How Long are Rottweilers Pregnant for? (Complete Guide)

In comparison to human beings, a dog’s pregnancy phase is shorter. Both humans and dogs have three trimesters, and each trimester lasts around 21 days. Here, we will walk you through Rottweiler pregnancy. Let us first look at the symptoms of a pregnant rottweiler.

Signs of a Pregnant Rottweiler

Learning the signs and symptoms of your Rottweiler pregnancy is important. You may notice both physical and medical signs, which can be:

Physical Signs of Pregnant Rottweiler

The most obvious sign of rottweiler pregnancy is a bloated tummy. But, after some weeks, this becomes the most trustworthy sign. Aside from this, there are other physical signs which include:

Nausea and Vomiting

Pregnant rottweilers are likely to suffer from morning sickness, making them feel sick or vomit.

Increased Appetite

The bodies of a pregnant rottweiler require more nutrients to produce puppies. Thus, they might experience an increased appetite during the pregnancy phase.

Bigger Nipples

The nipples of rottweiler dogs will grow big. They may even become dark in color as the pregnancy progresses.

Nesting Behavior

The dog may begin showing nesting behavior when the due date gets closer. These behaviors include digging or seeking a comfortable, peaceful place to give birth.

Changes in Behavior

The dog may act more affectionately or strangely. They may even become moody or restless.

Medical Signs of Pregnant Rottweiler

If you notice that your dog is pregnant, you should take her to the clinic for a checkup. An x-ray or ultrasound will confirm the Rottweiler pregnancy and determine the number of puppies expected. Moreover, your vet may monitor the dog’s health during the pregnancy and advise on how to look after her. Here are a few common tests that a vet may do:

Ultrasound Scan

An ultrasound scan may help detect fetal heartbeats. It can even tell how many rottweiler puppies will be born.

Witness Relaxin Test

Relaxin is a hormone that dogs secrete throughout the pregnancy phase. A Witness Relaxin test can detect this.

Abdominal Palpitation

Abdominal palpation is a massage of the dog’s tummy. This is done to feel the pups in the uterus of the mother rottweiler.

X-Rays

X-rays can recognize puppies in the uterus and determine how many puppies she carries. Some individuals believe this may be detrimental to the mother as there is high radiation.

Also Read: What is the Lifespan of a Rottweiler? Can we Increase its Lifespan?

Stages of a Pregnancy

Rottweilers are only pregnant for nine weeks. Here is an overview of each week and the changes you are likely to see:

Week 1

The earliest week is only considered as part of the pregnancy process. In this phase, the eggs will move down the fallopian tube. Here, the eggs will be fertilized and implanted. Implantation does not take place until a day or so after conceiving. At this point, the dog is considered to be pregnant.

Week 2

By the second week, the embryos persist to grow fast. The early signs of this stage might be noticeable. This is because the dog is undergoing hormonal shifts. Physical signs during the second week are uncommon. The dog’s nipples might turn big, but it may be hard to notice. Most symptoms in the second week are behavioral and occur because of hormonal shifts. 

Week 3

In the third week, the embryos start to resemble tiny dogs and grow organs. The abdomen of the mother might become enlarged, but that depends on her size and pregnancy history. Compared to the first-timers, dogs that have been pregnant previously often show earlier.

When you notice any signs of pregnancy in your rottweiler dog, you must reach out to your vet by this stage. This is where it is confirmed that your dog is pregnant. The vet can recommend measures to prevent potential complications. 

Week 4

At this stage, the embryos will have distinct forms. The limb buds of the embryos, which would eventually become legs, start to develop. You may even see their facial features. The abdomen of the mother will carry on to develop. Also, you may see a slight increase in weight.

Lots of Rottweiler dogs’ appetites increase by the fourth week as their developing puppies need more nourishment. So, you must ensure that the mother dog is eating enough and that you are feeding her the right diet. You may even see hormonally-driven behavioral changes. Some females become more protective, loving, and eager for attention.

Week 5

The fifth week will appear quite similar to the fourth one, but the hunger level may decline. This is because the mother rottweiler’s stomach is not big enough as it was. She would probably require extra nutrition, but you must ensure that she does not gain excess weight. 

Ways to Look After a Rottweiler in Pregnancy 

If you feel your Rottweiler will become a mother, you must consider extra care and nurture. Below are some of the valuable tips to look after a pregnant rottweiler dog:

• Take your Rottweiler to a vet as you realize they will give birth. The vet will conduct a few tests to ensure proper health for labor.
• Rottweilers require sufficient nutrition along with a healthy diet during pregnancy. As previously said, owing to hormonal shifts, your expecting Rottweiler may lose her appetite. If this happens, you’ll need to be compelling and imaginative while feeding them. During pregnancy, ensure she consumes a minimum of 22 percent protein or 1600 kcal per pound of food. Raw dog food is also a better alternative to processed meals.
• Raise the food consumption of your expecting Rottweiler as the pregnancy ends. A pregnant rottweiler needs a good amount of strength during labor and high nutrition to feed her offspring.
• At the start of the 5th week, raise the food consumption of the mother dog weekly by 5-10 percent. By the 6th week, raise her fat intake by offering more red meat like beef, pork, and duck.
• Focus on exercise as it helps strengthen the dog’s body and create muscles. It also lessens boredom and even helps burn out excess energy.
• During post-pregnancy, the storage of her stomach would be minimized. So, you must give her a small, frequent amount of food throughout the day. This way, she will feel the entire day.
• Pregnancy is expected to result in back pains. Massage can be a great pain reliever for female rottweilers after pregnancy. So, consider adding that to your mother’s Rottweiler’s daily routine.

Conclusion

Maybe now you have learned something about how long rottweilers are pregnant and how to take care of the expecting dog. For healthy delivery of your pregnant Rottweiler, you must keenly focus on diet and physical exercises.

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