How many days do pregnant French bulldogs walk?

Giving birth to a French bulldog is not a simple process that requires the presence of a specialist or the dog’s owner. Nature has awarded dogs the ability to give birth on their own, but the French are an unusual breed, with numerous features, requiring increased attention to their person.

Growing up and maturing

A dog is considered an adult at the age of 15 months. Puberty, of course, begins much earlier. The first heat in females occurs at 6-9 months of age, males mature later at 10-12 months.

Estrus begins at the moment when bloody discharge begins to appear from the genital organs (loop). The loop increases in size, and the pet’s mood and behavior changes.

Physically, the pet is ready for offspring at the age of 2 years. Childbirth is not always easy; a caesarean section is often performed.

French bulldog mating, pregnancy, childbirth

How is pregnancy in French bulldogs? When does heat start and can dogs be bred? Stages of pregnancy, birth process and feeding period of puppies. Caring for your pet during this time.

French bulldogs have a special body structure. They are very different from their wild ancestors, so pregnancy and childbirth are often accompanied by problems. A short nose, a narrow pelvis and a long back relative to the whole body are the reasons for this phenomenon.

A bulldog in its normal state weighs 12-15 kg. Bitches can be smaller, but they must be harmonious; excess weight is not welcome in the breed. However, there is a layer of fat on the stomach.

The limbs are muscular and strong so that the dog can move freely and easily. The head is large, with round, dark-colored eyes and a black nose. French Bulldogs must have a complete set of teeth, while an underbite is considered the breed's overbite.

All about French Bulldog pregnancy

To ensure that the puppies have documents of origin, two parents are bred with pedigrees and diplomas from exhibitions. More detailed information is available in the breeding regulations of canine organizations. Documents of origin are a guarantee of the purebred dog.

Estrus and mating

French bulldogs are finally formed at 1.5-2 years. Before this age, mating is not recommended. Pregnancy occurs on certain days of estrus, which lasts approximately 21 days. On average, favorable days for mating (hunting) are 12-13 days.

French bulldogs can begin their first heat cycle between the ages of 8 and 13 months, but there are exceptions. A later onset indicates the need to contact a veterinary clinic. Estrus in adult dogs occurs 2-3 times a year, the interval between them is 4-6 months. Some dogs leak once every 12 months,

This is also considered a variant of the norm. The main thing is that the heat be regular and at certain intervals.

Important: In a pack of dogs, bitches can adapt to each other. Then estrus often begins simultaneously in several individuals.

The hunting phase is recognized by:

Swollen loop;
Bloody discharge;
The dog moves its tail when you press your hand on the croup;
Behavior changes.

These days the bitch may become overly affectionate, mount other dogs, or, conversely, be aggressive and not let anyone near her. On days 12-13 she is matched with a suitable male.

Mating is considered successful if there is a lock. It is advisable to repeat it after 2-3 days to increase the chances of fertilization.

There are special test strips and studies in veterinary laboratories to identify favorable days for mating. They show progesterone levels.

Pregnancy

After mating, fertilization does not always occur on the first day, but the period is still calculated from it. Pregnancy for French Bulldogs lasts approximately 65 days. Already from the 58th day, puppies are considered full-term. Childbirth ahead of schedule occurs for various reasons:

Infections;
Multiple births;
Injury;
Stress;
Hormonal disbalance.

The first half of pregnancy practically does not change the dog’s condition. An increased appetite appears, but there are cases of short-term toxicosis. At this point, the French Bulldog gains weight and rests a little more.

In the second half, the belly appears, gradually increasing in size. The pet sleeps more and more often and eats more. 2 weeks before birth, the nipples swell and the udder enlarges.

Childbirth and feeding

Most French Bulldogs become restless a couple of days before giving birth. Immediately before the process itself, the stomach drops. There is a jump in temperature to about 36 degrees, and before birth it rises again. It will be measured rectally.

If the bitch refuses to eat and behaves extremely restlessly, spinning around, looking for a secluded place, the process has begun. French bulldogs must be accompanied by an experienced veterinarian during childbirth. It is better to take your pet to a clinic with suitable equipment.

Puppies follow each other with an interval of 15 minutes to 2 hours. If the litter is multiple, then there are longer breaks. During childbirth, the dog needs movement in the form of calm walking.

The process lasts from 2-3 hours to a day; longer periods require the intervention of specialists. On average, a French bulldog gives birth to 4-6 puppies, but it is not uncommon for there to be 2 or much more.

Important: French bulldogs are in most cases unable to give birth on their own. A caesarean section is required due to a narrow pelvis. After anesthesia, the dog comes to its senses and is ready to care for the puppies for several days.

Feeding

Puppies are born around 200 grams. A large number of puppies reduces the average weight of the litter, but after a few days they catch up with the norm.

In the first days, the mother secretes colostrum from her nipples - fatty and nutritious. The arrival of milk is accompanied by a slightly unpleasant sensation. It is important that puppies latch onto all nipples.

The dog's udder is periodically washed with a damp cloth and cleaned. Puppies have their nails trimmed on day 6 to prevent injury. If there are a lot of them, then you need to feed them with bitch milk substitutes or special cocktails and a heating pad.

