{"id":920,"date":"2019-11-05T15:42:07","date_gmt":"2019-11-05T20:42:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/?p=920"},"modified":"2022-02-10T13:31:40","modified_gmt":"2022-02-10T18:31:40","slug":"how-to-care-for-a-pregnant-poodle-the-complete-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/how-to-care-for-a-pregnant-poodle-the-complete-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Care for a Pregnant Poodle: The Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-Mother-Lily-_-Sepia-toned-Poodles-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-962\" srcset=\"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-Mother-Lily-_-Sepia-toned-Poodles-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-Mother-Lily-_-Sepia-toned-Poodles-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-Mother-Lily-_-Sepia-toned-Poodles-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-Mother-Lily-_-Sepia-toned-Poodles-1.jpg 924w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\nCaring for a pregnant poodle\nwill be a gratifying experience that will come with a lot of\nresponsibility and attention. You\u2019ll want to understand everything\nabout what your dog is going through, the stages of pregnancy, and\nhow to best support them throughout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How\ndo you care for a pregnant poodle? <strong>Your\nveterinarian will confirm that your poodle is pregnant. Her pregnancy\nwill last around 9 weeks, and during that time she will need extra\nlove, attention, appropriate exercise, and nutritional supplements\nthat will help keep your poodle and her-soon-to-be pups healthy. <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep\nin mind that this will be about more than just your care for your\npoodle. It will also require adjustments for you in your routines,\npreparing, and making sure you are ready for the new poodle arrivals\nas well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"confirming-your-poodle-is-pregnant\">Confirming Your Poodle is Pregnant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This\nwill be the same for any type of poodle. Whether you have a standard,\nminiature, or toy poodle, their pregnancies will last around 63 days\n(or 9 weeks), and you will need to see your veterinarian to confirm\neverything is going as it should.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Those\n63 days are measured from ovulation to birth. The day that they\nrelease their eggs is when ovulation begins. She will go through\nthree trimesters, all about 21 days long, before giving birth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"signs-your-poodle-is-pregnant\">Signs Your Poodle is Pregnant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since\nyou\u2019re not typically going to get ultrasounds or x-rays for your\nfurry family member on a regular basis, it is up to you to first\nunderstand the indicators that may mean she is pregnant. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>It\u2019s important to keep in mind that your poodle can become pregnant at any age after her first heat.<\/strong> It doesn\u2019t matter how young she is, which seems strange, but it\u2019s true and happens in many cases. After that first heat, if she is not spayed, she could potentially have heat cycles her entire life.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"knowing-the-signs-of-pregnancy\"><em><strong>Knowing the signs of pregnancy:<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Lethargy:<\/strong>\n\t\n\t\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Your\npoodle may slow down a bit and need some extra sleep. If you notice\nher taking more naps, not wanting to go for walks as frequently or\nletting you sleep in longer than usual, take note. This could be a\nsign she realizes her body needs more rest to care for her unborn\npup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Big\n\tBelly: <\/strong>\n\t\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Because\npoodles have a much shorter pregnancy term, you will see physical\nevidence of the pregnancy much sooner than you do in humans. Roughly\naround week two, the stomach will become firmer. By week four, you\nwill see noticeable swelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Increased\n\tHygiene: <\/strong>\n\t\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cleanliness\nwill be of utmost importance to your expectant poodle. She will be\ncleaning herself more frequently and more vigorously. She knows\nwhat\u2019s coming and is doing everything she can to help her pup come\nout healthy and clean. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Increased\n\tAppetite: <\/strong>\n\t\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To\naccommodate for the pups inside of her, her appetite will increase.\nShe may start wanting more frequent meals and will probably be\nslightly irritable if she is feeling hungry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Nesting:<\/strong>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You\nmay begin noticing her favorite toys have all huddled together in a\ncorner together, or what appears to be the early makings of a blanket\nfort under the kitchen table. This is your pup showing maternal\ninstincts. This is a beautifully primal action she is taking to ready\nthe home for her new pup. She is building a nest and preparing her\nterritory for the newcomer. This is not only cute to watch, but it\u2019s\nalso a pretty special moment seeing a motherly instinct in your dog. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Inverted\n\tNipples:<\/strong>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t\nbe scared if you notice a nipple that wasn\u2019t there before. Fear\nnot; she is not growing nipples. These are inverted nipples that are\nvery normal to go unseen until she becomes pregnant, which is when\nthey will pop out. