So, you suspect your German Shepherd might be expecting? Or maybe you’re planning a future breeding and want to be prepared? Either way, understanding the signs and physical changes of a pregnant German Shepherd is essential. This guide will walk you through the typical signs, weekly milestones, and confirmation methods to help you navigate this exciting time.
Early Signs of Pregnancy
Even before a vet confirms, there are several telltale signs that your German Shepherd might be pregnant. Keep an eye out for these changes:
- Enlarged Nipples: One of the earliest signs is the enlargement of the nipples. They will become pinker and may start discharging a clear liquid. The areolas will also become rounder.
- Increased Appetite: A pregnant German Shepherd’s appetite will likely increase to accommodate the growing puppies. Expect her to eat about one and a half times her normal amount. She will also likely drink more water.
- Weariness and Lethargy: Notice a decline in your dog’s energy? Fatigue is a common sign of pregnancy. She might lose interest in playing and take more naps.
- Sickness: Just like humans, German Shepherds can experience “morning sickness” during the early stages of pregnancy. This can cause nausea and vomiting, which might decrease her appetite.
- Weight Gain: As the pregnancy progresses, your German Shepherd will gain weight. This can range from 20% to 50% of her normal weight.
Confirming the Pregnancy
It’s important to remember that some of these symptoms can also indicate a false pregnancy, which is common in unspayed female dogs. To confirm the pregnancy, a visit to the vet is necessary. Here are the methods they might use:
- Abdominal Palpation: Your vet might gently touch your dog’s abdomen to feel for fluid-filled sacs, which indicate developing fetuses. This is usually effective between the third and fifth week of pregnancy.
- Ultrasound: An ultrasound can confirm pregnancy and check the puppies’ heartbeats to ensure they are healthy. If the ultrasound reveals that a fetus is deceased, your vet may recommend mummification while still in the uterus.
- X-Ray: An X-ray can not only confirm pregnancy but also reveal the number of puppies. However, it’s only accurate after 42 days of gestation, when the puppies’ bones are visible.
- Hormone Tests: Your vet can test for relaxin, a hormone released during embryo implantation. This test can be done as early as three weeks into the pregnancy, but it might be negative if done too early.
Weekly Milestones of a German Shepherd Pregnancy
The typical gestation period for a German Shepherd is 63 days. Here’s what you can expect each week:
Weeks 1-3:
- Week 1: Fertilization occurs as the sperm reaches the eggs. Your dog’s reproductive system prepares for pregnancy, but there are no visible signs.
- Week 2: The fertilized eggs travel to the uterus lining for implantation. There are still 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. Now you might notice physical and behavioral changes, such as growing and pinker nipples, increased or decreased appetite due to morning sickness.
Weeks 4-6:
- Week 4: The fetus develops vital organs, facial features, and limbs. Your dog becomes less active and may experience daily morning sickness and frequent urination.
- Week 5: Embryogenesis ends, and the fetus continues to grow. Your dog’s appetite increases, and you might be able to hear the puppies’ heartbeats with a stethoscope. An ultrasound can reveal the puppies’ shape and sex organs.
- Week 6: The puppies grow rapidly, and their claws form. Fur begins to grow on their heads, and their eyelids develop, though they remain shut. Your dog’s discomfort increases, and you might notice clear vaginal discharge and a significant increase in nipple size as they prepare for milk production.
Weeks 7-9:
- Week 7: The puppies are continuing to develop, and their growth is putting a lot of pressure on the mother. By the end of this week, you should be able to easily feel the puppies moving around in the womb.
- Week 8: During this week, a pregnant German Shepherd Dog would typically show a rounded bulge in the abdominal area.
- Week 9: This is the week that your German Sheperd will give birth. It’s important to make sure that you have everything that you need and that you are prepared to help her.
Physical Appearance Changes
As the pregnancy progresses, the physical changes in your German Shepherd will become more noticeable:
- Abdominal Enlargement: As the puppies grow, your dog’s abdomen will enlarge. This becomes more obvious in the later stages of pregnancy.
- Weight Gain: You’ll notice a steady increase in your dog’s weight. This is a natural part of pregnancy as she nourishes herself and her developing puppies.
- Changes in Posture: As her belly grows, your dog’s posture might change to accommodate the extra weight.
- Nesting Behavior: In the final weeks of pregnancy, your German Shepherd might start “nesting,” seeking out a quiet and comfortable place to give birth.
Preparing for the Puppies
Knowing what a pregnant German Shepherd looks like and understanding the weekly milestones will help you provide the best care for your dog during this special time. Make sure to consult with your veterinarian regularly and provide a comfortable and supportive environment for your expecting furry friend.