Care and feeding during pregnancy

The first month for French bulldogs is a period of full activity. However, it is worth limiting your pet from jumping. Food is given twice a day, walking is increased to 2 hours. You should avoid washing and painful procedures to prevent your dog from catching a cold or stress.

The second half of pregnancy requires a different approach to the care and maintenance of a French bulldog. Walks become calm, the dog is walked mainly on a leash. Active games with relatives are excluded. They walk more often at this time, since the need for elimination is greater. Enough 3-4 times a day for 20 minutes.

In the same month, feeding is reviewed. Increase the amount of meat in the diet and add vitamins. Dry food should be suitable for pregnant and lactating small breed bitches.

Then vitamins and microelements are given only as prescribed by a veterinarian. The diet is kept the same throughout pregnancy and the period of feeding the litter.

Important: Calcium in the second half of pregnancy can be harmful.

2-3 weeks before birth, a place is set up for the mother and puppies. The lounger is made of wooden planks or other suitable material. The room where the birth will take place and the puppies will be kept should not be hot or cold.

The optimal temperature in the presence of bedding is about 20 degrees. Do not place a dog with droppings near heating radiators or damp corners.

Blankets and mattresses are not used for the lounger. During childbirth, bitches begin to actively dig and move, which can cause harm to newborn puppies. It is better to use disposable diapers and thin cotton sheets, which are changed when dirty.

Source: https://nadosobaku.ru/dekorativnaya/francuzskij_buldog/beremennost

Preparation and mating

Estrus is a natural process in the animal’s body; it is necessary to record the day the estrus begins and ends. To do this, it is better to keep a calendar, then you will know exactly what date to schedule the mating.

The interval between heats is 6-7 months. Mating should be carried out at intervals of a day. Never untie very young females or males.

It is recommended to worm the animals in a timely manner before mating begins. Usually the girl comes to the dog’s home, give them time to get to know each other, if the dog doesn’t succeed, then you can direct his actions yourself, help hold the bitch for greater comfort.

If the girl does not allow the male dog to approach, put on a muzzle and hold her while the dog tries. The mating is over when the dogs stand in the lock. You cannot separate them at this moment; they will disengage after a short time.

Selection of a male

It is important for novice owners to properly understand the selection and mating process. This is necessary to avoid marriage in the litter and remove all the shortcomings of the parents. First, understand all the intricacies, talk with other breeders, contact a nursery or club - they will definitely give you advice.

Don’t go to shows, introduce your pet, learn to really understand the breed. Never breed - “for health”, if you plan to seriously engage in breeding, only correct and calculated matings can produce good offspring.

Pregnancy

1-4 days. Fertilization has occurred, pregnancy does not appear in the first 2 weeks, no special regime or care is required, just watch the pet. The behavior may not even change.

5-15 days. During this period, it is not recommended to carry out any vaccinations or flea and tick treatments; it is important to monitor the mother’s condition. Avoid very cold weather, drafts, and do not change your usual routine. Avoid stressing your pet and taking long trips.

16-30 day. Behavior may change significantly. She will refuse food, will be lethargic, and sleep a lot. Feed as often as possible, but reduce portions. The bulldog will have a dislike for other animals. She will become less sociable and more careful. On day 30 it is possible to determine the number of litters.

31-42 days. Appetite appears, the tummy increases in volume, and lethargy appears. If the Frenchie is on food feeding, then you need to switch to food for pregnant bitches. Don't overfeed.

43-50 days. The belly rapidly grows in size, during this period movement is detected, the pet is calm.

50-62 days. Shows alertness, begins to look for a place and hide. She is not inclined to communicate with other animals and prefers to rest more. The movement is felt as much as possible; one might say that the stomach is shaking. The nipples are swollen, milk may drip, and appetite decreases.

62-65 days. The belly drops as low as possible, the back sag noticeably, the pet is preparing for the birth process. Behavior changes significantly. The loop noticeably increases in size.

Immediately before labor, the French woman needs to be prepared, her nails trimmed, her belly and loop washed.

Mating and birth of French bulldogs

Owners of French bulldog bitches will have to deal with estrus, pregnancy and childbirth in their pet.

But owners of male dogs also need to know the necessary information about the puberty of dogs in order to be prepared for a change in behavior in the animal.

In this article we will tell you everything about puberty in French bulldogs, when and how they can be bred, how to care for a dog during pregnancy, how to prepare for childbirth and how to properly deliver it.

Puberty

Full formation of the body in female French bulldogs ends at eighteen to twenty-four months, in males - closer to one and a half years. Despite this, puberty in dogs of this breed begins much earlier:

in bitches - at six to eight months;
in males - at ten to twelve months.

Upon reaching this age, dogs' behavior changes sharply, and usually calm animals begin to pay attention to the opposite sex, mark their territory, and run away from their owner in search of a partner. Until the French Bulldog's body has fully developed, early matings, especially accidental ones, should not be allowed.

Owners of bitches will have to be especially vigilant, since mating too early and subsequent pregnancy and childbirth can undermine the health of the pet. The male dog also needs to be monitored. If it comes undone before the allotted time, the dog’s behavior can deteriorate dramatically. The male will get out of your control every time he senses the female is in heat.

Puberty in French bulldog bitches is accompanied by estrus, which repeats every six months. Mainly in spring and autumn. During the period of heat, the bitch becomes either lethargic and sleepy, or playful and excitable.

