How long is a dog/cat pregnancy? Counting from the day breeding was likely to have taken place, pregnancy can be conrmed; Breeding dogs and cats can be incredibly rewarding but it can also be an agonizing process involving much heartache when things go wrong. Most pregnancies and deliveries proceed normally; but sometimes emergency veterinary intervention is necessary to save the lives of the mother, the babies or both. It is important that you have some basic knowledge of what to expect with a normal pregnancy, so you'll know when to leave things alone and when to involve your vet. Deciding to breed your dog or cat is a big decision, and places a lot of responsibility on you. Also, when deciding whether or not to breed your pet, it is important to plan ahead nancially. You'll need to set aside funds for health checks as well as for any unexpected emergencies which may arise. As an example, an emergency caesarian section may cost you between $600 and $1500 – so it's best to be prepared for the unexpected! What to Expect When your Pet is Expecting - FAQ Once bred, the average pregnancy lasts 63 days (9 weeks) but this can sometimes vary between 59 - 72 days. What if I'm not sure that she is pregnant? WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOUR PET IS EXPECTING l After day 18 - via ultrasound l After day 26 - by a blood test or sometimes by a best left until day 55 to limit potential harm to the Usually, around 24 hours before giving birth, cats and dogs will make a “nest” in a place they feel will be safe, quiet and comfortable for delivering and nursing a new family. If there is a place you would prefer Mum to deliver, it is best to create this space a week or so before delivery so she has some time to get used to it. l After day 47 - X-rays can be taken to determine The most important need for any pregnant female is top-quality food. She has to support her own body, the growing litter inside of her and make enough milk to feed her litter once they are born. As the pregnancy progresses, and especially while she's nursing, Mum will also need to eat a good deal more than she did before she was pregnant. You can also take your dog's temperature twice a day for the last 2 weeks of her pregnancy. Normal temperature can be anywhere from 37-39 degrees, so keeping a record of your dog's temperature will give you an idea of what her normal temperature is. When this temperature suddenly drops by a whole degree, she will probably give birth in 12-24 hours. How can we tell when she's getting close to giving birth? Does Mum need any special care while she's pregnant? Labour begins when the mother starts having contractions. During this time the mother may appear What is normal labour? hands-on vet examination how many pups / kittens are present but this is young from x-rays.