As a dog owner and someone who has experienced breeding dogs, I can share that dogs, like humans, have a general timeframe for giving birth. Most dogs will give birth approximately 65 days from the day of ovulation. However, it’s important to note that this can vary slightly depending on the individual dog.
If you have been tracking your dog’s ovulation timing using progesterone levels, it is crucial to not let your dog go more than 1 to 2 days beyond her due date without consulting with a veterinarian. This is because going significantly past the due date can pose risks to both the mother and the puppies.
When my dog was due to give birth, I was anxious to make sure everything went smoothly. I had been monitoring her progesterone levels and working closely with my vet to ensure we had an accurate estimate of when she would whelp. However, as the due date approached, I couldn’t help but worry if she would go over her due date.
In some cases, dogs can indeed go over their due dates. Just like with human pregnancies, there can be variations in gestation length. It’s important to be prepared for the possibility of a longer wait.
If your dog does go beyond her due date, it’s essential to seek veterinary advice. The vet can perform an ultrasound or other tests to check on the well-being of the puppies and assess if any intervention is necessary. They will also be able to provide guidance on when it might be appropriate to induce labor or consider a cesarean section if needed.
In my experience, my dog did go slightly past her due date. My vet closely monitored her and we ultimately decided to induce labor to ensure the safety of both the mother and the puppies. It was a nerve-wracking time, but ultimately a successful delivery.
It’s important to remember that each dog and each pregnancy is unique. While 65 days is a general guideline, some dogs may give birth a few days earlier or later. However, it’s crucial to stay in close communication with your veterinarian throughout the entire pregnancy process to ensure the health and well-being of your dog and her puppies.