Pregnant and Nursing Bitches

Pregnancy and nursing are among the most demanding periods in a bitch's life – and a time when proper nutrition and care have a direct impact on the health of both the mother and the entire litter. The needs of a pregnant or nursing bitch differ significantly from those of an ordinary adult dog – her body works at full capacity, supplying the developing puppies with nutrients and, after whelping, producing milk in quantities that can be several times her usual energy expenditure. Underestimating nutrition during this period has direct consequences for the puppies' health and the mother's long-term condition.

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Pregnancy in dogs lasts around 63 days and is divided into three stages, each with different nutritional needs. Nursing then places even greater demands on the bitch's body than pregnancy itself – producing milk for a large litter can raise her energy requirements by as much as 3–4 times normal.

Feeding a pregnant bitch

First third of pregnancy (days 1–21) – during this stage, the bitch's diet doesn't fundamentally change. The embryos are microscopically small and their nutrient requirements are minimal. Overfeeding in early pregnancy is unnecessary and can lead to excess weight, which complicates whelping. The bitch should be given her usual food in the same amount.

Second third of pregnancy (days 22–42) – the puppies begin to grow quickly and nutrient requirements gradually increase. This is a good time to switch to puppy food or a special food for pregnant bitches – these contain a higher proportion of protein, calcium, phosphorus and energy needed for the puppies' development. Increase the portion gradually by around 10% each week.

Final third of pregnancy (days 43–63) – the puppies gain weight rapidly and press on the bitch's stomach, which no longer has room for large portions. Switch to smaller, more frequent meals, 3–4 times a day. Total daily intake should be 25–50% higher than before pregnancy, depending on the number of puppies and the size of the litter.

Feeding a nursing bitch

Nursing is the most energy-demanding period in a bitch's life. Producing milk for a large litter can raise energy requirements to 200–300% of normal intake. A bitch nursing a large litter needs to have food available almost constantly – free feeding (ad libitum) is the standard during this period, not the exception.

• Food for nursing bitches or puppy food – a dense energy value and high protein content are essential. Large-breed puppy food is an ideal choice for medium and large nursing bitches.
• Water – a nursing bitch needs access to unlimited fresh water throughout the nursing period. Milk production is demanding in both energy and volume, and dehydration directly reduces the quantity and quality of milk.
• Calcium – a calcium deficiency during nursing can cause postpartum tetany (eclampsia) – a life-threatening condition caused by a critical drop in blood calcium levels. It presents as trembling, seizures and loss of coordination, and requires immediate veterinary care. Never supplement calcium on your own without consulting a vet – excess calcium during pregnancy paradoxically increases the risk of eclampsia after whelping.

Dietary supplements for pregnant and nursing bitches

• Folic acid – as with humans, folic acid is essential for the proper development of the puppies' nervous system in the early stages of pregnancy. Supplementation is ideally recommended before planned mating and during the first third of pregnancy.
• Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA) – DHA is essential for the proper development of the puppies' brain and eyesight. Bitches fed food with sufficient DHA give birth to puppies with better neurological development and a greater capacity to learn. Fish oil or special DHA supplements are suitable throughout both pregnancy and nursing.
• Probiotics – support the bitch's healthy gut flora during this demanding period and are passed on to the puppies through nursing. Puppies nursed by bitches given probiotics have better gut colonisation and stronger immunity.
• Special supplements for pregnant and nursing bitches – complex products combining vitamins, minerals and amino acids specially formulated for reproductive needs. They're a useful safeguard if you're unsure the diet is complete, especially when feeding a home-made diet.

Caring for the bitch before and after whelping

Proper care during pregnancy and nursing involves more than just nutrition:

• Veterinary check-ups during pregnancy – an ultrasound scan at around day 25–30 will confirm pregnancy and reveal any potential problems. A scan at day 45–55 allows the number of puppies to be estimated and their development assessed.
• Preparing the whelping area – the whelping box should be set up around two weeks before the expected delivery. The bitch needs to get used to it and start seeing it as a safe place – whelping in an unfamiliar spot increases stress and complications.
• Exercise during pregnancy – gentle, regular exercise is beneficial throughout pregnancy. In the final third, choose shorter, calmer walks – intense activity or jumping can be dangerous in advanced pregnancy.
• Worming – pregnant bitches should be wormed around 10 days before the expected delivery and then every two weeks throughout nursing. Roundworm larvae are passed to the puppies through the placenta and milk – regular worming of the bitch is essential for the health of the whole litter.

Signs that require immediate veterinary attention:

• Green or black discharge before the first puppy is born – may signal placental separation without delivery.
• More than 2 hours between puppies during active contractions – may indicate dystocia requiring veterinary intervention.
• Trembling, seizures or disorientation in the nursing bitch – signs of eclampsia requiring immediate veterinary help.
• Refusing to nurse or care for the puppies – may signal mastitis or other health problems.
• Fever above 39.5°C after whelping – a sign of infection or metritis requiring immediate veterinary examination.

Practical tips for caring for a pregnant or nursing bitch:

• Never start calcium supplementation on your own during pregnancy – always consult a vet first. Unbalanced calcium supplementation is one of the main causes of eclampsia.
• Switch to food for pregnant bitches gradually, over 7–10 days – a sudden change of food can cause digestive upset during this sensitive period.
• Never starve a nursing bitch or reduce her portions – the energy demands of nursing are enormous, and inadequate nutrition for the mother directly endangers the puppies' health.
• After the puppies are weaned, gradually reduce portions – suddenly stopping nursing during full lactation can cause mastitis. Reducing portions naturally reduces milk production.
• Have the bitch checked by a vet after the puppies are weaned – pregnancy and nursing put a significant strain on her body, and a veterinary check-up will reveal any long-term after-effects.

Pregnancy and nursing are an exceptional period requiring exceptional care. Proper nutrition, regular veterinary check-ups and attentive care from the owner are the foundation of a healthy litter and a quick recovery for the bitch after this demanding reproductive period.