The Dachshund is typically a dog raised to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. Their short legs are perfect for this because they can fit into the burrow’s tight spaces where the animals reside. They are also sturdy dogs raised to be tough and can withstand discomfort very well. Dachshund Pregnancy, like their hunting breed, typically lasts for 23 days.
Some of the things that would differ in a Dachshund pregnancy versus a human pregnancy are how they carry their young, how many puppies they give birth to (2), and how long their gestation period is (23 days). Dachshunds give birth to an average of 2 puppies and carry their young much like a kangaroo.
Dachshund’s Weeks of Pregnancy
A dachshund’s pregnancy stage is about 63 days, equal to about nine weeks. It usually occurs from the middle of May to the beginning of August, and it usually lasts for 20 weeks. A dachshund can get pregnant when she reaches about ten months. This article will focus on their pregnancy period and how it occurs.
The gestation period, or how long it takes a female Dachshund to carry her puppy to full term, is about 23 days. The pregnancy is divided into three different stages, and they are:
Pre-Gestation Stage
This stage of the Dachshund Pregnancy lasts for roughly 40 days. That is when the female Dachshund will create a safe environment for her puppy to develop and grow. It is likely that even though she has not been fertilized yet, she will be showing physical signs of pregnancy, such as weight gain and behavioral changes.
Gestation Stage
The Dachshund’s gestation period typically lasts for 23 days. That is when the puppies are being developed and formed in the mother’s womb. This stage is unique because this is the only time when the female will have physical contact with the puppies. Although they are not developed enough to be born, they can feel what is going on around them and even begin to hear.
Parturition Stage
This stage of the Dachshund pregnancy lasts for roughly three days and is when all of the puppies are birthed. Typically, each puppy weighs in at around 1 lb, and the average litter size is from 3 to 6 puppies. For the puppies to be born, they must first go through the Dachshund equivalent of a birthing canal called an “epigastric fold.” The birthed standard process lasts about an hour, and the mother will typically clean off each puppy before introducing it to the rest of the puppies. When all puppies are born, they will start nursing and open their eyes and ears. The mother will continue to care for the puppies and will not allow any puppies to leave her belly until they are ready to be born.
Stages of Pregnancy – What Happens In A Dog’s Gestation Period?
Your dog will go through a few different stages during the gestation period. The first stage is pro-oestrus, typically lasting about 10 to 14 days. During this time, a female Dachshund will experience some weight gain, feel tired, and become more resistant to other dogs’ advances.
The next stage is true-oestrus, typically lasting anywhere from three to four days in most cases. During this time, a female Dachshund will begin to display more of the behaviors seen during pro-oestrus, including; increased urination, restlessness, and more.
The next stage is known as met-oestrus when the female Dachshund will finally have her egg released for fertilization. That can last anywhere from one to three days and typically has a grayish-white discharge associated with it as well.
The next stage is known as diestrus when the female is giving birth. This stage can last around three to 10 weeks, and it is during this time, you may notice your dog showing the symptoms of pregnancy as well.
Finally, there are a few more stages that occur within a Dachshund’s pregnancy which include: the ano-oestrus period, late-puerperium, and early-puerperium. It’s essential to keep these things in mind if you have a Dachshund and wish to have a happy and healthy pregnancy.
If you are not sure what stages they may be going through or how to tell if they are pregnant at all, then it’s best to speak with a vet about this issue before continuing. That will allow them to assist you in identifying the stage of your dog’s pregnancy and any other concerns that you may have along the way.
How Does A Dachshund’s Pregnancy Differ From A Human’s?
Some of the main differences between how a female Dachshund is pregnant and how a human mother is pregnant would be in the age differences at which they can receive children, their gestation periods, and their birthing processes.
First of all, the age difference in which humans can have children is much older than the age difference at which a Dachshund can have them. Humans are typically able to start having children around the age of 14-16 and as early as 12 if they were to receive any medical assistance. The average Dachshund cannot begin to have puppies until after their first heat cycle at about 6-10 months old.
Secondly, the gestation periods are very different between a Dachshund and a human. Typically, a human gestation period is nine months long. In contrast, the Dachshund held that same pregnancy length at 23 days long. The reason for this difference is due to their size. Dogs have much smaller livers and wombs to keep their puppies in than humans do, while humans can keep a child in a space that can comfortably fit a normal-sized adult human.
