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Pregnancy in dogs is an intense physiological period lasting around two months on average. For a responsible owner, whether the pregnancy was planned as part of a breeding programme or came as a surprise, it is a time of heightened attention and special care. The mother-to-be’s body switches over to sustaining the litter and preparing for birth, and that calls for conscious support from the owner.

A sound understanding of the physiology, correct feeding and timely check-ups is essential for keeping both the bitch and her puppies healthy. This guide, prepared by the experts at Zviropolis, gives you the information you need on how pregnancy progresses, how it is diagnosed and how to prepare for whelping.

When can a bitch become pregnant, and what does it mean for her health?

Bitches usually reach sexual maturity between 6 and 12 months of age, although in giant breeds it can be as late as the second year of life. Maturity is signalled by the first heat (season).

It must be stressed, however, that the physiological ability to conceive is not the same as being physically and mentally ready for motherhood. Responsible breeders only mate a bitch once she has come through the turbulent phase of adolescence and reached her full adult size. It is generally recommended that a bitch be at least 2 or 3 years old, to protect her health and physical condition both before and after pregnancy. The right breeding age is crucial to the health of the mother and her puppies.

Pregnancy and whelping at a very young age carry enormous risks that can end in miscarriage or even the death of a mother who is simply too young. The foetuses may be too large for a physically immature bitch. Alongside age and physical and mental maturity, the decision to breed must also be conditional on good health and the absence of any diagnosed genetic disorders.

How long does pregnancy last in dogs, and how do you recognise it?

Pregnancy in dogs lasts on average 58 to 70 days, with a typical duration of around 63 days. Canine gestation can be divided into three trimesters:

• First trimester (weeks 0–3): The fertilisation and implantation phase. The embryos develop and settle into the uterus. The bitch may not yet show any visible signs of pregnancy. At this stage the embryo consists of blastomeres.
• Second trimester (weeks 4–6): Intensive development of the internal and external organs takes place, along with weight gain. The pregnancy becomes visible: the abdomen rounds out, and the mammary glands thicken and darken in colour.
• Third trimester (weeks 7–9): The foetuses gain weight and mature. They reach 70% of their birth weight and their bones harden. The mother gains 20–55% in body weight.

Watching for signs of pregnancy

Owners who have deliberately had their bitch mated watch her day by day, but the symptoms in the first trimester are non-specific: reduced appetite, mild tiredness and possibly vomiting.

The more telling, later signs are:

• Enlarged nipples: Within the first few weeks you may notice the nipples becoming more prominent and enlarged. Shortly before whelping, colostrum (the puppies’ first food) appears in the mammary glands.
• Enlarged abdomen: From around week 3–4 of pregnancy, the bitch’s belly begins to grow and becomes more rounded.
• Behavioural changes: Pregnant bitches may become more sociable or, conversely, withdrawn, seeking peace and seclusion. In the eighth week they become restless and start nesting.

Phantom pregnancy: a hormonal phenomenon

Exactly the same signs of pregnancy can be brought on by a phantom pregnancy (pseudopregnancy), a common phenomenon in unspayed bitches regardless of age or breed. Phantom pregnancy stems from hormonal imbalance, usually appears 3 to 12 weeks after a season and can last several weeks. It shows itself in behavioural changes (nesting, treating toys as offspring, irritability, aggressively guarding the “puppies”) and physical ones (swollen mammary glands filling with milk). A phantom pregnancy usually resolves on its own, but you should seek advice from a veterinarian. If your bitch suffers from the symptoms of phantom pregnancy, it is worth considering spaying.

Diagnosing pregnancy: tests and predicting the whelping date

Regular visits to the vet are essential for monitoring the bitch’s health and the progress of the pregnancy. At the clinic, a range of tests can be carried out to assess the condition of the mother and the litter precisely, and to estimate the whelping date.

Tests to confirm and monitor pregnancy

The key diagnostic tests, depending on the stage of pregnancy, are:

• Serological test (relaxin): A blood test measures the level of relaxin, a hormone secreted by the placenta from around the third week of pregnancy.
• Ultrasound scan: Possible from day 21 after mating, with day 25 or 26 being the optimal time. An ultrasound confirms that the puppies are alive and can detect foetal heartbeats as early as day 24–25. The method is safe and effective.
• X-ray: Possible no earlier than day 45 of pregnancy. X-rays are crucial because they allow the litter size to be determined by showing the number of spines.
• Palpation: Carried out between days 15 and 35 of pregnancy, but it requires a great deal of experience on the vet’s part.