In addition to changing behavior, the dog also changes in appearance. The animal's genitals begin to swell and increase in size, and discharge appears in the form of bloody mucus of varying consistency.

The nipples may become enlarged and drops of milk may appear.

The owner of a French bulldog bitch needs to keep a calendar where the beginning and end of each heat must be recorded. Basically, estrus lasts twenty-one days and consists of several periods:

proestrus: lasts ten days, all signs of estrus are present, but the bitch is not yet ready for mating;
estrus: the dog’s body is ready for fertilization, she allows male dogs to approach her;
metaestrus: lasts ten days, discharge stops, all processes are restored, behavior stabilizes, the bitch is no longer interested in males;
anestrus: a period of rest, lasting a maximum of one hundred and fifty days, until the next estrus.

Entries in the calendar will help you determine the optimal day for mating. Also, the owner of the bitch will be able to track how long the process lasts and the interval between heats. For any deviations, you must contact a veterinarian for a timely examination and possible treatment.

Preparing for fertilization

In order for mating to be successful, it is necessary to prepare the dogs in advance, the place for mating and choose the optimal time. Usually mating is carried out on the tenth to fourteenth day after the start of the bitch's heat.

Only healthy animals are suitable for mating.

To prevent pregnancy from causing inconvenience or any complications, the French Bulldog bitch should not be too thin or fat, and her diet should have enough vitamins and mineral supplements. The male dog should also not have any health problems. If he has been ill, you need to wait a couple of weeks so that the animal’s body can recover.

The owners of both dogs need to visit a veterinarian to have the animals examined. After examination and tests, the doctor must issue a certificate of health of the French bulldogs.

In addition to a certificate and a medical passport with notes on vaccinations and dewormings, it is necessary to present other official documents: pedigrees, diplomas with exhibition grades, certificates of admission to breeding.

Also, owners of future partners need to agree in advance on the time and place of mating, as well as the method of payment.

Dogs are dewormed a month before mating, and routine vaccinations are given two to three weeks before breeding. Before starting the process, you need to take your French bulldogs out for a long walk. You cannot feed your pets immediately before mating. This must be done either a few hours before or after.

Mating is best done in the dog's territory, where he can concentrate on the process. If this is not the partners’ first experience, then you can arrange a free mating. In this case, the dogs are given the opportunity to get to know each other, sniff each other, groom each other and begin the mating process on their own.

If this is the first time for some dog or the bitch reacted aggressively towards the male, then you will have to carry out manual mating, helping the partners. The owner of the bitch must put a muzzle on the pet, hold it by the collar during the entire process and calm it down.

The owner of the male dog must help him mount, trying to guide the animal in the right direction. You need to act carefully; you must not touch the male’s genitals, otherwise he may refuse to breed.

If the male mounts and, after several intense thrusts, freezes, it means that ejaculation has occurred.

After this, the partners bond (lock) due to a rush of blood to the genitals of both dogs. This process can last from a few minutes to an hour.

It is impossible to forcibly separate French bulldogs from each other; you must wait until they separate on their own.

To fully guarantee fertilization, you can repeat the mating after a couple of days. The owner of the bitch needs to mark the breeding dates on a calendar to determine the approximate due date.

Two important months

Pregnancy for a French Bulldog bitch usually lasts two months, give or take a few days. In order for the dog owner to monitor the physical changes in his pet and provide the necessary care, let’s present a dog’s pregnancy calendar by day:

1-5 days . The female has become fertilized. During the first twenty to twenty-five days, pregnancy does not particularly manifest itself, so there is no need to change the animal’s regime and diet.

The pet needs daily walks, but without unnecessary physical activity. It is necessary to monitor weather conditions - you should not walk with a pregnant dog in hot or cold weather to avoid overheating or hypothermia.

5-14 days . During this period of pregnancy, the French Bulldog bitch should not be vaccinated or dewormed, nor should her fur be treated with chemicals, for example, against fleas or ticks.

You cannot irritate your dog with a sudden change in the daily routine; everything should remain unchanged. Any stressful situation can negatively affect pregnancy.

14-30 day. The dog may become lethargic, drowsy, and begin to suffer from toxicosis. At such moments she may refuse to eat. Therefore, the owner needs to reduce the amount of food, but give it as often as possible, fifty percent more than usual. The French Bulldog bitch needs complete rest, without any physical activity.

On the twenty-sixth day of pregnancy, an experienced veterinarian will be able to determine the number of fetuses by palpation.

30-40 days. Second half of pregnancy. The bitch's belly begins to noticeably increase in volume. The dog itself becomes calmer and has an appetite. During this period, you need to change the feeding diet. If the pet ate ready-made food, it must be switched to food for pregnant bitches.

When feeding natural foods, you need to give your French Bulldog bitch as much protein as possible: meat or fish. It is necessary to discuss with your veterinarian what vitamin and mineral supplements should be added to your pregnant dog’s food and in what dose. The owner will have to monitor the pet’s weight, because it cannot be overfed.

You can continue walking, but in places where there is no unnecessary fuss. The bitch should not be allowed to run or jump - no physical activity.

40-45 day. At this stage of pregnancy, you can easily feel the fetuses. The bitch's belly becomes quite large, the uterus occupies two thirds of the abdomen. The volume of proteins must be reduced.

45-50 day. The dog may become overly nervous and start looking for a place to give birth.