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Minor\n\tDischarge:<\/strong>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This\nis another one that can be alarming but is totally normal. Around\nweek 4 or 5 you may notice minor to moderate clear discharge. Monitor\nhow much and how frequent, and if it becomes heavier or looks\nabnormal, reach out to your vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Morning\n\tSickness:<\/strong>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Yup,\neven dogs get it, although it&#8217;s rarer than in women. It also\ntypically only lasts a few days in the 3<sup>rd<\/sup>\nor 4<sup>th<\/sup>\nweek. It can be caused by hormonal changes, which is what also\naffects their energy levels and appetite. If your girl throws up in\nthe morning, just give her small meals throughout the day and make\nsure she is drinking plenty of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Tips for Hydrating:<\/strong> Some dogs just don\u2019t like drinking a lot of water. But if she is getting sick, you need to make sure she is replenishing her fluids. <\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>1 &#8211; <strong>Adding a tiny bit of bone or chicken broth can go a long way for a dog. The smell will entice her and give it just enough flavor to spark her interest. Just make sure it is homemade or organic, so you know she is only getting good, natural broth. <\/strong><\/em><strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>2-<strong> You can also give them ice cubes. This will be fun for them because it is something different, and they can chew on it as well. <\/strong><\/em><strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All\npoodles will react differently during pregnancy. It is essential to\nbe aware of all the possible signs to have the appropriate reaction.\nA dog that seems more tired than usual and who\u2019s eating a little\nmore doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re pregnant. But if that is paired with a\nfirm belly and protruding nipples, then it\u2019s time to consider\nthey\u2019re pregnant. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With\nany dog, if you start to notice multiple changes in their appearance,\nmood, or activity levels, you should monitor and, if necessary, talk\nto your vet to make sure there is no illness or injury affecting\nthese changes. Considering if they\u2019re pregnant will be a part of\nthat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"confirming-with-your-vet\">Confirming with Your Vet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-Vet-doctor-examining-cute-poodle-dog-with-stethoscope-at-clinic-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-950\" srcset=\"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-Vet-doctor-examining-cute-poodle-dog-with-stethoscope-at-clinic-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-Vet-doctor-examining-cute-poodle-dog-with-stethoscope-at-clinic-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-Vet-doctor-examining-cute-poodle-dog-with-stethoscope-at-clinic-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-Vet-doctor-examining-cute-poodle-dog-with-stethoscope-at-clinic-1.jpg 924w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If\nyou started to notice multiple warnings signs and you think your\npoodle may be pregnant, you will want to get them to your vet as soon\nas possible. If you know the date that she mated, it is wise to bring\nher in for a checkup about 2-3 weeks after that date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I recommend pet Insurance to every dog owner I meet.  Regular vet visits, and especially maternity care, can be extremely expensive and there is peace of mind knowing Insurance is in place to offset these health expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Lemonade Pet Insurance insurance has enabled me to afford the highest level of veterinary care for my dog, Angus. Especially after he was diagnosed with cancer a few years back. Visit the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?awinmid=15372&amp;awinaffid=904369\" target=\"_blank\">Lemonade Health Insurance website here<\/a> to get a free quote and see why Lemonade is a good fit to protect the health of your dog too.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Your Veterinarian will be able to<\/strong><\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong>Perform a prenatal exam<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong>Give tips on nutrition and food<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong>Let you know if any further tests are needed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong>Treat any parasites, if found<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are also different timeframes to keep in mind when your vet tests your poodle for pregnancy.  <strong>These are the three most common tests for pregnancy and how many days after conception they can be performed:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>\n\t\t\t<strong>Ultrasound<\/strong>\n\t\t<\/td><td>\n\t\t\t<strong>Blood Test<\/strong>\n\t\t<\/td><td>\n\t\t\t<strong>X-Ray<\/strong>\n\t\t<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\n\t\t\t28 &#8211; 30 days\n\t\t<\/td><td>\n\t\t\t30 days\n\t\t<\/td><td>\n\t\t\t45 days\n\t\t<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>All three of these methods are safe, accurate, and commonly used. The reason the X-Ray takes a bit longer is that the new pup will not show up on there until the bones are formed. You can also use this as a method to see how many puppies will be in the litter.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically,\nby that point, pregnancy will already be confirmed through other\nmethods. A vet can even tell by feeling the dog\u2019s stomach around\nweek four in most cases. But the X-Ray is an excellent way to see how\ntheir growth is progressing and is crucial to understanding how many\npups there are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>\u201c<em><strong>Their skeletons are not mineralized enough to see until at least 45 days, and usually it is recommended to wait until 50 to 55 days of pregnancy to give the most accurate count. Knowing how many puppies to expect is important, so you know if she has finished with labor or if there may be a puppy stuck in the birth canal.