Litter size cannot be predicted; it depends on the size, age and breed of the mother and father, their condition and their state of health.

Predicting the whelping date

One way of pinpointing the whelping date is to measure progesterone levels, which should be done every two days during the final week of pregnancy. A drop below 3 ng/ml indicates that whelping is fast approaching. In addition, rectal temperature is measured over the last few days of pregnancy; the day before whelping, core body temperature drops by 1°C (to around 37°C).

Optimal care for a pregnant bitch

A pregnant bitch needs not only medical monitoring but also the right support in everyday life.

Feeding and supplements

A balanced diet with adequate fat, sufficient calories and plenty of omega-3 fatty acids is key to the bitch’s health and the puppies’ development.

• First half of pregnancy: For the first four weeks, the bitch’s nutritional needs barely change.
• Second half of pregnancy: From around week 5, food portions need to be increased by roughly 10% per week, as the growing puppies need minerals, protein and energy. It is a good idea to offer smaller but more frequent meals, which makes eating easier for her, especially once the expanding uterus is pressing on the stomach.
• Important warnings: Under no circumstances should you overfeed the dog, as this can lead to difficulties during whelping. Because of the risk of postpartum eclampsia (hypocalcaemia, a calcium deficiency associated with lactation), calcium supplements are not recommended during pregnancy, only after whelping.

Exercise and environment

The bitch’s physical activity should be tailored to her condition. There is no need to restrict exercise in the first half of pregnancy; strenuous exertion should only be avoided in the second half. Light activity, such as walks at a moderate pace, can benefit her fitness and health.

Early on, it is worth setting up a quiet, comfortable resting spot for her, ideally in a peaceful corner of the house. Line it with soft materials that will give her comfort and a sense of security. Avoid unnecessary stress, which can have a negative effect on the pregnancy.

Preparing for whelping and how it unfolds

Preparing for the birth is a key stage in caring for your bitch.

Preparing the whelping box

It is worth setting up a dedicated whelping box (nest) in a particularly quiet spot and encouraging her to sleep in it. The space should feel safe and be lined with clean, soft materials that can be changed easily. You should also have clean towels on hand for drying newborn puppies, along with a disposable sterile scalpel blade in case the umbilical cord needs to be cut.

The stages of whelping

Whelping in dogs lasts from 3 to 24 hours, and occasionally as long as 36.

1. Stage 1: Dilation of the cervix. The preparatory phase. The bitch stops eating, becomes restless and may urinate and defecate more often.
2. Stage 2: Delivery of the puppies. The bitch has straining contractions as she pushes the puppies out. She licks each newborn puppy clean and bites through the umbilical cord.
3. Stage 3: Passing of the foetal membranes. This follows a few minutes after the puppies are delivered. The bitch expels the foetal membranes (placenta) together with greenish foetal fluids. She will often eat the placenta.

Complications and when to intervene

Whelping should be supervised. Giving birth is hugely stressful for a dog, so do not disturb her, make noise or try to feed her.

Contact a veterinarian immediately if:

• No puppy has been born after six hours of contractions.
• The puppies are weak and the bitch is unable to care for them.
• The bitch is having difficulty giving birth.

There are many causes of a difficult birth; the most common are breeding bitches that are too young, breeding bitches with genetic pelvic defects, breeding overweight or obese bitches, and a high birth weight of the puppies.

If the pregnancy threatens the bitch’s health, a veterinarian can terminate it; terminating an advanced pregnancy usually requires surgery and should be combined with spaying, to prevent further unwanted pregnancies as well as pyometra.

Summary

Pregnancy in dogs is a complex but short period that calls for exceptional care and commitment from the owner. Proper feeding, veterinary check-ups and informed preparation for whelping are essential to the health of the mother and her puppies.

The golden rule for any sensible owner should be to prevent unwanted pregnancies through responsible breeding. And while you wait for the litter, it is worth learning about your bitch’s needs so that you can respond properly to any complications.

If you are planning an addition to the family, or have any concerns about the course of the pregnancy, feeding or whelping, do not hesitate to consult our specialists. We are here to support you at every stage of your bitch’s motherhood.

Frequently asked questions:

1. How long does pregnancy last in dogs?

Pregnancy in dogs lasts on average 58 to 70 days, with the standard time to whelping being around 63 days.