During this period, the owner needs to prepare the maternity ward in a place convenient for him. It should be at a height of at least fifteen centimeters from the floor.

The bitch needs to be introduced to the chosen place for childbirth in advance so that she gets used to it and does not give birth where she wants.

50-57 days. The movement of the fruit is clearly noticeable. A female French Bulldog may lose her appetite. A week before the expected birth, you need to completely remove proteins from your dog’s diet. The pet's nipples swell greatly and droplets of milk may appear.

During this period, it is necessary to agree in advance with the veterinarian about his possible visit. Also consult with your doctor about what items and medications may be needed for proper delivery.

57-72 days. After about four days, the stomach begins to slowly drop, and because of this, the back begins to sag. The bitch's genitals begin to increase in size.

Two or three days before giving birth, the French bulldog bitch's behavior begins to change dramatically. She becomes restless, may begin to follow the owner or hide in a corner, begins to whine and dig at the place where the birth will take place.

Before giving birth, the bitch must be prepared: trim the hair around the nipples and genitals. You also need to wash the dog with warm water and soap.

You can also wash off the soap with warm water with potassium permanganate powder dissolved in it (one teaspoon per liter of water).

The owner also needs to prepare in case his help is needed: cut his nails, prepare hand sanitizer.

Labor can begin any day. During this period, it is necessary to begin measuring the dog's temperature. A temperature of thirty-eight to thirty-nine degrees is considered normal.

Help needed

Ideally, a French Bulldog bitch should handle childbirth on her own. After the puppy is born, the dog gnaws its umbilical cord. Then he licks the baby, thereby stimulating his vital functions.

Each puppy must be weighed and all parameters (weight, time of birth, etc.) recorded in the birth calendar. To avoid confusing the babies, you can carefully tie silk threads of different colors around their necks.

Following each puppy, the placenta comes out. Usually the pet eats it to gain strength to continue childbirth. You should not allow your dog to eat more than two afterbirths, otherwise the gastrointestinal tract may malfunction.

Sometimes a dog does not have the strength or experience to give birth on its own. In this case, the owner will have to help his pet.

To do this, you need to carefully remove the puppy, free it from the natural shell, tearing it in the area of the baby's muzzle.

Then you need to cut the umbilical cord with a sterile instrument, retreating two centimeters, not forgetting to tie it with a disinfected silk thread.

After all the necessary actions, the puppy must be wiped with a clean cloth and placed in a separate box so that it does not interfere with the birth of its brothers. All these manipulations must be repeated with each puppy.

If the puppy was born without moving, then the owner will have to urgently clear his respiratory tract of mucus using a pipette. If after this the baby still does not show any signs of life, you need to give him artificial respiration and a stimulating massage.

We can consider that the birth is over if more than two and a half to three hours have passed since the birth of the last puppy. To restore the strength of your French bulldog bitch, you can give her warm tea with a small amount of milk or liquid fermented milk porridge. After about half an hour, you can take your pet for a walk to give her the opportunity to relieve her natural needs.

After all the actions, you need to place the puppies next to the bitch, if necessary, pushing them closer to her nipples so that they eat. In the room where the newborns will be with their mother, it is necessary to maintain a temperature of about twenty-eight degrees for the first two weeks. Then it can be reduced to twenty degrees.

For a week after giving birth, the dog should be fed low-fat kefir, cottage cheese or ready-made food for nursing dogs. If the bitch does not have milk, you need to contact a veterinarian who will prescribe medications to increase lactation.

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Care during pregnancy

Pregnancy and childbirth is a responsible process, which it is recommended to know as accurately as possible.

During this time, stick to your usual feeding schedule. It is only necessary to increase the amount of protein in the diet, give greens, it is better to eat more often, but reduce the amount of food or feed, do not overfeed the Frenchie. Requires vitamins B, D, A, as well as ascorbic acid.

Don’t forget about the correct routine, don’t overload, walk outside as always, play, but remember that mommy needs to take care of herself - don’t jump and it’s better to refrain from active games with large dogs.

The expectant mother may refuse foods that she previously ate with pleasure. The body itself regulates what it needs. If a French woman completely refuses to eat, wait a little, feeling unwell and refusing is a sign of slight toxicosis.

During this period, the bulldog itself will begin to be more careful and measured, the mood will change, irritation or even aggression towards other animals is possible, but this is normal - the bulldog is preparing for offspring and protecting itself.

It is necessary to prepare the place in advance and introduce the bulldog to it. It happens that the bitch chooses it herself, then prepare everything you need and immediately move the place there. It should be hidden from prying eyes, there should be no draft.

In recent weeks, it is recommended that a pregnant bitch be taken outside more often, not for activity and long walks, but to be able to quickly go to the toilet; she should not endure it for long.

If a French woman makes puddles on the floor a couple of times, you should not scold her - physiologically it is difficult for a bulldog to endure for a long time.

Puppy (pregnancy)

The duration of pregnancy is 60-66 days (average 9 weeks). But sometimes labor can begin on the 57th day, so you need to be prepared for this too. There are known cases of normal whelping on the 70th and 72nd days. Some of these cases are explained by an imaginary post-term pregnancy, due to a large time gap between mating and ovulation. For example, if a bitch was mated on the first day of hunting, and ovulation occurred only on the fourth, then fertilization will occur only after three days of egg maturation, that is, on the seventh day. As a result, with an actual gestation period of {63 days, the bitch whelps on the 70th day after mating.