<\/strong>\u201d \u2013 <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/stories\/6376\/how-to-tell-if-a-dog-is-pregnant\/\"><em>Dr. Jessica Romine on Care.com<\/em><\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nblood test will basically show elevated levels of the hormone,\nrelaxin. It is smart to get a blood test done during a dog\u2019s\npregnancy anyways to make sure all levels seem normal across the\nboard. Speak with your vet about what type of panel would be most\nappropriate for them. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"caring-for-your-poodle-during-pregnancy\">Caring for Your Poodle During Pregnancy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you know your poodle is pregnant and have gone through the proper exams and tests to be sure she is healthy and happy, it is time to get the home ready and begin your regiment of daily care for her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Poodles\nare incredibly loyal, intelligent, and alert. This makes them\nexcellent mothers, and also helps them get ready for motherhood. They\nare highly instinctual on top of it all. So, there is some good news\nin there for you, as her caretaker. She will take care of a lot of\nthis on her own. Like in their nesting moments, they inherently know\nhow to be mothers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She\nwill still need support from you, and you will need to adjust how you\ndo some activities with her, but her instincts will take over when it\ncomes to a lot of this. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"exercise-for-your-pregnant-poodle\">Exercise for your Pregnant Poodle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"471\" src=\"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-White-poodle-on-street-1024x471.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-952\" srcset=\"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-White-poodle-on-street-1024x471.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-White-poodle-on-street-300x138.jpg 300w, https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-White-poodle-on-street-768x353.jpg 768w, https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-White-poodle-on-street.jpg 924w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Any\nhealthy dog, no matter the breed, needs a lot of exercise and\nstimulation. With a pregnant poodle, this shouldn\u2019t change. The\nonly major change you will want to make is to exclude any high-impact\nor intense activity. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In\ngeneral, poodles are highly active and love to be physically and\nmentally stimulated. But they\u2019re not typically going to be going on\nlong hikes with you, nor running long distances. So their exercise is\nalready relatively low to moderate impact. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While\nshe is pregnant, you will want to really make sure to eliminate\nanything too intense from her daily activity. But daily walks and\nmild playtime will be great for her. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.purina.co.uk\/dogs\/health-and-nutrition\/pregnancy\/tips-for-a-healthy-pregnancy\">Purina\nrecommends three to five short walks per day<\/a>.\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Walking\nis low impact, gets her fresh air, and bonding time with you. As she\ngets ready to be a mother, she still needs to feel that bond and\ncloseness to you. It is a way of showing her support during her\npregnancy.  \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Walking will also help keep her heart healthy and maintain muscle mass<\/strong>. She needs her body to be in top shape to be ready for labor. Leading up to labor, she will also want her body to be healthy so she can feel her best during times that will be tougher. This will not be a comfortable few months leading up to the birth. But slow, short walks will make her feel better and stay healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>With an increased appetite in pregnant poodles, moderate exercise daily will also help keep off extra, unwanted pounds<\/strong>. She will, of course, gain weight during this process. But the key is to make sure she is maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Sudden weight gain from eating too much and not exercising enough is not balanced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep\nan eye on her weight and speak with your vet about healthy weight\nranges throughout her pregnancy. Make sure exercise is a top\npriority, and she gets all the fresh air and activity that she needs.\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Remember, she may also be a bit more lethargic<\/strong>. So this is one of the times you will have to take the reins. While her instincts may tell her that she needs to be active, her body may not always react accordingly.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\nall need an extra push from time to time when it comes to getting\noutdoors and being active. This is no different. Your dog is going to\nrely on you to encourage her and help her stay active during this\ntime, even if she may not be feeling like keeping up with her daily\nwalks and exercise. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pregnant-poodle-nutrition\">Pregnant Poodle Nutrition <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Just\nlike humans, the appetite, tastes, and needs for your dog\u2019s food\nwill shift. While she will be hungrier, she also needs to make sure\nall her nutritional needs get met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><em>&#8220;<strong>Good nutrition sets the stage for successful breeding and pregnancy<\/strong>.