Expert Dog Pregnancy Care in Stockton, CA

Dog Pregnancy: A Guide for Expectant Pet Parents

Dog pregnancy, or gestation, typically lasts around 63 days. While this period is exciting, it's important to provide your expecting canine with proper care and attention.

Key Stages of Canine Pregnancy

Gestation: This is the period from conception to birth.

Whelping: The birthing process itself.

Postpartum: The period after birth when the mother dog cares for her puppies.

Signs of Pregnancy

Swollen nipples: These may become darker and larger.

Behavioral changes: She may become more affectionate, lethargic, or picky eater.

Abdominal enlargement: As the puppies grow, her belly will become more prominent.

Missed heat cycle: If your dog usually goes into heat regularly, missing a cycle can be a sign of pregnancy.

Prenatal Care

Veterinary check-ups: Regular vet visits are essential to monitor the pregnancy's progress.

Balanced diet: Ensure your dog receives a high-quality, balanced diet to support the growing puppies.

Regular exercise: Moderate exercise is beneficial, but avoid strenuous activities.

Comfortable environment: Provide a quiet and safe space for your dog to rest.

Avoid stress: Minimize stress to prevent complications.

Preparing for Whelping

Whelping box: Prepare a clean, warm, and secluded whelping box.

Clean towels: Have plenty of clean towels for cleaning puppies and the mother.

Veterinary contact information: Keep your vet's number handy.

Postpartum Care

Monitor the mother and puppies: Ensure the mother is caring for the puppies and that they are nursing.

Provide proper nutrition: The mother will need extra nutrients to produce milk.

Maintain hygiene: Keep the whelping area clean and dry.

Veterinary check-ups: Schedule a check-up for the puppies and the mother after a few weeks.

Testimonial

What They Say

I called Walker Veterinary Hospital at 7:30 in the morning because my fur baby needed an urgent procedure, they fit me in same day within an hour or so of calling and from the moment I walked through those doors I was met with such compassion and kindness. It was such a scary and uncertain time but Dr. Hung and everybody I encountered was kind and knowledgeable and honestly exactly what I needed! My baby is on her road to recovery because of the excellent and timely care she received and I will FOREVER be grateful for them, Doctor called the morning after the procedure to check on her recovery and I just cannot express how much it means to know my girl was in the hands of someone so caring!

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Jenn C

The worst day of our life happened… our boxer Bo’s life came to an end, he was unable to walk anymore. He could barely breathe, and it was time we went to Walker vet, and they took care of things. Someone was really paying attention because they realize the level of grief we were experiencing today in the mail unexpectedly, we received a pair of paw prints Words cannot express how heartfelt this is.

Lauren Johnson

This site saved my dog’s life. My ESA and best friend was limping one day and we went to another site around town, and they prescribed him carprofen. It made things worse. We went to get a second opinion as things worsened at Walker. The doctor walked through symptoms with us, had me feel the lymph nodes in his back leg, and he was diagnosed with Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA). We don’t know what caused it but his body was destroying its own red blood cells. After this was identified he was put on steroids and antibiotics and he is in full recovery! He is back to his normal personality. I owe everything to Walker’s staff for saving my buddy.

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Cody Eliff

We visited Walker Vet because we heard Dr. Hung was familiar with FIP in cats. Her knowledge, and her care, put us at ease and saved our cat’s life. She explained the details to us like a friend. She was genuinely concerned about his life, and helping us to build a strong at-home care regimen. The front office staff is professional and friendly. They operate smoothly and support the doctors well. Of my many phone calls, even on very busy days, I never received any attitude. Just good people helping other people and their pets.

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Randy

My dog has always received the best care from Dr. Connie. My boy can be a handful at times, and Dr. Connie is always very patient with him, as well as with me, in answering all my questions and concerns regarding my fur baby's care. All the staff have always treated us with respect and care. I recommend Wallker Vet, especially Dr. Connie, to all my friends and family! Thank you for all your care, Dr. Connie! We appreciate you.