In our last post, we looked at all the necessary steps you need to take to breed your Shepherd puppy successfully. Today we will be looking at what happens each week and each stage of the pregnancy. It is important to note that the German Shepherd’s pregnancy stages are like other dogs, but signs exhibited during pregnancy may slightly differ. Regardless though, here is a summary of the three stages of German Shepherd
The three stages of German Shepherd pregnancy are also known as gestation periods. When does each stage of gestation happen? The table below will give a brief explanation.
|
Weeks |
Gestation Stages |
|---|---|
|
Weeks 1-4 |
The first stage of gestation starts and ends. |
|
Weeks 5-9 |
The second stage of gestation starts and ends with the delivery of puppies. |
But you may be wondering what the word gestation means and what happens at each stage of gestation. This will be answered in this post. We will also consider some physical signs you should see during each week of pregnancy. Let’s start by getting to know what the word gestation means.
Please also check out our article on the best time to mate your female dog for a better understanding of her heat cycle. This is because mating is the most important first step to ensure puppies develop as they should.
WHAT IS THE GESTATION PERIOD IN FEMALE DOGS?
The term gestation in dogs refers to a period in which a dog is pregnant and has puppies developing inside her. This gestation period often lasts about 63-65 days. The length of the pregnancy often depends on the dog’s size and how quickly the puppies develop. From our experience, Germa Shepherds are most likely to carry a pregnancy for 65 days because of the breed’s size.
But we had had some cases when our German Shepherd carried its pregnancy for only 63 days. It’s important to note that during gestation, developing puppies will solely depend on the mother for the nutrients needed for survival. So, we recommend that you provide your German Shepherd with food containing high sources of nutrients. For help on this, check out our previous article.
Now that we have covered what gestation in dogs means, it’s time to consider what happens inside the body of your German Shepherd at each of the gestation periods.
GERMAN SHEPHERD PREGNANCY STAGES EXPLAINED.
For this section, we will divide the week-by-week signs and fetus development through the two stages of gestation.
THE FRIST STAGE OF GESTATION (WEEK 1-4).
Week 1
During this week of pregnancy, the spermatic fluid of the male dogs travels and fertilizes the eggs of the female German Shepherd in the fallopian tube before traveling to the uterus, where it will be embedded.
Pregnancy signs: During this week, your German Shepherd should act relatively normal and not exhibit any signs of pregnancy. So it will be okay to continue treating your dog like before. But we recommend not putting your German Shepherd under considerable stress during this period.
Week 2-3
The fertilized eggs must have successfully traveled and will be embedded in the linen of the uterus, where they will stay and develop throughout the pregnancy. This process begins in week two and will happen until the third week. In week three, cell division begins, and the fetus’s development begins.
Pregnancy Signs: At this stage, you can expect your dogs to go through some changes in behavior and may become more restless. Your dog may also experience morning sickness and may even vomit at times. If you notice this happening, panic is unnecessary; it’s perfectly normal.
Week 4
In the fourth week of pregnancy, which is the final stage of the first gestation period, the cells that form the embryo begin to differentiate and form the placenta. This helps the fetuses develop as they can now draw nutrients properly.
Pregnancy Signs: At the end of the third week, your dog might begin to gain weight a bit, her nipples will be pointy, and her hormones will start to change to support pregnancy.
At the end of the fourth week, days 28 to 30, the fetus should have developed well enough for the vet to confirm pregnancy (Through an X-ray).
Not much may have changed on the outside, but a lot is happening on the inside. So there is no need to panic if you don’t see any significant changes in your dog.
THE SECOND STAGE OF GESTATION (Weeks 5-9).
Week 5-6
At this point of the pregnancy, your German Shepherd, the fetus, begins to grow fur, hands, and legs; basically, they begin to look more like dogs. By the end of day six, the German Shepherd fetus should have grown to the size of a walnut.