&#8221;<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/vcahospitals.com\/know-your-pet\/feeding-the-pregnant-dog\"><em>-Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM<\/em><\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>You\nshouldn\u2019t just plan to toss some extra food down at each meal and\nbe done with it. Think about how you eat and the changes you make\nbased on what your goal is. If you want to gain muscle, you will\nprobably add protein. If you&#8217;re going to lose weight, you might\neliminate empty carbs. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For\nyour pregnant poodle, balance and nutrition are essential. Puppies\nand kittens stay on a special diet for their first year of life\nbecause their bodies need particular nutrients to help make sure they\nare growing properly. So why shouldn\u2019t pregnant moms be any\ndifferent? They are growing a puppy inside of them, and they need\nproper nutrition to keep themselves healthy, which also helps keep\nthe puppy healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I feed my dog high-quality food from Pet Plate. Pet Plate is a premium dog food subscription service that provides freshly cooked and pre-portioned meals completely customized for your dog. I really love the fact that Pet Plate delivers the highest quality meals to my door without me ever having to think about it! Check out Pet Plate&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/shareasale.com\/r.cfm?b=1500374&amp;u=2369283&amp;m=75374&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>&nbsp;to find more information and see if Pet Plate is right for you and your pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"medication\"><strong>Medication<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Any\nextra medicine should be avoided if possible, during the dog\u2019s\npregnancy. A monthly topical flea, tick, or heartworm medication\nwould be one of the exceptions. This should be continued as it will\nhelp prevent your dog from passing anything along to the newborn\npups, and it is entirely safe. Always speak with your vet about these\ndecisions first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"extra-protein\"><strong>Extra Protein<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>By\ngiving your dog some extra protein during pregnancy, you will be\nhelping her in a few different areas. Protein gives extra energy,\nwhich will be welcomed and appreciated by your pregnant poodle. It\nalso promotes healthy, strong muscles. Since she may not be up for\nthe same level of exercise she was getting before, this can help her\nmaintain muscle mass, so her body is ready for labor. She will also\nfeel full faster, so it will help her keep a healthy weight while\nstill getting all the food and nutrients she needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akc.org\/expert-advice\/dog-breeding\/the-care-and-feeding-of-the-breeding-bitch-part-one\/\"><strong>American Kennel Club<\/strong><\/a><strong> recommends this breakdown of nutrients:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>\u201c<em><strong>As a guideline, choose a highly digestible, very palatable commercial diet. It should contain at least 29 percent protein and 17 percent fat. High amounts of soluble carbohydrates and a low fiber content are important to ensure adequate energy intake and to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in late pregnancy. Adequate intake of calcium (between 1 and 1.8 percent) and phosphorous (between .8 and 1.6 percent) intake is important for adequate milk production by the bitch so that the pups&#8217; bones form properly.\u201d<\/strong><\/em> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>When\nyou speak with your vet, they will have recommendations on the actual\ntype of dog feed you are feeding her as well. You want to make sure\nthe brand is trustworthy and uses all-natural ingredients. If you can\ngo with an organic option, it will help maintain the integrity of the\nfood and ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your vet will make sure the type of food is well-balanced and explicitly geared towards pregnant dogs. The vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients are all crucial factors in making sure mom and pups are all healthy throughout the pregnancy and after birth.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"healthy-weight-gain-for-pregnant-poodles\">Healthy Weight Gain for Pregnant Poodles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-Poodle-Dog.-1024x641.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-954\" srcset=\"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-Poodle-Dog.-1024x641.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-Poodle-Dog.-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-Poodle-Dog.-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-Poodle-Dog..jpg 924w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\nis considered healthy for a little weight gain from poodles during\ntheir pregnancy. But you don\u2019t want it to get out of hand. The\nextra weight from the pups will already be causing additional stress\non joints and make things a little harder on your mom-to-be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So\nmaking sure additional and unnecessary pounds stay off will be\ncrucial to her health and happiness. If she gains around 25\u201330% of\nher ideal weight by the time she gives birth, this is entirely\nhealthy. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\nNote that it is 25-30% of her\n<em>ideal weight.<\/em>\nIdeal is the keyword here. If your dog was already over or\nunderweight, adjust that number accordingly.  When you speak with\nyour vet, ask about their ideal weight. This is something you\nhopefully already know, as it is essential for your dog\u2019s lifespan\nand overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once\nyou confirm what their ideal weight is, you can also figure out what\ntheir ideal pregnant weight is. This is also something your vet will\nknow, but it is essential for you to understand it so you can monitor\nit at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While\nhighly intelligent and instinctual, I don\u2019t think many poodles will\nhop on the scale in the morning to do a weight check-in. This one is\nup to you. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"preparing-for-the-birth\">Preparing for the Birth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If\nyou are planning on having the puppies at home, you will want to be\nprepared for every situation and ready to bring them to the vet at\nany moment if there are complications. Speak with your vet ahead of\ntime on birthing practices and things to be prepared for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This\nis not something you want to have to improvise during. Having a\nchecklist, a plan, and everything ready will be paramount to the\nhealthy birth of the new pups. If you have to take your dog to the\nvet for the delivery at any point, that is something to prepare for,\nas well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"taking-them-to-the-vet\">Taking Them to the Vet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This\nis not an ideal situation if she has begun the labor process but may\nbe needed if something goes wrong and medical attention is required.\nIf you have an extra person with you, this will all be much easier. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\nis a scary moment for the mom, and she will want someone comforting\nher, while someone else is driving. You also want to make sure she is\nsafe and secure in the car in case of sudden stops or accidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping\nher in a crate with lots of towels and blankets will be the safest\nway to go. Just make sure to have a plan ready in case you need to\ntransport her, although hopefully, you won\u2019t have the need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-poodle-home-birth-checklist\">The Poodle Home Birth Checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Provided\neverything is going well, you will be able to do everything right in\nyour home where your dog will be most comfortable and feel safe in\nher own territory. Miniature poodles do have a higher chance of\nneeding a C-Section than standard poodles, but in most cases, a home\nbirth will be just fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Make sure you have everything you need on-hand and ready to go at any point once you are nearing the expected date.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Thermometer <\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Sheets, towels, and any \u201ccomfort\u201d or \u201csafety\u201d blankets that your dog loves <\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Heating pad <\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Floss or thread <\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Suction bulb  <\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Whelping box <\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Having a helper <\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Number 7 may be tricky if you live alone. But if you have a close friend or family member that doesn\u2019t live far, it is a good idea to have them prepared as well in knowing what to expect and let them know you may be calling on them to come help at a moment\u2019s notice.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Have\na few people on standby, is possible, so you can have some options\nand not be left alone. It is entirely doable to do on your own, but\nit never hurts to have that extra set of hands there. The main thing\nto remember for the actual pregnancy is that you can never be too\nprepared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\nis no such thing as having too many clean towels ready or not enough\nhelp. If you go overboard with the prep, it just means some extra\nsupplies. If you under prepare, it could affect the actual birth and\nthe comfort of the mom and puppies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-stages-of-birth-for-your-pregnant-poodle\">The Stages of Birth for your Pregnant Poodle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\nwill be important to understand how these stages work so that you\nknow exactly what is going on and how you can help throughout. The\ntotal time of labor for poodles can be anywhere from about 4 hours to\n18 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"stage-one\">Stage One<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>There are signs your poodle is about to give birth:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>!.<strong>Shivering<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2.<strong>Pacing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3.<strong>Acting Restless<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4.<strong>Vomiting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5.<strong>Whining or Crying<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not feed your dog during this stage. If a C-Section is needed, any food in her stomach can complicate it. She may also be panting, in which case offering her freshwater is helpful and totally safe.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"stage-two\">Stage Two<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>This is the actual birth stage<\/strong>. Each new pup will be born in his\/her own little amniotic sac. Typically, it will rupture after passing the birth canal, but it may not do so on its own. So be ready to tear it open yourself if it is still intact.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mom\nwill begin licking the new pups in order to clear their breathing\npassages. You may need to use the suction bulb to help stimulate\nbreathing if this isn\u2019t kickstarting their breathing. It will help\nremove fluids from their nasal passages. