Golden retriever pregnancy is a very special condition for your dog so you need to know the basics of it. Let'shave a look at what to expect from it, the risks and the stages of golden retriever pregnancy.
Pregnancy in all dogs (and Golden Retriever is not an exception) lasts for 63 days. This term may vary by 5 days and Golden Retrievers actually tend to give birth earlier. It is important to note the date you were breeding your Golden to provide veterinarian with valid information and to be prepared for whelping.
At the fists stage your Golden might become more affectionate than usual -- she may start following you wanting to be petted all the time. However, some dogs on the contrary are happier to be left alone. Loss of appetite and the dog equivalent of the "morning sickness" are other signs of pregnancy.
However, after the first several weeks these symptoms go and Golden becomes playful like always. The main symptom here is an appetite. She does not only regain her appetite but starts eating really a lot. There is no need to introduce puppy food or vitamins in her diet. Actually you shouldn't do it under any circumstances! Changes in diet are very dangerous because they may lead to development of milk fever -- potentially fatal disorder that develops very rapidly.
Just feed her with regular high quality adult dog food and give her as much food as she wants. If you still feel you need to add some other type of adult dog food, mix it gradually with a regular food during the week to avoid upset stomach. It's a good idea to grant your pregnant Golden Retriever unlimited access to her food. She really needs to eat a lot and her stomach just can't hold enough food at once because of her pregnancy. So it's better if she eats less but more often. And don't worry if she has tendency to overeat -- in pregnant dogs this habit normally goes away.
Until the last two or three weeks there is no need to limit your Golden Retriever in physical activities. The only thing to avoid it is long walks and long distance running. However in last two weeks you need to be very careful not to let her bump her belly. Otherwise pups may be knocked off the uterus wall and their development will stop. As a result you'll have stillborn puppies.
It is interesting that the size of the belly depends on the position puppies are situated. Sometimes you won't be able to tell if the dog is pregnant until the last ten or twelve days. In the last days before the birth she might start throwing up the water she's just drunk. You may also feel or see milk coming from her nipples. However, that's normally not the case with the first-time mothers.
Worming and vaccinations are highly not recommended during the Golden Retriever pregnancy. If it's time for the annual vaccination -- just wait till she gives birth, it's safe to do when she's nursing. If you still need to do worming you should consult with your vet for the pregnancy safe medicine.
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