1st-3rd week of pregnancy During the first 30 days after mating, the weight gain of the fetus is insignificant - only 10% of the weight of the newborn puppy, so the dog is kept in the usual regime of feeding, walking and work use.

But it must be remembered that it is during this intrauterine period that puppies are especially sensitive to chemical and infectious agents.

During this period, the dog should not be treated for parasites, medications should not be used (only in cases of extreme necessity), or contact with sick animals or household chemicals should be allowed.

If the dog is overweight, then the diet should be changed by reducing cereals and baked goods and increasing vegetables and herbs.

During the first month of pregnancy, the bitch's appearance and behavior remain normal, with the exception that some bitches experience a feeling of thirst and drowsiness a week after mating.

Diet: in the first month - a normal diet (2 times in the morning and in the evening). The diet should include: raw meat, a small amount of boiled liver, cottage cheese, milk porridge, grated vegetables (with the exception of raw cabbage, as it causes gas), finely chopped greens (nettle, parsley) with vegetable oil.

Two or three times a week it is useful to include a little boiled sea fish (without bones) in your diet, but not instead of meat, but as an addition.

It is useful to include in the diet meat products containing a high amount of minerals (cartilage, chicken necks, tendons, breasts, heads, wings).

For normal metabolism, a pregnant bitch in the first half of pregnancy requires at least 35 mg of calcium per 1 kg of body weight per day. In addition, for the formation of the fetus during this period, at least 30 mg of phosphorus per 1 kg of body weight per day is required additionally.

The need for phosphorus is calculated from the proportion - calcium: phosphorus = 1, 2:1. Among the preparations, you can use calcium glycerophosphate, calcium gluconate or calcium phosphate in tablets or powders.

It is not recommended to use glycerophosphate in granules, as this preparation contains a lot of sugar. Calcium salts must be combined with phosphorus, and if only calcium gluconate is used, then it is necessary to supplement it, for example, with phytin (1 tablet of phytin per 2 tablets of calcium gluconate). At this stage of pregnancy, the bitch should receive 2-4 tablets depending on weight, fertility, bone size, time of year, etc.

Macronutrient requirements

Vitamins Daily norm per 1 kg of body weight Sources puppy adult A 200 I.E. 100 M.E. fish oil, liver, corn, egg yolk D 20 IU. 7 M.E. sun, fish oil, barley, egg yolk, yeast E 2.2 IU. 2.2 M.E. sprouted cereals, egg yolk, butter, corn

In winter, it is necessary to regularly give vitamins (A, D2, D3, trivit or tetravit). Dose - depending on weight and physical condition as recommended by a veterinarian.

4-6th week of pregnancy In the second month after mating, the bitch should be shown to a veterinarian. During this period, by palpating the abdomen, you can detect hardenings that may indicate the size of the litter.

It is not recommended to palpate the bitch between the 5th and 6th weeks. At the 8th week of pregnancy, you can feel the heads of the fetuses and their movement. During pregnancy, you should receive all consultations only from a veterinarian.

Diet: three times a day, increase the volume of daily servings with protein foods (meat, fish, cottage cheese). It is necessary to give more liquid food, milk porridge, cottage cheese with milk, soups.

Many breeders recommend the use of dry raspberry leaves, since the substances contained in them contribute to the correct course of labor.

Increase mineral fertilizing by 1.5 and then 2 times.

From the 6th week, avoid sudden movements and active games. The walks are long. But if the dog gets tired, increase their number, but shorten the duration. From the second month, that is, from the 31st to the 60th day of pregnancy, it is necessary.

- increase the amount of protein food at the expense of meat by one third of the previous diet;

- add raw pureed vegetables and fruits,

- reduce carbohydrates;

— fertilizing — two tablespoons of bone meal;

- 5-6 drops of vitamin A per day.

In the second half of pregnancy, it is difficult to determine the amount of food needed, the need for which is determined by the number of puppies. The daily portion should be increased by at least 30-40% due to proteins, minerals and vitamins, still adding vitamin A. The diet of each pregnant bitch must be approached individually. You just have to remember that you can’t feed the bitch. This will lead to a difficult birth.

7th week of pregnancy Starting from the 7th week of pregnancy, the daily nutritional intake should be divided into three servings, and from the 8th week - into four servings, bones and foods that cause constipation should be excluded from the diet. The second half of pregnancy is usually accompanied by loss of appetite and noticeable drooping of the groin area. When this happens, you should stop taking long walks. Walking should become more frequent and daily, including in the last weeks before giving birth.

Care should be taken to ensure that the bitch does not take the barrier, does not run after cats, does not fight, does not swim in ponds, etc. It is better if you walk with her alone or in the company of another calm dog.

These days you should walk her in a quiet place and at a pace that is comfortable for her, she will call you home when she is tired. The bitch should be taken outside more often, as during this period the uterus puts pressure on the bladder.

Mineral supplements are all mentioned above. Starting from the 45th day, it is useful to give calcium chloride one tablespoon with milk or calcined cottage cheese.