2. When is the best time to confirm a bitch’s pregnancy?

The first tests, such as an ultrasound scan, can be carried out around 21–26 days after mating to confirm the presence and viability of the foetuses. An X-ray, which shows the exact number of puppies, is only possible after day 45.

3. Can dogs have a phantom pregnancy?

Yes, phantom pregnancy (pseudopregnancy) is common in unspayed bitches regardless of age or breed. It stems from hormonal imbalance and can manifest as nesting, aggression and swollen mammary glands. If phantom pregnancies keep recurring, it is worth considering spaying.

4. How should a bitch’s diet change during pregnancy?

For the first four weeks the diet stays the same. Only from around week 5 should you gradually increase the calorie content of the food to provide energy for the growing foetuses, which means increasing portions by roughly 10% per week. Overfeeding and calcium supplementation before whelping must be strictly avoided, as they could lead to complications.

5. When is veterinary intervention needed during whelping?

Most births proceed naturally, but intervention is needed if:

• No puppy has been born after six hours of strong contractions.
• The bitch is having difficulty giving birth or is exhausted.
• The puppies are weak and the mother shows no interest in them.

Your dog’s diet

A dog’s diet needs to be put together with care so that it provides every nutrient your dog needs. Fruit can be a wonderful addition to a healthy diet for our four-legged friends, supplying vitamins, minerals and fibre. Bear in mind, though, that while some fruits are safe for dogs, others can be harmful or downright toxic.

Fruits that are safe for dogs

Some fruits are safe and healthy for dogs, and adding them to the diet can bring plenty of benefits

• Apples: Apples are rich in vitamins A and C as well as fibre, which aids digestion. You can offer them in small pieces or slices, but be sure to remove the core first, as the seeds contain toxic amygdalin. Apples make a healthy treat, a nice addition to the daily diet, or even an ingredient in homemade dog treats.

• Bananas: Bananas are sweet and tasty, and give dogs potassium and vitamins B6 and C. Their high carbohydrate content makes them an excellent source of energy, but because they are also high in sugar, it is best to offer them in moderation. Slice them so they are easy to eat, or blend them into a dog-friendly smoothie.

• Blueberries: These little berries are a real treasure trove of antioxidants, which can support your dog’s heart health and cognitive function. Blueberries are not only low in calories but may also give the immune system a boost. Serve them fresh or frozen, which makes them the perfect snack on a hot day.

• Watermelon: Watermelon has a very high water content, which makes it an excellent treat for hot weather. It is rich in vitamins A and C.  It also contains lycopene, a natural antioxidant. Give your dog watermelon in small pieces with the seeds and rind removed to avoid digestive upsets. You can also freeze it and serve it as a lolly, which is sure to be refreshing.

• Pears: Pears are wonderfully juicy and packed with vitamins such as C and K, as well as fibre that helps digestion. Before giving your dog a pear, make sure you remove the seeds and the tough stalk, which can be hard to digest. Pears can be served in chunks or finely chopped, making them a tasty and healthy treat for your pet.

Fruits to avoid

While many fruits can be a healthy addition to a dog’s diet, there are also some that can be harmful or toxic

• Grapes and raisins: These can have tragic consequences for a dog’s health, even in very small amounts. Some dogs are particularly sensitive to the toxic compounds in grapes and raisins, which can lead to severe kidney damage. Signs of poisoning usually appear quickly and include vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, loss of appetite and lethargy. In extreme cases, kidney failure can develop, requiring intensive veterinary treatment.

• Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits such as lemons, limes and grapefruit can cause unpleasant side effects in dogs. Their high acidity can lead to stomach irritation, digestive problems and allergic reactions. Although small amounts of citrus may not cause serious trouble, it is better to steer clear of them.

• Avocado: Avocado contains a substance called persin, which is toxic to many pets, including dogs. It can lead to serious health problems such as vomiting, diarrhoea and swelling. Although some breeds may be more sensitive to persin than others, it is best not to give avocado to your pet at all

•  Cherries and peaches can be dangerous because their stones and seeds contain cyanide, a highly toxic substance. Cyanide ingestion can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing and drooling, and in extreme cases can even be fatal. That is why you should never give your dog fruit with the stones left in.

• Pomegranate can be hard for dogs to digest. Its hard seeds can cause stomach problems such as bloating, diarrhoea and other digestive upsets. The hard texture of the fruit can also pose a choking hazard if a dog gulps down pieces too greedily.