Lastly, the birthing processes are much different as well. The Dachshund version of an equivalent is a birthing canal called the “epigastric fold.” Most dogs birthed this way, but they typically push their puppies out with their hind legs. On the other hand, humans cannot push a 9-pound toddler and instead rely on doctors and machines.
How Is A Dachshund Pregnancy Like A Human Pregnancy?
A Dachshund pregnancy is very similar to a human pregnancy in many ways. The first of these similarities happen during the conception process. That is when the sperm and egg are joined together to begin developing the baby that will be born later.
Just like humans, there is only a tiny window of time during which the sperm and egg will join. That is why you typically do not need to worry about your dog becoming pregnant with your neighbor’s dog. That’s because it would take her a while to go into heat and receive his sperm before they may ever have a chance of getting pregnant.
At the same time, you should also know that your dog can get pregnant right away if it is not fixed yet. It’s because the sperm could last inside its reproductive system for seven days before fertilizing an egg. In addition to this, a female dog can get pregnant during the year. That unless it has been spayed or in heat no longer.
Should I Plan For My Dachshund Pregnancy?
It’s essential to have a plan in place before your dog becomes pregnant. You want to know where you will get any additional puppies if your dog does happen to have more than one. It would also help to have the necessary supplies on hand before and after the puppies are born.
If you have your heart set on getting a Dachshund, then it’s crucial to think about the various things that could happen with them. That is because you should always be ready for unexpected problems when it comes to having a dog, especially during a Dachshund pregnancy.
The Breeding Process
You first need to know that dachshunds cannot mate with multiple partners at once. You need to know that she will need up to four days to mate with the other male.
When it comes to breeding, you must remember is that the female of this kind will remain in heat for about 14 days. It usually happens as long as the particular female has not mated yet. She can get pregnant when she reaches all of her heat cycles at least twice before her first mating occurs. The first mating will then happen when she comes about ten months when the pregnancy will start.
What Are The Risks Of Having A Dachshund Pregnancy?
There are a few risks of having a Dachshund pregnancy, including; developing breast cancer, having difficult childbirth, and developing an infection later on in life. Besides, dogs with a history of high blood pressure are more likely to develop it during the pregnancy due to the added weight they are carrying around on their bodies.
If your Dachshund suffers from high blood pressure, it is best to talk to a vet about it before you have them pregnant. That should give you an idea about what types of things you may need to do to decrease the risk of developing high blood pressure. Although there is no cure for high blood pressure, there are some ways that a vet can help your Dachshund with their symptoms to make them feel better overall.
What Can Cause A Dachshund Pregnancy To End Prematurely?
The most common cause for a Dachshund to lose their puppies is a miscarriage. Miscarriage occurs anywhere between 13-18% of all pregnancies and can occur without any prior warning or symptoms. The reason for this is that it typically occurs due to issues with the embryo, which prevents it from being able to develop correctly. These issues can be due to inadequate nutrition, genetic abnormalities, and other types of problems. If a Dachshund does end up having a miscarriage, it must be treated right away to ensure that nothing is wrong with its mothers’ ability to carry offspring.
However, some preventative measures keep a Dachshund pregnancy from ending prematurely. For example, both the mother and the father need to eat a well-balanced diet. The same goes for some other types of food that you should be avoiding from their diets if you want to try and prevent a miscarriage.
The same reasoning applies to how much exercise your female Dachshund can participate in while pregnant. Excessive running or jumping during pregnancy should be avoided if possible. You can prevent this by letting your companion dog limit their time in the backyard to mostly just walking.
What Are The Unusual Symptoms Of A Dachshund Pregnancy?
Many of the symptoms of a Dachshund pregnancy are familiar with other mammal types. However, some symptoms are unique to this particular breed as well. One of the most common of these unusual Dachshund pregnancy symptoms is teat discoloration, leading to infection if left untreated.
You may also notice that your dog begins to urinate more than it usually would. That is a typical symptom during pregnancy, but it is essential not to leave it untreated in the summer heat. It can lead to severe infections, impacting your dog’s overall health and well-being.
