Last Updated on March 23, 2022 by Fabiola L.
The Chihuahua gestation period is not only a fantastic milestone in your pet’s life but also a journey where they need love and care!
Chihuahua pregnancies are interesting because of the size of the dog. It is a sight to see the tiniest dog in the world carry their young. They look so plump and ready to burst at the end of the gestation period for Chihuahuas. However, the reality that pregnancy is hard on your dog’s body is no comedic matter.
What do you want to know about Chihuahua pregnancies? Read on to find out all the facts and details that can help you on this particular occasion.
How Long Is A Chihuahua Pregnancy?
First, let’s define what the dog’s gestation period means. In mammals, gestation refers to the time between the conception and the subsequent birth of the young. This is when the embryo develops into a fetus and a baby ready to be born.
In dogs, the typical gestation period observed is within a range of 58 to 68 days. The Chihuahua also follows this trend.
What Are The Stages Of Chihuahua’s Pregnancy?
You can track the development of your dog’s pregnancy week by week, but each month introduces some significant changes.
The dog’s entire pregnancy lasts for a little over or under three months, so you can expect rapid changes that you will immediately notice.
For the first month, the fertilized egg will begin to implant itself in the uterine wall, developing into an embryo. The puppy starts having a detectable heartbeat at around the end of the month.
For the second month, various parts of the puppy’s body have started to form. The physical evidence of pregnancy may be sowing up in your dog during this time. Organs, appendages, and skeletons will begin to be structured and complete the bodily form of the puppy. You can visit a veterinarian who can perform an x-ray on the dog, which will reveal the number of puppies that will be born in the litter.
For the third month, the development is near its end and the dog is ready to give birth. You may see the puppies squirming form in your dog’s belly – it’s especially strange is tiny little Chihuahuas. Your dog may behave strangely, which could be a sign that they are ready to bring new life into this world!
Even after birth, the puppy or puppies are still developing. They will come out with their eyes closed and remain close to the mother dog, who will be busy feeding and acting as a guardian.
Signs That Your Dog Is Ready To Give Birth
After the three-month mark rolls along, you need to keep an eye out for your dog. Administering help during this crucial time will ease the more painful parts of the process and make things easier for the owner and pet during the recovery process.
Vomiting and Tremors
One sign that your dog is going into labor is some sick. Changes are about to happen, and the stomach has reacted to it – make sure to clean up and offer your dog rehydration to prepare for the birthing process.
A Drop In Temperature
A colder body might seem like a scary thing, but a significant drop on a pregnant dog is also a surefire sign. Try to take the dog’s rectal temperature to have an accurate reading of the situation.
Licking
You may see your dog trying to lick their genitals. Discharge may be coming out in preparation for the birth, and your dog might be trying to clean up.
Contractions
Just like humans, dogs experience contractions as well. Their hardened bellies can be observed to tighten up and move around.
Enlarged Teats
The dog’s body is not just developing the puppies, but it is also preparing to become a host for the puppies’ food. The mammary glands will start to expand and begin the production of milk, especially for the newly-arrived young.
Your dog may even start leaking a bit of milk. This manifests in a bit of liquid leaking from the nipples, even before the birth has occurred.
Loss Of Appetite
The dog can be restless and anxious, refusing to eat until they feel comfortable. This could be due to the organs getting ready to push out the puppies, adding additional pressure on the digestive system.
While it’s essential to eat, it’s okay if your dog refuses the meal, as long as they avoid dehydration and continue to drink water from their bowl.
Nesting Behavior
Your dog may have chosen a spot in or around the home to settle down and get comfortable in preparation for the big event. Allow her to choose this spot for herself, as forcing them to go somewhere else may distress her.
If you have prepared a spot with the proper materials to help with the birthing process, you can show it to your dog, but you should be prepared to move the things around in case your dog refuses to lay in the place you have picked.
It’s best to respect her decision and let her become as comfortable as possible.
Conclusion
The Chihuahua gestation period is three months of critical care. You want your dog to give birth to the healthiest dogs possible. Your dog’s health is of utmost importance as well because pregnancy can be difficult on the dog’s body.
You Chihuahua will appreciate what you do for them and their critical time of need. While your dog will definitely have the survival instinct to go through the process, having you there will be a great comfort.
Did you help a Chihuahua whelp or give birth? What was the experience like? Let us know in the comments below!
Learn more about: How Long Is A Chihuahua In Heat- The Heat Cycle Guide
FAQs
How long are Chihuahuas pregnant?
According to Fetch by WebMD, the Chihuahua has the expected gestation period like any dog - about 63 days long.
How many puppies can a Chihuahua have?
Due to being a smaller breed, the Chihuahua will have a range of one to three puppies in one litter.