How to introduce fruit into your dog’s diet

Fruit should be introduced into a dog’s diet gradually. Always start with small pieces to see how your dog reacts. Make sure your dog is not allergic to the fruit in question and that it does not cause any digestive upset. Also, only ever offer fruit in moderation, so that excess sugar does not lead to digestive problems.

Summary

Fruit can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, but it is important to know which fruits are safe and which can do harm. Apples, bananas, blueberries, watermelon and pears provide valuable nutrients and make tasty treats for our pets. Grapes, citrus fruits, avocado and a few others, on the other hand, can cause serious health problems and should be avoided. And ultimately, it is always worth checking with your vet to make sure that adding fruit to your dog’s diet is appropriate and safe.

As an experienced pet owner you have surely wondered more than once what your cat is really trying to tell you when it opens its mouth and produces that characteristic “meow”. Among domestic animals, cats are masters of subtle communication, and their vocalisations, seemingly simple, carry a wealth of information about their needs, emotions and wellbeing.

Understanding cat language is the key to a deep and genuinely rewarding relationship with your pet. Unlike dogs, which communicate with one another largely through body language, cats have kept meowing as their main means of communicating with people. Adult cats rarely meow at each other — the sound is a kind of evolutionary adaptation that cats use to influence what their owners do and how they react. In other words, our cats watch us and adjust their behaviour to fit our expectations and responses more closely.

In this article, put together by the experts at Zviropolis, we will help you decode these often puzzling sounds so that you can respond better to your pet’s needs.

The basic vocabulary of cat language: what meowing means

Most cat meows are about everyday, very specific needs and express basic emotions. Recognising the context in which a particular sound occurs is the first step towards interpreting it correctly.

Meowing about everyday needs

Cats, like us, have basic needs, and they communicate them rather directly. They have learned that a loud, insistent sound is an effective way of getting our attention.

A short, insistent meow is often a demand for food. A hungry cat uses this sound to draw attention to an empty bowl. It may be accompanied by rubbing against your legs or by brisk marching towards the feeding spot.

More drawn-out, plaintive sounds, on the other hand, tend to be a request to open the door and be let out (or let back in). If a cat has regular outdoor access, this is how it demands its “pass to the world beyond the door”.

Short, high-pitched, melodic meows, meanwhile, are usually an invitation to interact. A cat that wants a fuss, a game or simply your company will produce a series of such sounds, often purring energetically and rubbing against you at the same time.

Meowing as a reflection of emotional states

Meowing can also reflect deeper emotional states. Here it is important to pay attention not only to the sound itself but also to the body language that goes with it.

Long, drawn-out meows, often described as howling, signal anxiety, confusion or loneliness. Such a sound may come with restless pacing and attempts to catch your eye, or it may occur at night as a result of disorientation, which is common in older cats. A short, high, quiet meow, by contrast, indicates contentment and is a form of greeting, often combined with purring and rubbing. Alarm calls or screams, however, mean severe pain, sudden fright or defensive aggression. In such situations the cat’s body is tense, the fur may be bristling and the tail tucked in, and the animal’s condition needs to be assessed immediately.

Purring, growling, hissing: the richness of feline communication

Cat language is not limited to meowing. Cats use a whole palette of vocalisations, each with a clearly defined function in communicating with us and with the world.

Purring: comfort and self-soothing

Purring is usually taken as a sign of wellbeing and happiness. It appears during a fuss, at mealtimes or while resting. It is worth remembering, though, that purring is more complex than that. It can also be a self-soothing mechanism in cats that are ill, stressed or in pain. If a cat is purring but clearly feels unwell, is listless or refuses to eat, this should not be brushed aside, because the sound may indicate an attempt to manage its own stress levels rather than complete relaxation.

Warning sounds: hissing and growling

Hissing and growling are sounds meant to keep others at a distance and to warn. Growling indicates irritation, or a warning that the cat feels threatened or is defending its resources. Hissing is the least ambiguous signal of fear: it tells you the cat feels its life is in danger and needs space, often with an open mouth, ears flattened back and a posture ready for defence.

Trills and chirrups: the gentler vocalisations

Short, gentle sounds that resemble a cross between a purr and a brief meow are known as trills and chirrups. Cats often use them to greet their owner, to call their kittens or, in a hunting context, to express frustration at the sight of unreachable prey (a bird outside the window, for instance).

When does meowing become a problem? Warning changes

Although most vocalisation is a normal part of life with a cat, a sudden or marked change in its character can be a warning sign that calls for prompt veterinary advice.

