Golden Retrievers can start going into heat as early as 6 months of age, and then they go into heat about every 6 months thereafter. The only time that a Golden Retriever can get pregnant is when she is in heat. Anytime a Golden Retriever mates with a male dog during her heat cycle, there is a possibility that she will become pregnant. So, once a Golden Retriever conceives, how long will the dog stay pregnant? Pregnancy in dogs lasts for around 2 months and, on average, Golden Retrievers are pregnant for about 63 days. Read on for more details.
The Golden Retriever Pregnancy Timeline
The Golden Retriever Pregnancy TimelineIf a Golden Retriever conceives, she will stay pregnant for about 63 days, give or take. It can be tough to figure out exactly how long your pooch will stay pregnant if you do not know exactly what day she was mated. Even then, pregnancy can last a couple of days less or a couple of days longer than the standard 63 days.
Signs of Pregnancy in Golden Retrievers
The biggest chance that your Golden Retriever could be pregnant is when she is exposed to an unneutered male during her heat cycle. There is no guarantee that mating during the heat cycle will result in pregnancy, but the chances are high. Any time your female dog is exposed to a male during heat, she should be checked by the veterinarian regardless of whether the mating was intentional or an accident. You can decide whether you want to continue your dog’s pregnancy or terminate it by discussing the options with your vet.
- Increased Appetite — Many Golden Retrievers will appear hungrier and look for food.
- Weight Gain and Enlarged Abdomen — As the puppies develop, your dog’s abdomen will appear larger and she will gain some weight.
- More Frequent Urination — As your Golden Retriever’s pregnancy develops, she will likely have to urinate more often.
- Clingy Behavior — Some dogs tend to get clingy with their human companions while they are pregnant. They may rub up against you more often, want to cuddle in bed with you when they normally do not, and stay close to you whenever you are home.
Remaining vigilant for any unusual behaviors or physical changes during your dog’s pregnancy will help ensure that your Golden Retriever gets the veterinarian care that she needs to produce and deliver strong and healthy babies and that she has a safe pregnancy and recovery period.
Caring for a Pregnant Golden Retriever
As your Golden Retriever carries her babies, she will need extra care and attention. First, you should adjust the amount and type of food that she gets daily to ensure that she is getting enough nutrients for the babies to use as they grow. You should also adjust her exercise to her new situation. You should read your dog’s body signals and consider not exercising her as vigorously depending on how she copes and your vet’s advice. This is especially important at the end of her pregnancy.
Several daily walks and playtime should be maintained. Also, pregnant pooches should have unlimited access to clean water, both indoors and out.
It is vital to get your dog treated for internal and external parasites, and her vaccines should be up to date. Your veterinarian should be consulted whenever you have concerns or questions — don’t rely solely on books and advice from friends and family. Your veterinarian can provide you with tailored guidance and advice based on your dog’s health and special needs.
In Conclusion
Golden Retrievers are fun, loving pets. When they get pregnant, things can be a little stressful for everyone involved because you want things to go as smoothly as possible. Working with your veterinarian is the best way to ensure that your pooch stays happy, healthy, and safe during her pregnancy and to make sure that all the puppies are as healthy as possible when they are born.
- Related Read: When Do Golden Retrievers First Go into Heat?
Featured Image Credit: Prostock-studio, Shutterstock
