heredity and the individual characteristics of the shepherd’s body.

In order for your pet to give you healthy and strong puppies, you should breed her no more than once a year.

At what age does it begin?

Pregnancy in German Shepherds is possible during puberty. This age occurs quite late in representatives of large breeds. The female takes up to 15 months to develop; early pregnancy will harm both the mother and the puppies.

Cynologists recommend that the first mating be carried out during the third estrus at the age of 1.5-2 years. The reproductive period lasts until the German Shepherd is 4-6 years old. No matter how many pregnancies a female endures, this is a heavy burden on her body, so breeders try not to breed a pet more than once a year so that her health can be restored. But even with such frequency, internal reserves are depleted, so breeding females over the age of 8 years is not recommended.

How many puppies can German Shepherd dogs have during pregnancy? In each litter, 6-7 babies are born, some females have 10-12 or even 15. In primiparous women, the litter is usually not numerous.