Pregnancy & Birth in Dogs - whelping and breeding information
Pregnancy and birth information for dogs, whelping and breeding. Also, how to take care of new puppies. Spaying and neutering are also covered in this section.
How long does the dog heat cycle last?
Non-spayed female dogs will go into "heat" or estrus usually twice a year. The age at which they start their cycles and the duration of the cycle varies greatly between the breeds of dogs. Learn more facts about canine estrus in this FAQ.
Non-spayed female dogs will go into "heat" or estrus usually twice a year. The age at which they start their cycles and the duration of the cycle varies greatly between the breeds of dogs. Learn more facts about canine estrus in this FAQ.
Find Many Ways to Participate in Spay Day USA
SpayDay USA is held each year in February to promote awareness about the serious pet overpopulation problem in the United States. In addition to sharing information about pet overpopuplation, responsible pet ownership and the health benefits of neutering your animal (spay or castration surgery), Spay Day promotes several avenues for low-cost surgery options so no one is left out.
SpayDay USA is held each year in February to promote awareness about the serious pet overpopulation problem in the United States. In addition to sharing information about pet overpopuplation, responsible pet ownership and the health benefits of neutering your animal (spay or castration surgery), Spay Day promotes several avenues for low-cost surgery options so no one is left out.
How long is the gestation (pregnancy) period of dogs?
How long is a dog pregnant for? Do female dogs experience menopause? What health benefits can be gained from spaying (ovariohysterectomy) surgery? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this FAQ.
How long is a dog pregnant for? Do female dogs experience menopause? What health benefits can be gained from spaying (ovariohysterectomy) surgery? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this FAQ.
Breeding your dog
Detailed information on making the choice to breed or not, possible genetic problems, care of the mother and puppies.
Detailed information on making the choice to breed or not, possible genetic problems, care of the mother and puppies.
Breeding, Whelping, and Rearing Puppies
Well-written article covering several aspects of responsible dog breeding.
Well-written article covering several aspects of responsible dog breeding.
C-Section Surgery
Formally known as a Cesarean section, learn more about delivering puppies surgically, complete with photos.
Formally known as a Cesarean section, learn more about delivering puppies surgically, complete with photos.
Dog Pregnancy Test
This is a blood test that measures for the hormone relaxin. Relaxin levels in the blood are detectable 21-25 days after fertilization.
This is a blood test that measures for the hormone relaxin. Relaxin levels in the blood are detectable 21-25 days after fertilization.
False Pregnancy
Your dog looks and acts pregnant, but is she? Find out the signs of false pregnancy.
Your dog looks and acts pregnant, but is she? Find out the signs of false pregnancy.
False Pregnancy in Dogs
Learn about normal canine reproduction (estrus cycle) and what happens during a false pregnancy, from Mar Vista Animal Medical Center.
Learn about normal canine reproduction (estrus cycle) and what happens during a false pregnancy, from Mar Vista Animal Medical Center.
Giving Birth to Puppies
Prenatal care, stages of labor, and potential problems to watch for post-birth.
Prenatal care, stages of labor, and potential problems to watch for post-birth.
Milk Replacer Recipe
Recipes for general homemade puppy formula and 'puppy booster' formula for weak or otherwise compromised puppies.
Recipes for general homemade puppy formula and 'puppy booster' formula for weak or otherwise compromised puppies.
Neutering (Castration)
Learn about this common surgery, also known as castration, and why it is important for the health of your pet. Cryptorchidism (testicle failed to descend) is also covered.
Learn about this common surgery, also known as castration, and why it is important for the health of your pet. Cryptorchidism (testicle failed to descend) is also covered.
Neuter Surgery
Also known as castration, learn more about this commonly performed surgery to neuter male dogs. See photos on this site of a castration surgery.
Also known as castration, learn more about this commonly performed surgery to neuter male dogs. See photos on this site of a castration surgery.
Pet Overpopulation
Points to consider before breeding your pets.
Points to consider before breeding your pets.
Pregnancy Calendar
Enter the first mating date and calculate the pregnancy length. Also, timeline information on what to expect throughout the pregnancy.
Enter the first mating date and calculate the pregnancy length. Also, timeline information on what to expect throughout the pregnancy.
Pregnancy Determination
Detailed information on different methods of pregnancy determination. A table of pregnancy events covers estrus through whelping.
Detailed information on different methods of pregnancy determination. A table of pregnancy events covers estrus through whelping.
Pyometra (Uterine Infection)
Helpful diagrams of a normal uterus versus a pyometra uterus, plus diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention.
Helpful diagrams of a normal uterus versus a pyometra uterus, plus diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention.
Pyometra (Uterine Infection)
Learn about this potentially life-threatening uterine condition in dogs. See photos on this site of a pyometra spay surgery. Surgical photos are included.
Learn about this potentially life-threatening uterine condition in dogs. See photos on this site of a pyometra spay surgery. Surgical photos are included.
Spay Surgery (Ovariohysterectomy)
Learn about this common surgery, and why it is important for the health of your pet.
Learn about this common surgery, and why it is important for the health of your pet.
Spay Surgery (Ovariohysterectomy)
Read about this commonly performed surgery to neuter female dogs. See surgical photos of a canine spay.
Read about this commonly performed surgery to neuter female dogs. See surgical photos of a canine spay.
Whelping Supply List
Be prepared for for the new puppy arrivals with this list of helpful items to assist with post delivery care of newborn pups.
Be prepared for for the new puppy arrivals with this list of helpful items to assist with post delivery care of newborn pups.
Whelping Management
In-depth look at bitch care and what to expect - from start of estrus to taking care of puppies.
In-depth look at bitch care and what to expect - from start of estrus to taking care of puppies.