Can pregnant dogs take regular flea or worm treatments?

Are You Giving Your Pregnant Dog the Right Care? Essential Tips Every Pet Parent Should Know

May 11, 2025

Welcoming a litter of puppies into the world can be a heartwarming experience—but it starts with proper care for the mom-to-be. If you're wondering how to support your pregnant dog throughout her journey, you're in the right place. In this guide, we'll walk you through the most important pregnant dog care tips to ensure a smooth, healthy pregnancy and delivery.

1. Schedule a Vet Visit Early

As soon as you suspect your dog is pregnant, take her to the vet for confirmation and baseline health checks. Your vet can guide you through prenatal care, recommend nutritional adjustments, and offer a timeline for vaccinations and deworming.

2. Optimize Her Nutrition

Pregnant dogs need more calories, protein, and nutrients to support their growing puppies. Switch to a high-quality puppy or pregnancy-formulated dog food around week 5 of pregnancy. Avoid supplements unless directed by your vet, as excess vitamins (like calcium) can be harmful.

3. Moderate Exercise Is Key

Continue regular, gentle walks to maintain your dog’s fitness and avoid excessive weight gain. Avoid strenuous activity or high-impact play, especially during the final third of her pregnancy.

4. Create a Comfortable Nesting Space

By week 6 or 7, start preparing a quiet, warm, and safe nesting area. A whelping box lined with clean towels or blankets works well. Choose a location that’s away from household noise but still accessible for monitoring.

5. Monitor for Signs of Labor

Labor typically begins around day 58–63 of gestation. Signs include restlessness, nesting behavior, loss of appetite, and temperature drop. Take her rectal temperature daily starting at day 55—when it falls below 100°F, labor is likely within 24 hours.

6. Know When to Call the Vet

While most dogs deliver naturally without issue, contact your vet if:

She strains for over 30 minutes without delivering a puppy.
There’s more than 2 hours between puppies.
She exhibits extreme fatigue, bleeding, or distress.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How long is a dog pregnant?
👉 On average, dogs are pregnant for about 63 days (9 weeks).

❓ Can pregnant dogs take regular flea or worm treatments?
👉 Not all treatments are safe during pregnancy. Always consult your vet before administering any medication.

❓ How can I tell how many puppies my dog will have?
👉 Your vet can perform an ultrasound (around day 25) or X-ray (after day 45) to estimate litter size.

❓ Should I change her food immediately when I find out she's pregnant?
👉 Gradually transition to puppy food around week 5 to avoid digestive upset and ensure proper nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Caring for a pregnant dog takes attention, love, and preparation—but the reward of healthy puppies and a safe, happy mother is well worth the effort. Follow these pregnant dog care tips and keep in close contact with your veterinarian to navigate this journey with confidence.