15 Ways To Boost Emotional Well-Being in Your Pregnant Dog
Your dog’s pregnancy is a special time that has its own challenges, both physical and emotional. As her body works hard to nurture her growing pups, her emotional well-being is just as important. Let’s explore 15 ways you can help boost your pregnant dog’s emotional health.
Provide Sufficient Nutrition
Indeed, during pregnancy, the dog’s nutritional needs will grow. Therefore, to sustain the puppies, you should provide your dog with a diet that contains the necessary nutrients while providing your dog with the required energy.
Keep Her Hydrated
Just like providing a balanced diet, keeping your dog hydrated is also an essential criterion for keeping it healthy. She will need constant access to clean water, so keep the water bowl close to her resting spot. This way, she will have easy access without having to move around much.
Monitor Her Weight
As discussed, her feeding habits will visibly change, so slight alterations in her weight should not be of much concern. However, suppose you observe that your dog has suddenly lost or gained too much weight; it is advisable to seek professional help.
Give Her Sufficient Rest
There is no doubt that pregnancy can be exhausting for your pet and can take a toll on her physical and emotional well-being. Your top priority is to allow her to rest as much as possible during this phase. Resting will also ease pregnancy-related symptoms experienced by dogs.
Avoid Any Strenuous Exercise
No, you shouldn’t entirely stop the exercises, but you also understand that overexerting your dog will not help. Pregnancy does take a toll on physical strength. Therefore, your dog won’t be in a position to carry out activities similar to what they were able to do before pregnancy.
Do Not Discontinue Walks
Walking your dog is essential even during her gestation period. Although the walk duration should be reduced, stopping it altogether must be corrected. Regular walks will keep your dog active and will also be a time when you can enhance your bonding with your beloved pet further.
Provide Mental Stimulation
While a pregnant dog cannot release all her energy through physical exertion, mental enrichment helps keep your dog’s mind active and engaged. Puzzle toys, training exercises, and interactive games can provide mental stimulation without physical strain.
Visit The Vet For Regular Health Check-Ups
Vet check-ups will have to be required until the completion of the gestation period and even after that if required. Your pet’s health should always be a priority for you, and her correct medical condition can be ascertained by seeking a veterinary consult for a successful birth.
Observe Her Body Language and Demeanor
Observing your dog’s body language is the best way to understand its needs. You’ll see signs like them being extremely clingy or keeping a distance, and that is when you have to respect their choices. Intruding too much or not providing enough attention might drive them to isolation.
Avoiding Stress
For a smooth and successful pregnancy, your dog must be free of stress. If your dog suffers from anxiety or panic attacks during this time, it might lead to complications and, in extreme cases, miscarriage. So, you are responsible for providing a calm and peaceful environment.
Give Her a Massage
Another effective way to reduce stress is by giving her a gentle massage. Just like humans, a massage can help your dog feel more relaxed. Additionally, it can alleviate any muscle pain or discomfort she may experience during pregnancy.
Spend Time With Her
As social animals, dogs thrive in the company of their owners. Even during pregnancy, your dog will crave your attention, so you should spend quality time with her. Although the pregnancy will last only a few weeks, if your dog needs extra time, don’t deprive her of that.
Separate Her From Other Dogs
During the final few weeks of prenatal, your dog becomes prone to infections and diseases if proper care isn’t taken. The best way to do this is to keep her away from other animals to avoid any possible illness like the herpes virus.
Parasite Treatment During Pregnancy
There is no harm in continuing the deworming treatments necessary for your dog. Unfortunately, if worms or fleas are left untreated in pregnant pets, it could be harmful to the mother and her puppies.
Create A Comfortable Birthing Space
During such times, your dog is overwhelmed with various emotions and may not always be in the mood for wanting company. Therefore, you must provide your pet with a comfortable and secure space in the house where she can relax and spend some alone time.
