Are you wondering if your beloved German Shepherd is pregnant? If you’re a first-time German Shepherd parent, you might be looking for signs and symptoms to watch out for. This article will guide you through the telltale signs of pregnancy in German Shepherds, how to confirm your suspicions, and what to expect during each week of gestation.
Recognizing the Early Signs of Pregnancy
It can be tricky to tell if your German Shepherd is pregnant in the early stages. However, there are several signs you can observe:
- Enlarged Nipples: One of the first signs is the enlargement of your dog’s nipples. They will become pinker and may start discharging a clear liquid. The areolas will also become rounder.
- Increased Appetite: Pregnant German Shepherds tend to eat more to support their developing puppies. Their appetite can increase to one and a half times their normal rate.
- Weariness and Lethargy: Expect your dog to be less energetic and enthusiastic. They may sleep more and tire quickly during activities.
- Sickness: Just like humans, German Shepherds can experience morning sickness during the early stages of pregnancy, which may cause nausea and vomiting. This can sometimes lead to a decrease in appetite.
- Weight Gain: A pregnant German Shepherd will gain weight as the pregnancy progresses. Weight gain can range from 20% to 50% throughout gestation.
- Swollen Belly: As the puppies grow, your dog’s belly will become more swollen.
- Nesting Behavior: Your German Shepherd may start exhibiting nesting behavior, such as digging or arranging blankets in a secluded area.
- More Affectionate or Irritable: Hormone changes can cause your dog to become more affectionate or, conversely, more irritable.
Confirming the Pregnancy
Even if your German Shepherd shows several of these signs, it’s essential to confirm the pregnancy with a veterinarian. False pregnancies are common in unspayed female dogs. Here are some methods your vet may use:
- Abdominal Palpation: Your vet can gently feel your dog’s abdomen to detect fluid-filled sacs that form around the developing fetuses. This is usually possible between the third and fifth week of pregnancy.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasounds can confirm pregnancy and check the fetal heartbeats to ensure the puppies are healthy.
- X-Ray: An X-ray can reveal the number of puppies your dog is carrying, helping you prepare for their arrival. However, this is only accurate after 42 days of pregnancy, once the puppies’ bones are visible.
- Hormone Tests: Vets can test for the relaxin hormone, which is released during embryo implantation. This test can be done as early as three weeks into the gestation period. A negative result may occur if the test is performed too early.
Understanding the Gestation Period
The typical gestation period for German Shepherds, and most dog breeds, is about 63 days. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect each week:
Weeks 1-3:
- Week 1: Fertilization occurs. There may be no visible signs of pregnancy.
- Week 2: The fertilized eggs develop and move towards the uterus for implantation. Again, there are likely no physical changes, but your dog might become more irritable or affectionate.
- Week 3: Embryos develop, and the nervous system and placenta begin to form. Physical changes like growing and pinker nipples and changes in appetite may be observed.
Weeks 4-6:
- Week 4: The fetus develops vital organs, facial features, and limbs. Your dog may experience morning sickness and fatigue. This is a good time to visit the veterinarian to confirm the pregnancy.
- Week 5: The fetus continues to develop, and the dog’s appetite increases. With a stethoscope, you might hear the puppies’ heartbeats. An ultrasound can reveal the puppies’ shape and sex organs.
- Week 6: The puppies grow rapidly, and their claws form. The heads will grow some fur, and eyelids develop. The German Shepherd will experience increasing discomfort, clear vaginal discharge, and a dramatic increase in nipple size as they prepare for milk production.