Your precious pooch is pregnant, so you want to make sure you do all you can for her. Chihuahuas may be the tiniest dogs in the world, but that doesn't mean they can't have a successful pregnancy. Take her to a veterinarian, watch her diet and keep her comfortable.
Step 1
Visit a veterinarian. It is important that you take your pooch to the vet, so the vet can assess her condition and make plans for the delivery. Sometimes Chihuahuas cannot deliver naturally because they are so small. With close monitoring, the vet will be able to determine if the delivery needs to be at the clinic.
Step 2
Estimate the delivery date. If you know the date of insemination, you can predict the birth date and prepare. Gestation is nine weeks or 63 days.
Step 3
Consider her food. Pregnant dogs need extra protein for the growing pups. Dry food or wet food is fine as long as it is a good quality food with recognizable meat, not ground animal meal. Avoid food with many types of filler. Look for natural ingredients. Feed her several small meals throughout the day. As she nears the end of her pregnancy, consider a high quality puppy food. Chihuahuas are known for eclampsia, a calcium deficiency.
Step 4
Fix a quiet place to rest. As the puppies grow inside your dog, she will need more quiet time. Limit exercise as she gets nearer the birthing date. Create a place for her with no loud noises or distractions. Make her comfortable with extra blankets. As she nears her time, she will start pawing and chewing the blankets.
Step 5
Take her temperature rectally when she is close to the nine-week period. Normal temperature is 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. When her temperature drops below 100 degrees, she will deliver within 24 hours.
Step 6
Prepare a nesting area. If the vet recommends that she birth at home, you will want a place for her that is quiet. There should be no drafts. The floor should be easy to clean in case she decides to birth on the floor. Line the bedding with towels.
Step 7
Notify your vet that your dog is ready to give birth. The vet has been monitoring her throughout the pregnancy and will know if she can deliver naturally. Puppies may be too large for her to deliver because Chihuahua puppies have large heads. Be prepared for her to have a C-section, if necessary.
Step 8
Monitor the mother after the delivery. Chihuahuas need one to three days to accept the puppies. You may have to feed them with a bottle or a special tube for puppies. Make sure the pups have blankets to keep them warm.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
References
Resources
Tips
- During the early part of the pregnancy, continue to have a regular exercise program.
- Make sure she has plenty of clean water at all times.
Warnings
- Keep young children away from your pregnant pooch.
- Don't limit her food.
Writer Bio
Pauline Gill is a retired teacher with more than 25 years of experience teaching English to high school students. She holds a bachelor's degree in language arts and a Master of Education degree. Gill is also an award-winning fiction author.