The duration of a dog’s pregnancy varies from 56 to 72 days. In the vast majority of cases, parturition occurs 60-62 days after fertilization of the egg cell. But it’s very difficult to determine pregnancy at once, because there are no obvious external changes at the initial stage. Some females may experience drowsiness and loss of appetite.
If you have any doubts about the condition of the husky, the veterinary will help to dispel them. In order to make sure of normal course of pregnancy, it’s better to carry out an ultrasound examination.
Caring for a pregnant husky
For the full development of the fetus, a pregnant female should receive vitamins and microelements. The amount of feed should be increased by dividing the daily dose into 2-3 doses.
At the second month of pregnancy, the dog needs more nutritious food. If she eats ready-made food, start to give her a puppy feed from this period. From the 8th week it’s very important to control the amount of food consumed. Puppies in the womb no longer require intensive nutrition, and in case of overeating the mother threatens weak labor activity.
Throughout the entire period of pregnancy, huskies must be walked. At the same time, it shouldn’t run or jump too actively. The duration of walks is better to reduce, but walking should be organized more often. Regular trips to the street will strengthen the muscles of the future mother.
Preparation for parturition
For 1-2 weeks before birth, the dog must be moved from the enclosure to a heated room. Even if pregnancy falls on the summer period of the year, don’t let the husky give birth to puppies on the street.
The female with the babies will have to be kept in a warm room. For the normal development of newborns, it’s very important that the ambient temperature is within 25°C.
Before parturition starts, you need to take care of the presence of a puppy playpen. The construction must be strong and reliable. Metal or wood are suitable for its manufacturing. The height of the 3 walls should be 700-800 mm, and the fourth-400 mm, the length of the arena-1700 mm, width-1300 mm. Linoleum should be laid under the construction, and the interior space is covered with a special litter.
Before parturition you need to prepare a following set:
- warmer;
- large diapers for wiping puppies;
- disinfectant solution;
- sterile scissors;
- a rubber syringe;
- disinfected cotton thread;
- table for special birth marks (weight, gender and time of appearance of puppies);
- box for newborns;
- scales.
In addition, the obstetrician arsenal must have syringes, oxytocin, calcium gluconate, no-shpa. In the absence of proper experience in such matters, it would be wiser to invite a veterinary.
It’s better to find a reliable doctor in advance and arrange for his visit at the time necessary for you. Inform him about the condition of the husky on the eve of parturition.
Despite the fact that the services of a specialist will not be cheap, his presence will minimize the occurrence of complications in the dog and litter. It’s better to spend money on a doctor than to let the death of huskies or puppies occur during parturition.