Signals you must not ignore

Meowing that becomes louder and more frequent for no obvious reason (not a request for food or affection) may point to chronic pain, anxiety or a developing illness.

Pay particular attention if the following unusual vocalisations appear: Hoarseness or loss of voice: a change in the tone of the voice or hoarseness, especially alongside other signs (coughing, nasal discharge, loss of appetite), can suggest problems with the larynx or throat, or even asthma. Crying in the litter tray: loud vocalisation in the litter tray accompanied by straining and difficulty passing urine is an emergency! It may indicate a urinary blockage, which is life-threatening. Prolonged “howling” at night: continuous, loud meowing, particularly at night in an older cat, may point to cognitive dysfunction syndrome (feline dementia), in which the cat feels lost and calls for its owner.

Differential diagnosis: the medical background

Where vocal behaviour changes suddenly, a veterinarian must always rule out medical causes, which frequently show themselves through vocalisation. The conditions most often associated with increased or altered meowing are:

• Hyperthyroidism: typical of older cats. A rise in thyroid hormones often leads to restlessness, increased appetite, weight loss and excessive vocalisation.
• Kidney disease and hypertension: chronic discomfort or high blood pressure, which can cause headaches and disorientation, show up as changes in behaviour and more frequent meowing.
• Joint and spinal disease: pain on movement or in a particular position can provoke a scream or a growl when the animal is touched or tries to move about.

Diagnosis and what happens next

When a veterinarian sees a cat that is meowing excessively or unusually, the diagnostic process is a thorough one. It combines a detailed behavioural history with clinical examination in order to identify the underlying cause, which may be either a medical or a behavioural problem.

History and clinical examination

The vet takes a careful history, asking about the context of the vocalisation: when the cat started meowing like this, at what times of day it happens, and whether the meowing is linked to food, the litter tray or simply being left alone. Information about when the signs first appeared is essential. A full physical examination follows, including inspection of the mouth, listening to the heart and lungs, and palpation of the abdomen.

Laboratory tests and imaging

Further tests are needed to rule out internal disease. They include:

• Blood tests (haematology, biochemistry): essential for assessing kidney and liver function and for ruling out hyperthyroidism (by checking T4 levels) and diabetes.
• Urine tests: necessary to rule out infection or bladder stones, which can cause pain on urination.
• Imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI): may be required to assess the internal organs (to check for bladder stones, for example) or to evaluate the joints and spine if orthopaedic pain is suspected.

Treatment is always aimed at eliminating the underlying cause, whether through medication (thyroid drugs or painkillers, for instance) or through changes to the environment where the problem is behavioural or cognitive.

Understanding each other better: advice for owners

Understanding a cat’s meow is not just a matter of recognising an individual sound; it means interpreting the whole context of the communication. Remember that cats are highly intelligent and learn to manipulate their owners — if loud meowing gets results (food, attention), they will keep doing it.

Here are the key principles that will help you manage vocal communication better:

Set fixed routines and respond to insistence in the right way. Cats love predictability. If feeding and play happen at set times, the insistent “demanding” vocalisation will decrease. Try feeding your cat after a session of interactive play, mimicking the hunting cycle (hunt — eat — sleep). If your cat meows loudly at the bowl, wait before putting the food down until it settles for a moment. That way you reward quiet rather than pestering.

Increase time spent on interactive play. Boredom and lack of stimulation are common causes of problem vocalisation. Daily “hunting” sessions with a wand toy satisfy feline instincts and use up surplus energy, which reduces the risk of night-time howling.

Read the body language. Always pay attention to your cat’s tail, ears and posture. A tail held high with a slight quiver is a positive greeting; flattened ears and a body crouched low mean fear or pain. Never ignore meowing accompanied by body language that suggests pain or fear — in those cases you need to act without delay.

Summary

Your cat’s meow is its own unique voice in the world, and you, as its owner, are the one person who can fully understand it. That sound carries information about joy, about hunger and sometimes, most importantly of all, about a hidden health problem.

Careful observation, combined with an understanding of feline communication, makes you the best advocate for your pet’s health. Never dismiss a sudden, unexplained change in vocal behaviour — it may be the only sign that your cat needs professional help.

If you have any doubts about your cat’s behaviour, and its meowing sounds worrying or has got out of hand, remember that the specialists at Zviropolis are ready to help you decode its language and take care of its health.