How long are German shepherds pregnant for? The gestation period of a German shepherd is generally 63 days.
German shepherds are renowned for being exceptionally protective of their families. And they also top the list of the most-loving dog breeds in the country. That is why many dog-lovers want to get a German shepherd puppy. The excitement of knowing that you’re your pet will have a new litter is overwhelming.
There are several reasons why German shepherd owners are concerned about what could happen to their pets if they aren’t careful in making decisions. Rather than just waiting, you need to find out as much as you can about your dog’s gestation period so that you can be there for her when she needs you most. In German shepherds, fertilization usually occurs in the second stage of their heat cycle. Therefore, you should expect your dog’s gestation period to begin after six months when it enters the third stage of its heat cycle.
How Many Days Will A German Shepherd Be Pregnant?
So, how long are German shepherds pregnant fort? Here are the facts that you should know:
#1. The German shepherd’s pregnancy
Like most dog breeds, the gestation period for a German Shepherd is an average of 63 days. While some GSDs can give birth as early as the 58th day. At the same time, other dogs give birth until the 68th day.
Therefore, you must be aware of how long a German shepherd is pregnant to avoid being surprised and know what you need to do when it happens. But in most circumstances, the length of time depends on the number of puppies they carry.
The more puppies, the longer the period. In some cases, a litter may contain only one puppy. But may rarely contain as many as 17 puppies in a litter. German Shepherd’s average litter is with eight pups. A 2010 study by the Norwegian Kennel Club found that purebreds with a unique genetic makeup can only produce roughly five offspring. So do not be surprised if your litter’s first pup happens to be male.
#2. The GSD’s capacity to conceive
The German shepherd’s fertility can be affected by a variety of factors. On the other hand, age has no bearing on your dog’s reproduction ability. Female GSDs can conceive at any given time. Therefore, spaying your female GSD is an excellent choice if you don’t want to breed from her.
#3. Knowing when your German shepherd is pregnant
Detecting your German shepherd’s pregnancy may be difficult because they are known for their capacity to put up with a lot of stress. But you need to be keen and look out after your dog for any sign that may occur. Usually, increased appetites are predicted in pregnant German Shepherds so that they can provide for their offspring.
Also, due to their extreme territoriality during pregnancy, pregnant German shepherds urinate more frequently. Therefore, the frequency with which she urinates will increase to mark her territory.
You’ll only notice your dog’s paw prints if you’re paying close attention to her. If you see any of the following signs, it may be that your German shepherd is pregnant. These dogs should acquire about 30% of their body weight during pregnancy. As terrifying as it seems, she will drop a large amount of weight after giving birth, so don’t worry.
Preparation is vital when it comes to feeding your German shepherd. It’s also not a good idea to choose dog food only based on its flavor. It’s normal for a dog to show signs of increased aggression, restlessness, and agitation when she’s pregnant.
If you are not sure that your German shepherd is pregnant, you can opt for the use of high-tech tests such as ultrasound or hormone tests. An experienced breeder can detect the dog’s pregnancy upon palpation. But you can always consult a veterinarian if you have any doubts. Know how long is a German shepherd pregnant.
#4. German shepherd pregnancy care
There is a risk that first-time owners will find it challenging to care for a pregnant German shepherd. But it will be a breeze if you establish a weekly caretaking schedule. It can help you become organized, and breaking down the tasks will allow you to succeed in caring for your German shepherd.
During the third week of her pregnancy, your pet is likely more anxious and hungry. To keep your dog happy while feeding her, you should supply her with high-quality toys and treats. Their nipples will eventually show changes as they grow larger and become darker in color. You must consider reducing your dog’s physical activity in the fourth week because it is the period when your pregnant dog is more delicate. You also need to make sure that you talk to the veterinarian about your pet’s vitamin needs for their diet.
And the essential thing is grooming your German Shepherd to maintain its health. In the sixth week, you should expect your pet to start gaining weight.
Your puppies will grow more quickly if you progressively decrease the amount of food they eat. The growth of its puppies constrains your dog’s ability to eat large amounts of food. So it’s a good idea to feed them more frequently and in smaller portions. Breastfeeding will begin in the seventh week of the German shepherd’s pregnancy. To ensure your dog’s comfort, you must find a whelping place.
You should not overwork her body in the weeks coming up to her due date. And be sure to keep an eye on your dog’s temperature during the 9th week of gestation. There may be pups if the temperature drops from 38 degrees Celsius in the space of twenty to thirty-six hours. In the hours coming up to the birth, her hunger will begin to fade.
It’s A Wrap!
If you take the time to learn how long are German shepherds pregnant for, you can be prepared the next time you get a new litter of pups. You should also know and learn the best practices of caring for your German shepherd.
Most significantly, when rearing them or when you are breeding them. You must regularly visit your veterinarian to make sure your GSD and her new litter of adorable pups will be in good hands.
If this is your first time to have a litter of puppies, and you decide to rehome them, you must choose your close friends and family who are animal lovers to take the German shepherd puppies. And you can be confident that they’ll be welcomed and loved as an addition to their new homes. Read related articles; know how to tell if your Chihuahua is pregnant and how long does a pitbull dog stay pregnant.