8th week of pregnancy Diet: completely eliminate meat, replacing it with boiled sea fish (retaining, accordingly, the number of calories, approximately 100 g of meat - 150 g of fish); this is necessary to avoid eclampsia (a convulsive form of toxicosis), which can occur in the last stage of pregnancy.

Maintenance regime: shorten walks, ensure long rest, take him outside as many times as the dog asks, even at night.

9th week of pregnancy Diet: reduce the amount of feed by about 20-25%. The number of feedings is 4-6 times, in small portions. A few days before giving birth, the bitch's nipples swell and when pressed, colostrum comes out of them.

How to raise a pregnant bitch. You can lift it only without pressing your stomach with your fingers. The French Bulldog is held with one hand under the sternum, pressing it with the elbow to the chest, and with the other hand under the croup. A large breed bitch should be placed on the right hand (on the ischial tuberosities), and the left hand should be picked up above the sternum from below. You need to put the bitch on the floor without pushing, on all limbs

Childbirth

Childbirth in a French bulldog is a complex process, the reason is an imperfect hormonal background, which is the reason for the lack of pushing. They occur approximately 60-62 days from the day of mating.

Of course, there are also ideal births, but this is very rare. The French Bulldog is far from being a dog that can be left to its own devices at a crucial moment. Even if your pet has already given birth, everything went well - this does not mean that all subsequent ones will go the same way.

The ideal option would be if you agree with the veterinarian to be present or warn that everything is starting, help may be needed and the doctor could come at any time if something goes wrong.

The first children go very well, but the further you go, the labor slows down and the bulldog will not give birth until the end. This is similar to the cessation of labor; the owners mistakenly think that everything is over.

It happens that children get stuck and do not fully get out of the loop - then they need help. Don't be afraid to do this, just be careful.

At the very beginning, the pet will begin to worry, hide, lose its breath, refuse food, this moment cannot be missed.

Important! Count how many afterbirths came out - it should be the same as the number of puppies born.

If you are very worried and do not know whether you are doing the right thing, we recommend that you do not take them yourself; for the first time, it is better to watch a specialist work.

Childbirth, tips and tricks

Not only the dog, but also its owner needs to prepare for childbirth, since the dog may not be able to cope without human help. Since French bulldogs often experience problems during childbirth, the owner should stock up on a couple of phone numbers of veterinarians or experienced breeders for help at least for the first time. Cesarean section is also often used.

Childbirth begins with contractions, then the fetus is pushed out as a result of pushing, and at the end the postpartum period begins. It is important to remember that the interval between the birth of puppies can reach 2 hours or more. In between the births of babies, the mother can be given water to maintain strength, and also taken for short walks to empty her bladder and bowels, since childbirth in total can last a whole day or more. An approaching birth may be indicated by a decrease in rectal temperature to 37 degrees; the dog intensively prepares a place for itself, begins to fuss, may follow the owner and whine. A day before giving birth, she may refuse to eat.

The onset of labor is indicated by the departure of a “plug” - a clot that frees the passage for babies. This is followed by contractions - the dog breathes quickly and may feel thirsty. The pushing looks outwardly like wave-like movements of the dog's sides, but in fact it is a contraction of the abdominal muscles. During this time, the dog usually lies on its side. During rhythmic contractions, the fetus is released in the amniotic sac, which the bitch will tear, gnaw the umbilical cord, lick the puppy and eat the afterbirth. The owner should observe this entire process not out of idle curiosity, but to help the bitch if something goes wrong. After all, if the amniotic sac is not broken, the puppy will suffocate.

If the bitch does not bite the umbilical cord, it is necessary to clamp it with special clamps or threads at a distance of 2 cm from the umbilical ring and 1 cm in the direction from the puppy, lubricate the clamped area with a 5% iodine solution and cut it with sharp scissors, then wipe the puppy with a clean cloth. stimulate the functioning of the lungs and the release of original feces, blot his mouth with gauze to remove excess liquid, and if the baby does not whine, make a bath of water of contrasting temperatures.

If the cub does not breathe due to water in the respiratory tract, they pick it up, fixing its head, and lower it head down in an arcuate movement (shake it), abruptly stopping the movement below. The puppy is then given to the mother so that she can lick it and push it towards the nipples.

The bitch needs the afterbirth for the production of colostrum and proper contraction of the uterus, but more than 4 afterbirths can harm her, so the 5th and subsequent afterbirths can not be given to the bitch. It is important to ensure that all of the afterbirth comes out without remaining in the bitch’s body. The bitch also eats the original feces, which has a beneficial effect on digestion.

This is interesting! If the interval between the births of puppies allows, then it is necessary to wipe the dog with a warm, damp towel and change the bedding without disturbing it or turning it.

By the way, if the interval is more than 2 hours, then it is better to call a doctor. The same must be done if the attempts are weak. An unborn puppy is also a reason to contact the clinic if the results of an ultrasound indicate its presence. It is better to record all stages of childbirth, the time of events with their descriptions, the time of birth of puppies and their weight in a diary - this way you can analyze mistakes and shortcomings, trying to avoid them in the future.

During the postpartum period, it is important to maintain animal hygiene, measure temperature and monitor discharge . Discharge from the loop that does not go away for more than 2 weeks, has a dark color, the appearance of green discharge, as well as a strong unpleasant odor - the reason for immediate contact with the veterinarian. Hardened or cracked nipples are a reason to seek advice to avoid mastitis. The air temperature should not be below 24 C0 outside the nest and not less than 29 C0 inside it.

