Usual pregnancy period is about 2 months; typically 60 to 64 days. Pregnancy term (length) depends on the breed of the canine. Small breeds start having heat cycles, known as estrus, when they are a mere 4 to 6 months old. With larger breeds, estrus starts at 12 to 24 months of age. Furthermore, heat cycles vary from dog to dog even within a certain breed. For example, some average 7 days, others for 10 days.
Female dogs have menstrual cycles for their
entire lives. Their reproductive systems do not stop regardless of age. No menapause like a female human. Canine periods never cease.
After 48 to 72 hours, fertilization takes place in the oviducts. This is the trail from the ovaries to the uterus.
After 10 to 11 days, the fertilized eggs will then become blastocytes and implant in the wall of the dog’s uterus. The blastocytes will grow into embryos.
After 14 to 15 days, the
Dam’s nipples begin to get large and have a darker shade of pink. By the 20th day after conception, the fur on the
Dam’s belly and around the nipples will become thinner.
From the 21st to the 28th day, the
Dam, just like a human female, may experience morning sickness. This is because of the hormonal changes she is experiencing and the stretching and distension of the uterus. The
Dam may lose its appetite and vomit once in a while.
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Canine Pregnancy