Are There Other Health Issues That Can Occur During A Dachshund Pregnancy?
Yes, many other health issues can occur during a Dachshund pregnancy that could result in the puppies’ loss. However, one of the most significant issues is the mother’s uterus being smaller than other dog breeds. It can cause certain complications during a Dachshund pregnancy, including arduous labor and problems pushing their puppies out the right way. It is the number one cause of Dachshunds dying while they are pregnant.
It is also possible for a Dachshund to develop high blood pressure during pregnancy if they are not in good physical shape. The increase of blood flow to your body is linked to health issues for you and your unborn puppies, even though the mother’s body is not ready for it. If you suspect your Dachshund has high blood pressure, it is vital to immediately take them to the vet.
Why Are There Problems During A Dachshund Pregnancy?
Several different factors could cause a problem during a Dachshund pregnancy, including the size of their uterus, being physically unfit, and even poor nutrition. The first thing you can try and do is give your dog as much exercise as possible by taking them for long walks and making sure you play with them often.
If your Dachshund is physically unfit, they will be more likely to develop high blood pressure. That is just as dangerous for you and your unborn puppies as it is for your dog. If you have already been allowing your dog to get exercise, but they continue to get high blood pressure, then you may need to talk to a vet about trying different things.
It is essential to know that, just like humans, Dachshunds are at greater risk of developing high blood pressure once they reach middle age. Their bodies cannot handle just as much as possible when they were younger.
Can A Dachshund Pregnancy Be Sooner Than Anticipated?
A Dachshund pregnancy could end sooner than expected. Despite the typical gestation period of 23 days, it can be as short as 12-15 days or even longer if it is not fertilized. They can also be determined earlier or later depending on when the mother had her last heat cycle.
For example, if you expect your dog to carry puppies but have not reached their expected due date by a week or more, it is best to consult with a vet. They will be able to check both your dog and the puppies to see if anything could be causing them to develop slower than usual.
While this seems like most Dachshund pregnancies would be more comfortable because of their bodies’ small size, it actually can be harder on them in some ways. For example, it is much easier for them to get injured and develop health issues since they carry an extra 20 lbs. of weight around their bodies.
Lastly, your dog can go into labor prematurely if they have multiple litters. They produce so many puppies in a short period.
How Long Do Dachshunds Stay Pregnant?
The typical gestation period for a Dachshund is 23 days long. Although it is only 23 days when a puppy is formed, the actual pregnancy time lasts for roughly three weeks. That includes the amount of time it takes for the dog to carry its puppies on average. Some potential complications can occur during the last phase of a Dachshund’s pregnancy.
Pregnancy can be recognized due to a swollen belly, increased appetite, and a noticeable difference in the dog’s breathing. In rare cases, Dachshunds can also give birth to stillborn puppies. It is typically due to an underlying health issue with the mother itself.
What Is A False Pregnancy In Dogs?
False pregnancy is what the name implies. Your Dachshund will start to show signs of pregnancy, but they may not be pregnant at all. That happens because your dog’s hormones may cause them to act as if they are pregnant even if they are not.
During this type of false pregnancy, your dog may develop some of the following symptoms: lethargy, bloated stomach, swollen breasts, and more. They may also be more clingy to you and be moodier than they usually would be. It can ultimately lead to your dog developing a false pregnancy that will require some time to heal independently.
In many cases, a false pregnancy can turn into a real one if your dog is not spayed yet. In this case, you will want to talk with a vet about having them fixed as soon as possible to minimize any risk of a miscarriage.
How To Tell If A Dachshund Is Pregnant?
The most obvious sign of a Dachshund pregnancy is the swollen belly they will develop. It is one of the most common early signs that your dog’s body is preparing for childbirth within a couple of months. However, this can also be the sign of a false pregnancy, so you should talk to your vet about it before making rash decisions.
Another sign of a Dachshund pregnancy is the beginning of labor. You may notice that your Dachshund begins to pant more often. Its belly becomes even more significant than expected due to the puppies inside starting to get cramped up inside their bodies and causing them to push themselves out naturally.
Some women also find that their dogs will begin eating more during the early pregnancy stages. That ensures they are producing milk for all of their future puppies.