Another dangerous disease is eclampsia, which is caused by a sharp decrease in calcium in the bitch’s body with unhealthy kidneys or liver, is expressed in restlessness, photophobia, and convulsions of the bitch and requires immediate treatment.

A caring bitch will look after her offspring: feed the puppies, keep them clean, lick them and keep them warm. The owner’s task is to ensure that at first the mother does not accidentally crush her baby, for which the puppies should be moved from behind the animal’s back to her stomach and nipples.

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What to cook

Sterile gauze (sold in a pharmacy);
Ironed towels;
Scissors for cutting the umbilical cord;
Zelenka;
Antiseptic (for disinfecting hands and scissors);
Vatu;
Petrolatum;
Cup or small kitchen scales;
Oxytocin (to stimulate labor);
Syringe;
Colored yarn or multi-colored ribbons for tagging babies;
A weak solution of potassium permanganate;
Thread for tying the umbilical cord;
Pipette for mucus.

Important! The owner should be present at the birth even if he does not provide assistance, the pet will feel more confident.

There are cases when a girl refused to give birth without her owner, the process was delayed, which provoked pathology and complications in the children and mother.

The process is divided into three stages:

Preparatory

The uterus contracts, the cervical canal opens, the duration is from 5 to 36 hours.

Childbirth

The contractions are more frequent, and attempts appear - contraction of the abdominal muscles. Children are starting to be born. Usually the bulldog itself gnaws the umbilical cord and licks the baby.

The umbilical cord is tied 2 cm from the navel; leaving more is not recommended to avoid the appearance of a hernia. The umbilical cord should be cut slightly below the ligation site. After 1-2 days it will disappear on its own.

The appearance interval is possible from 10 to 50 minutes. A longer period of time is possible. Labor is over if 2 or more hours have passed since the last baby. After this, oxytocin is administered.

The bitch usually eats the afterbirth, and also cleans the children on her own; if the mother is very tired and did not get the children out, then break the bubble yourself, free the mouth and nose from mucus. Take a pipette and suck out the mucus from the nasal passages, using gauze to clean the oral cavity.

Each dog needs to be weighed, the results written down in a notebook, and be sure to mark them with multi-colored ribbons or threads around the neck.

After the birth and all the events, put the children with their mother and let them rest.

Postpartum period

Carefully monitor the condition of your pet and offspring. If your pet behaves sluggishly and the discharge does not stop after 2-3 days, then take the mother to the clinic.

Place a light-colored cloth in the nest, this will make it easier to track the nature of the discharge. Measure your temperature, a temperature of 39-40 is critical.

Do not kick the dog out of the place in the first hours; if the Frenchie asks to go to the toilet, be sure to take her outside.

Green, transparent, dark and black discharge with greenish impurities are considered normal. If the discharge is abundant, continuous, and mixed with blood, then the pet needs hospitalization.

Check daily how things are going with feeding, whether there are any lumps, whether the nipples are clean, and most importantly, watch how the puppies eat. Children often push away the little ones, make sure that everyone gets a place with mom.

Childbirth process

The French, like the English bulldog, is not a breed of dog whose birth can be left to chance. Before giving birth, it is advisable to trim the hair around the nipples and genitals. Measure the temperature when it drops to 37 degrees and the puppies stop moving, wait for birth. First, the water will break and the cervix will open, contractions will become more intense and more frequent, and pushing will appear. The dog begins to give birth. Then the puppies will start coming out.

Related article: How to properly train French Bulldogs

The length of the interval between the birth of puppies varies from person to person. If the process is hampered by the dry mucous membrane of the birth canal, then carefully inject Vaseline with a syringe. Labor is over if 2 hours have passed since the birth of the last baby. After the baby is born, the placenta comes out. The bitch eats him. And you need to make sure that stress doesn’t cause the dog to start eating puppies.

After care

Eyes open by 2 weeks of age. The more children there are in the litter, the more difficult it is to feed them; the doggies will have to be fed additionally. The room where the litter is located should be warm, without drafts.

Pay great attention to the dog's nutrition - at first, liquid milk porridge, boiled beef, sea fish, and chicken are good. Feed 3-5 times, from the second week raw meat is introduced. From 3 weeks bone meal, fruits and vegetables are given.

Children should eat about 12 rubles per day, then with each subsequent week the amount decreases.

When the cubs grow a little, they need to trim their nails, but very carefully, otherwise they will damage the mother’s skin.

Caring for puppies

Usually the litter contains the smallest puppies, which differ significantly in size and weight from the rest. Such dogs require more careful care and feeding control. The big ones push them away, the children will remain hungry. This is critical for newborns; it is recommended to monitor the first feedings.

Watch for the French to eat from all of their mother's nipples. Particular attention should be paid to the nipples, making sure that they are soft and there are no seals on them.

Starting from week 3, gradually introduce low-fat cottage cheese into the French diet, starting with 1 teaspoon per day, yolk, goat and cow's milk.

By 4 weeks of age, babies begin to eat on their own. Babies will not immediately start eating from a saucer; to do this, you need to push them a little, poke them with your muzzle, or try feeding them from your finger.