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout this stage, you are there mostly to supervise. Mom needs to do a lot of this on her own, and it is best to let her but be ready to step in whenever required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"stage-three\">Stage Three<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Once all puppies are out, she will enter the final stage where her uterus will fully contract and expel any remaining placenta and other liquids<\/strong>. Once this has happened, it is essential to clean the area, but also allow the new mom and her pups space and time they need together.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Place\nthe heating pay under a couple of blankets underneath them so they\ncan feel the heat but not be burned by it. Your job during stage\nthree is to stay vigilant and make sure mom and babies are healthy,\ncomfortable, and happy. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"meeting-the-new-puppies\">Meeting the New Puppies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-Miniature-Poodle-Puppy-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-956\" srcset=\"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-Miniature-Poodle-Puppy-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-Miniature-Poodle-Puppy-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-Miniature-Poodle-Puppy-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Canva-Miniature-Poodle-Puppy.jpg 924w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Your new mom will be exhausted and will need rest. But her maternal instincts will also kick in, and she will want to protect, feed, and bathe her newborns. As much as you\u2019re just going to want to scoop up mom and her new pups to cuddle them, give them their time. Once mom gets her bonding time, you can get yours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make\nsure mom and pups all get vet visits afterward to make sure she is in\ngood health post-birth, and the puppies get their first vaccinations\nand schedules for second or third rounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Continue to monitor her activity levels, weight, and appetite, and enjoy your time with your new poodle pups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"must-have-products-for-poodles-and-doodles\">Must Have Products For Poodles And Doodles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful. Here are some products that I personally believe every owner should employ to help ensure the best quality of life for their dogs. These are affiliate links, so if you do decide to use any of them, I\u2019ll earn a commission. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But in all honesty, these are the exact products that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?awinmid=15372&amp;awinaffid=904369\" target=\"_blank\">Lemonade Pet Insurance<\/a>: Lemonade Pet Insurance has enabled me to afford a very high level of veterinary care for my dog, Angus. Even after he was diagnosed with cancer a few years back. Lemonade is a great company, and I can&#8217;t recommend them enough!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/90eeekwns8ljqc2y-1lec6s25e.hop.clickbank.net\/?tid=THINKUP50\" target=\"_blank\">Brain Training For Dogs<\/a>: Brain Training for dogs is an amazing online training program I found that actually helped me to understand and ultimately stop my dog&#8217;s separation anxiety and destructive behaviors when I left the house. This program actually works, and at a small fraction of the cost of hiring a dog trainer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shareasale.com\/r.cfm?b=1089164&amp;u=2369283&amp;m=75374\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pet Plate<\/a>: I first learned of Pet Plate when the company was featured on the TV show &#8220;Shark Tank&#8221; back in 2016. Pet Plate is the dog food subscription service I use to provide extremely healthy, pre-portioned meals for my dog. Pet Plate gives my dog Angus the highest quality nutrition at a very affordable price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/track.flexlinkspro.com\/g.ashx?foid=156074.1369.401277&amp;trid=1232984.179044&amp;foc=16&amp;fot=9999&amp;fos=5\" target=\"_blank\">BarkBox<\/a>: Without a doubt, my dog enjoys Barkbox more than anything else I buy him. BarkBox delivers a customized box of themed toys, treats, and other products to your door each month. In addition, I like that a percentage of proceeds is donated to local animal shelters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/track.flexlinkspro.com\/g.ashx?foid=156178.18971.4611686018427507836&amp;trid=1232984.213888&amp;foc=16&amp;fot=9999&amp;fos=5\">Pawp.com<\/a>: Pawp is not insurance. It&#8217;s a membership program that gives you access to unlimited video calls or texts with a licensed vet 24\/7 and includes up to six pets on a single membership! I Purchase this service for my dog Angus and have saved hundreds of dollars over visiting his local vet with questions or more minor health concerns. Pawp will even pay up to $3,000 if your pets experience an emergency situation! Check out Pawp&#8217;s website to see why Pawp can help you save money and increase your pet&#8217;s quality of care.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Caring for a pregnant poodle will be a gratifying experience that will come with a lot of responsibility and attention. You\u2019ll want to understand everything about what your dog is<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":961,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-920","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-poodle-health"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/920","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=920"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/920\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14340,"href":"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/920\/revisions\/14340"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/961"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=920"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=920"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/poodlereport.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=920"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}