Pregnancy Signs: On day five, you should notice an increase in the appetite of your dog, a significant increase in weight, and a small well at the abdomen of your Greman Shepherd. The nipples of your dog may even become darker or pinkish, depending on the dog.
Week 7-8
The fetus’s bones and overall make-up become more solid at this stage. The fetus also completes development and covers the space in the uterus. At the end of week eight, your pups will be getting ready to be brought into the world.
Pregnancy Signs: On week eight, your female German Shepherd will begin to look pregnant as she will have a completely swollen abdomen. Your female GSD will also be calmer and begin to exhibit nesting behaviors. Now is the time to get ready to deliver your pups. At the end of week eight, you should notice your dog’s nipples as they will be bigger and pointer.
Week 9
This is the final week of gestation, so the fetus uses the days left to gain solid bones. This includes the development of claws and sex organs.
Pregnancy Signs: At this stage, we have noticed that our female German Shepherds are slightly more active and always want to be around people. When it’s time for your German Shepherd to deliver, you should notice the water break and the start of contractions. Once you notice this, prepare your kit and prepare to deliver your puppies.
Once puppies are delivered, you have successfully completed the first half of the work. Now it is time to raise your new puppies and socialize them. ever so often you get a puppy that is always on edge and scared. how do you socialize such a puppy? here is a helpful post on how to socialize an always-scared dog.
3 Things You’ll Need to Get Ready For Your New Puppies
1. Healthy Dog Food
Among the things you will need to get ready for the birth and delivery of your new puppy is a healthy dog food companion that not only works for your adult female but also for your new puppy. If you are a first-time breeder, you probably would want something cheap, but still highly valuable for both your female and her puppies.
Well on that note we recommend sticking to whatever dog food brand you are currently using, assuming you are already using a dog food brand. You could then choose to buy a new rich puppy-based nutritional dog food or just maintain the same brand of dog food you’re already using, but opt for the puppy version.
If you choose the former then our recommendation n as a good puppy food would be the Pedigree Puppy Growth & Protection Chicken & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food. It is affordable and would add lots of great value to your dog. feel free to try it out using the link above. I promise you, it would be worth every penny.
2. Goat Milk
Why goat milk? you may wonder. Well, Goat milk can be a valuable addition to the diet of a pregnant German Shepherd, offering several potential advantages during this crucial time. Firstly, it is nutrient-rich, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and protein that are vital for the overall well-being of both the expecting German Shepherd and her developing puppies. This includes minerals like calcium and phosphorus, crucial for proper bone development in the puppies.
Secondly, goat milk is known for its digestibility. It contains smaller fat globules and a distinct protein structure, making it easier on a pregnant dog’s sensitive digestive system. Additionally, the high water content in goat milk helps maintain proper hydration, a vital aspect of a healthy pregnancy.
Furthermore, goat milk contains immunoglobulins and other immune-boosting compounds that can help enhance the mother’s and puppies’ immune systems, offering protection against infections and illnesses.
Lastly, goat milk’s palatable taste may stimulate the appetite of pregnant dogs, especially if they experience changes in food preferences. However, it’s essential to emphasize that goat milk should not replace a balanced, veterinarian-approved diet tailored to the specific needs of the pregnant German Shepherd. Any dietary modifications during pregnancy should always be made under professional guidance to ensure the health of both the mother and her puppies.
3. A Whelping Box
The final thing you would need is a whelping box. This would allow your female dog to better care for her puppies and keep them warm during cold situations. It also helps keep them from being trampled by you by accident for being too small. You could choose to make this yourself by using cardboard and some rags not in use. This process though, in our opinion is risky and could take longer times to set up.
Another thing we could do is purchase a standard whelping box through the link below and be guaranteed the health and happiness of both you and your dog. This is because this new box is built for the purpose of breeding and provides you and your dog with the comfort you deserve. One brand we genuinely recommend is the Artilife Whelping Box which provides your dog and puppy with enough space and comfort to connect and bond. plus, it is completely reusable for a long period of time which gives you great value for your money.
