13 Things You Can Expect From A Female Dog After Mating

Dog reproduction is a serious responsibility.

That’s why when you see that your pup has mated with another after being in heat…

So many things ran into your mind, like:

What’s next for you and your furry gal?

Continue reading to discover:

• 3 stages of labor in dogs.
• 3 immediate signs that your female pooch has mated.
• 13 surprising things to expect from a female dog after mating (based on a timeframe).
• And many more…

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What to expect from a female dog after mating? 13 things

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Before we proceed…

I want to tell you how to immediately confirm that your pooch has successfully mated. So that your expectations are set accordingly this early.

Now, apart from seeing your pup “tied” with a male dog…

Here are more instant signs that the encounter is successful:

• Swelling vulva.
• Matted or wet fur around the neck (due to licking).
• Distinct odor around her vulva (different from the smell she has when in heat).

Within the first 48 hours

#1: Conception

The moment you see the immediate signs of a mating encounter…

That’s not when the puppies are exactly formed.

For one, sperm can last several days inside a female’s body. 

On the other hand, her egg cell can be fertile for up to 48 hours.

That said, conception doesn’t happen instantly. 

So, you can’t use the mating encounter as an exact starting point of the pregnancy.

1st month

#2: She needs to see the vet

The first month is the best time to take your dog to the doctor. 

There, she should undergo an ultrasound and other tests to confirm their pregnancy. 

Plus, doing so will let you know the accurate length of gestation.

Moreover, it’s best to consult the veterinarian because all these could be false. 

There’s such a thing called pseudopregnancy in dogs.

It’s when she shows signs of pregnancy without actually carrying any puppy. 

More importantly, if it isn’t a false case…

Then the signs that you’re seeing might be because of a different health issue. Some examples are intestinal parasites or poisoning.

So, it’s best to have a veterinarian verify everything. 

#3: Morning sickness

Some dogs experience nausea and vomiting during the first 3 weeks of pregnancy.

Now, why does morning sickness happen?

That’s because during gestation, your pup experiences hormone changes. Which shifts her bodily functions to abnormal.

That includes her blood pressure constantly fluctuating. From low to high, and then back to decreasing.

Then, there are changes in her body’s metabolic process. That affects energy distribution. And it makes her weak.

All of those trigger your dog to experience morning sickness. 

#4: She gets more affectionate 

This research reveals: 

About 50% of pregnant dogs seek their parents’ attention constantly.

And when your pooch comes to you affectionately…

That’s because she’s more sensitive during pregnancy. So, she comes to you for support and comfort.

Note: Other pregnant dogs would appreciate some distance from their parents. So, your pooch might also be aloof. What’s more, she can show aggression if you press on her too much.

Continue reading: 15 Reasons Why Your Dog Is (Suddenly) Overly Affectionate

#5: Decreased physical activity

Your furry gal’s body is going through lots of changes during pregnancy.

And those can be really confusing to experience.

To the point that your pupper will feel lethargic and lazy.

Hence, their decreased energy and activity.

#6: Belly and nipples are swelling

During this period…

Your dog hasn’t gained that much weight.

They might look fat, but that’s only because her belly is swelling. 

According to the MSD Vet Manual, a fetus grows fast during early pregnancy. The little bean makes their mom swell twice as large every week.

Apart from that, her nipples are also enlarged. 

That’s because her body releases a ton of the hormone estrogen. Which makes the nipples grow as preparation for milk production and secretion.

2nd month

#7: Changes in appetite

Every dog is different, and so are their experiences.

That’s why your pregnant dog will either increase her appetite or eat less.

For the former, remember that she’s eating for 2. 

So she’s going to need to eat more food. Plus, this ensures a nourished litter inside her body.

But if she’s not eating properly…

It can be due to confusion. 

Again, her body’s going through a lot of changes. Which can lead to her losing her appetite.

Now, if your dog munches too much today and you see them not eating the next day…

Don’t be too alarmed. 

That’s still normal. She can change preferences depending on what her body tells her.

#8: Weight changes

As I mentioned, your dog is either eating more or less…

That said, her body is going to respond. For that, she might gain or lose some weight. Depending on her behavior.

#9: You’ll notice the puppies moving in her belly

This one puts a smile on a lot of dog parents’ faces.

At this point of your canine’s pregnancy…

You might notice that something’s moving in her belly. And those are the puppies.

Exciting, right?

According to AKC, the fetus develops quickly during the 2nd month of gestation. That’s why the fetus would be formed at this period.

3rd month (nearing labor)

#10: Restlessness

Nearing the birth of her puppies…

Your dog would be very restless. 

She might sleep less than she usually does. 

Moreover, during this, she might distance herself a little from you. And when she does, give her the space she needs.

Your pupper will appreciate a quiet environment when this happens. 

Then if you’re getting very worried…

Remember that your canine has this in her biology. So her instincts tell her what to do. That’s why all of this is a necessary experience.

#11: She can’t stay put

As I mentioned, your pup is in preparation mode. And it’s causing her to be fidgety.

Among other things, she’ll start to:

• Pace.
• Pant.
• Shiver.

These are due to the anticipation of giving birth. 

Your dog knows she’ll see her puppies soon. That said, she must get everything in order. That’s why she’ll also exhibit…

#12: Nesting

One of the instincts that a pregnant dog has is to show nesting behaviors.

This is to prepare as well.

Here, she’s looking for or creating a place where she’ll give birth.

That’s why you might notice her collecting blankets or clothes. Then, put them somewhere with less traffic.

Usually, your dog will choose a corner. Or, they’ll squeeze themself in the back of furniture if they can.

If she gets her hands in some paper, she’ll rip them up too.

Moreover, you might see her scratching the couch or her bed. Sometimes, she’ll even dig on the floor.

And once she creates that ideal space…

She’ll start to go around in circles, particularly in the spot she prepared or pace around it. 

Going into labor

#13: Welcoming her puppies into the world

Going into labor will be the last and hardest thing for your pooch. And she’s going to face it in 3 phases.

1st stage

Internally, your pupper is feeling contractions in her uterus. Which won’t be obvious to you. 

What you’ll notice are these signs instead:

• Panting.
• Vomiting.
• Avoiding you.
• Refusing to eat. 
• Hiding from you.
• Clear vaginal discharge.

2nd stage

Here comes the puppies…

This is the stage where she gives birth to her litter. 

The length of this stage will depend on how many puppies are there. 

But she shouldn’t spend more than 2 hours delivering each puppy.

And the interval between deliveries is usually 30 to 60 minutes.

Warning: Your canine should only give birth for 24 hours. If any signs of difficulty or a puppy is obviously coming, but it’s been more than 1 hour, contact the vet.

3rd stage

Now that all the puppies are out…

Your pooch will expel the placenta. This should occur instantly after stage 2.