When the cubs get used to eating from a saucer, start feeding them semolina porridge. Don't forget to teach him simple, fresh water. Vitamins A and D are also needed in the form of additional nutrition.

By 5 weeks, Frenchies should eat 6 times a day, they usually eat their fill, as they say, from the belly, and then fall asleep. It is very important to know the data on the growth and weight gain of doggies after birth; it is required to keep records of weight gain.

Feeding a pregnant bitch with ready-made food

Changes in a dog’s physical characteristics during pregnancy and diet planning.

In the first 3 weeks of pregnancy, the increase in body weight of the fetus is insignificant, so during this period it is possible not to change the conditions of keeping the pet.

Usually they maintain the same walking and feeding routine that the dog had before pregnancy. The only thing that needs to be taken into account is the sensitivity of the fruit to various chemicals and infectious diseases.

In order for pregnancy to proceed without complications, you should exclude your dog from staying with sick animals, and also not treat your pet with toxic agents. If the dog was initially overweight, it is necessary to reduce the amount of cereals and baked goods in its diet. Calories are usually replenished by eating greens and protein-rich vegetables.

In the 1st month of pregnancy, the dog’s appearance and behavior remain unchanged, however, some individuals experience extreme thirst and are excessively sleepy a few days after mating.

The dog's diet includes 2 feedings per day (morning and evening). Among the main products that should be included in a dog's diet during this period are raw meat, boiled liver, cottage cheese, porridge cooked in milk, pureed vegetables and herbs, finely chopped and mixed with a small amount of vegetable oil. As a supplement, we can recommend boiled sea fish without bones.

A pregnant dog needs good care to keep future puppies healthy and active.

Mineral-rich meats such as cartilage, tendons, chicken breasts, wings and heads are also essential in your dog's diet, as are the foods listed above.

It is known that at the beginning of pregnancy a dog needs at least 35 g of calcium and up to 25 g of phosphorus per day per 1 kg of body weight. In order to compensate for the lack of these substances in the dog’s body, it is necessary to use calcium gluconate or calcium glycerophosphate in tablets or powders. If only calcium gluconate is used, then it must be given to the dog in combination with phytin (1 tablet of phytin per 2 tablets of calcium gluconate).

In addition to the above medications, a pregnant dog should receive vitamins A, B1, B3, trivit or tetravit in doses prescribed by a veterinarian.

During the period from the 4th to the 6th week of pregnancy, it is necessary to show the dog to a doctor, since already at this time he will be able to determine the number of puppies being carried. By this time, the number of feedings increases to 3 times a day, and the daily portion must include meat, fish and cottage cheese.

Proper development of fruits is facilitated by the constant inclusion of liquid milk porridges and soups with the addition of dry raspberry leaf in the dog’s diet. Mineral feeding increases first by 1.5, and by the 6th week by 2 times.

After the 6th week, sudden movements should be avoided and active games should be excluded. Walks can be done for a long time, but if the dog gets tired quickly, their number should be reduced.

As a mineral supplement on days 31-60 of pregnancy, we can recommend bone meal in the amount of 2 tbsp. spoons a day. It is also necessary to give the dog 5-6 drops of vitamin A. It is unacceptable to overfeed the dog, as this can lead to complications during childbirth.

It is necessary to ensure that the pregnant bitch does not swim in ponds or fight. It is better to choose a quiet place for walks and focus primarily on the dog’s well-being.

After 7-8 weeks, the daily nutritional intake is divided into 4 times. In order to prevent the development of constipation, bones and tendons should be excluded from the diet.

In the second half of pregnancy, the dog's appearance changes significantly as a result of the lowering of the groin area. Usually the animal loses its appetite and gets tired quickly during walks. The duration of walks should be increased only before childbirth.

Starting from the 45th day, you should definitely introduce calcined cottage cheese into your dog’s diet or give it 1 tbsp with milk. spoon of calcium chloride.

At 8-9 weeks of pregnancy, it is not recommended to feed your dog meat; it is better to replace it with boiled fish at the rate of 150 g of fish per 100 g of meat. Compliance with this ratio will allow you to avoid calorie loss and, as a result, the development of toxicosis.

The number of walks is determined by the condition of the dog. If she asks to go outside at night, it is necessary to take her out, since in the last weeks the pregnant uterus puts a lot of pressure on the bladder.

A few days before giving birth, the pregnant bitch's nipples swell and colostrum appears.

Throughout pregnancy, your dog may experience nausea and refusal to eat. The latter is sometimes associated with her intolerance to certain foods. If bloody or greenish discharge appears from the loop, you should immediately consult a veterinarian.

Growing puppies

The French Bulldog is not an easy breed and requires careful care. The more a Frenchman received in his childhood, the healthier he will be in the future. Bulldogs mature quickly; the better the dog ate as a child, the healthier it will be as an adult.

When little ones grow up, it is advisable to gradually accustom them to walks outside. As soon as the puppies are vaccinated and reach 1.5 - 2 m of age, they can be trained to walk. This is necessary for the normal development of the animal, in this case the kids will not be afraid of strangers, noise or the street. To begin with, just take them outside for 5 minutes, you don’t have to let them go.

Communication is very important for babies - with people and other animals, during this period they are very active, exploring the world, learning new things, do not lock them in an enclosure all day, communicate with them, play. The safest toys are rag ones, but be prepared for the fact that they will be completely destroyed.