What Happens If My Dog Is Pregnant?
Your dog will begin to experience some natural changes during its pregnancy as well. One of the first things you should expect is for your dog to start eating about twice as much as they regularly would. That’s because their body needs extra energy for all of the puppies inside their belly, which requires healthy amounts of nutrients and vitamins.
The other most common Dachshund pregnancy symptom is the swollen tummy caused by her uterus’s increasing size. It is normal during a Dachshund pregnancy and will typically become more prominent over time instead of smaller.
Some other typical Dachshund pregnancy symptoms can occur later on as well. One example of this will be if your dog goes into labor before they are ready to give birth. If this happens, then the puppies may die if they are not removed from your dog right away.
If you attempt to help your dog give birth on its own, it could end up being a traumatic experience for both you and them. However, it’s essential to be ready if something like this happens to help ensure your dog’s safety and puppies.
When is the Best Time To Have Them Spayed?
It is best to spay Dachshunds as soon as possible to prevent any problems during a Dachshund pregnancy. Typically, it is recommended to be done right before the dog has its first heat cycle. Otherwise, you may need to opt for a C-section if they continue with their heat cycles. Spaying them when they are young considerably reduces your dog’s chance of experiencing any issues such as a miscarriage.
Besides, many pet owners choose to neuter their male Dachshunds, so they are not distracted during training. It is especially true if the dog is more significant because it may cause severe damage to smaller dogs and even cats while attempting to escape.
That can negatively affect your training efforts while also causing your dog’s behavior issues. While not always the case, neutering your dog can also affect their overall health and happiness.
When To Call A Vet During A Dachshund Pregnancy?
If you think your dog is pregnant, then it’s essential to talk to a veterinarian as soon as possible. If the dog becomes ill during the pregnancy, there are some things you can do to try and help them get better. However, if they become sick during the birthing process, it will be much more difficult for them to come out.
If your dog is pregnant and you notice anything out of the ordinary with them, then it’s best to call a vet. That includes things such as bloody discharge, a foul odor from their teats, or if you cannot feel any movement from the puppies.
If your dog develops any of these types of problems while pregnant, it’s best to take her to the vet right away. It is also vital to discuss having your dog spayed during her pregnancy with your veterinarian to prevent problems afterward.
What Happens After A Dachshund Pregnancy?
After a Dachshund pregnancy is completed, the mother can develop an infection on her mammary glands. It typically happens after she has lost her litter which can lead to mastitis or even a fungal infection on her teats. In many cases, a dog can develop further infections due to improper cleaning during the birthing process and not rest afterward.
You should also be aware that your dog’s teats could become discolored after a Dachshund pregnancy. That is due to the natural hormone fluctuations, which can cause blood vessels in their teats to break. If this is left untreated for too long, it could lead to a bacterial infection and eventually permanent discoloration of the skin itself.
How Many Puppies Can A Dachshund Have?
On average, a pregnant Dachshund will carry about 4-6 healthy puppies in its womb. However, some dogs can have up to 8 puppies at one time. Because the mother is so small in size, they cannot deliver as many puppies as other larger animals.
However, some Dachshunds are not bred to have as many puppies. For example, the Miniature Dachshund is a specialized version of the Dachshund that is smaller in size. A pregnant Mini Dachshund is typically only able to carry one puppy at one time because of a long gestation period. Although it seems like they would be more capable of holding more puppies due to their smaller size, they are outdone by their larger counterparts.
How Is The Sex Of The Puppies Determined?
The gender of the puppies is determined by sperm passed from a male dog into a female dog. While the sperm is preparing to fertilize an egg, the chromosomes are split into two types. One type of chromosome is called an X chromosome, and this one determines whether or not the puppy will be female. The other chromosome is called a Y chromosome, determining if the puppy will be male.
If you have a female Dachshund, you will want to buy dog toys specifically designed for females. They are typically smaller and more comfortable for a female dog than standard dog toys. The reason for this is because Dachshunds generally are less in size.
A male Dachshund typically comes in two different sizes throughout their life. When they reach adult age, a Dachshund male will weigh roughly 18 lbs. They can also grow up to 24 inches tall, but these are not the only times that your dog will be able to grow bigger than usual.
