For both you and your furry expecting mother.
But it can also be a scary time. Especially if it is your first time.
Yorkie pregnancy is tough on the dog and tough on us owners, through all the Yorkie pregnancy stages..
We worry a lot and want to make sure we provide our pregnant Yorkie the best possible care.
To that end, it helps to know what to expect. Keep reading to learn what you and your Yorkie will go through over the course of her pregnancy.
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Yorkie Pregnancy Stages: Complete Week by Week Guide
It can be an exciting time when you discover your Yorkie has fallen pregnant, but there can also be a lot to think about, especially when it comes to ensuring your Yorkie receives the best possible care.
As a responsible owner, it’s important to understand the different stages of pregnancy in order to provide the best care for your Yorkie. This is especially important with such a small breed of dog. They may require extra attention during their pregnancy journey.
Week 1 to 2: The Beginning
The first two weeks of your Yorkie’s pregnancy are often referred to as the “silent heat” period. This is because there are usually no visible signs that your Yorkie is pregnant at this time.
However, you should note that fertilization can occur within 24 hours after breeding, so it’s best to start monitoring your Yorkie for any changes in behavior or appetite during this time.
It’s also important to ensure that your Yorkie is in a calm and stress-free environment. Too much stress or excitement can cause her unnecessary aggravation.
Week 3 to 4: The Pregnancy Is Confirmed
Around week three of your Yorkie being pregnant, you may start to notice some physical changes in your dog. Her nipples may become enlarged and there may also be some slight weight gain.
I would recommend that at this point, you should schedule an appointment with your vet to confirm that your Yorkie is actually pregnant. The vet will usually do this by examination and an ultrasound.
Your vet will also be able to provide you with important information on how to properly care for your pregnant Yorkie, so make sure to take a notebook and pen and jot down important points.
Week 5 to 6: Fetal Development
During weeks five and six, the embryos will begin to develop into recognizable puppies. Your Yorkie may start to show more obvious signs of pregnancy, such as a larger belly and an increased appetite.
It’s important to keep monitoring her weight gain and to ensure she’s given a nutritious diet to support the development of the puppies. This is also a good time to start preparing for your dog’s birthing needs by setting up a whelping box that both your Yorkie and her puppies will find comfortable.
Week 7 to 8: Preparing For Birth
As your Yorkie’s due date approaches, it’s important to continue monitoring her health closely. You may notice that she becomes more restless and starts nesting behaviors.
This is her way of preparing for the birth. It’s also important to keep her stress-free and ensure that she has a calm and comfortable environment where she can easily give birth.
Your vet may also recommend some prenatal vitamins or supplements for your dog at this stage. This will help her body to stay healthy when it comes to labor. After all, she does have to push out a fair few puppies!
The Birth And What Comes After
The average gestation period for Yorkies is approximately 60 days, but it can range from 57 to 69 days.
When your Yorkie goes into labor, she may become more vocal and restless. This is completely normal for your Yorkie to do, so don’t be alarmed. It’s going to be a scary time and she’ll be in a lot of pain. Labor in Yorkies can last from 3 to 12 hours.
It’s important to be present during the birth, so that you can provide support and assistance to your Yorkie if she needs it. After the puppies are born, it’s essential to monitor them closely and ensure that they are nursing correctly.
Make sure to contact your vet once the puppies have been born. They will also provide more guidance on how to properly care for the mother and her newborns during the postpartum period.
Raising Healthy Puppies
Once the puppies are born, it’s important to continue providing a nutritious diet for the mother as she will be nursing and using a lot of her energy.
As the puppies grow and become more active, it’s crucial to monitor their health and provide proper socialization and training. If you’re unsure on the best way to do this then you can contact your vet for advice.
Your vet will also recommend a schedule for vaccinations and deworming to keep the puppies healthy. It’s important to remember that raising healthy puppies requires dedication and care, but seeing them grow into happy and playful dogs will make it all worthwhile!
Keep in touch with your vet throughout this process for any additional guidance or concerns and make sure to enjoy the time spent with your Yorkie and her newborn puppies. Once they reach the eight week stage, they’ll be ready to go to their new homes, so you should enjoy every moment while it lasts.
It’s natural for new mothers, whether human or canine, to experience feelings of exhaustion and anxiety during the postpartum period. Be sure to give your Yorkie plenty of rest and reassurance during this time.
It’s also important to be patient with her as she adjusts to caring for her puppies. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your vet if you have any concerns or questions about your Yorkie’s well-being or the puppies’ development.
You should also make sure you provide a clean and safe environment for the mother and her puppies. I would suggest keeping their living area free of hazards and make sure they have access to fresh water and a comfortable place to sleep. This may mean ensuring they stay warm and replacing fresh newspaper when you need to. There will no doubt be a lot of puppy pee!
When the puppies are old enough, introduce them to new stimuli and experiences in a controlled manner to help with their socialization process. With proper care and attention, your Yorkie’s litter will grow into healthy and happy dogs!
Yorkie Pregnancy: Final Thoughts
Yorkie pregnancy is an exciting and scary time, but if you know what to expect, it becomes a bit easier. It is the unknown that is especially scary when you care for a pregnant Yorkie for the first time.
Hopefully learning what to expect from each of the Yorkie pregnancy stages has helped. Of course, just reading this article is not enough. You should definitely stay in touch with your vet throughout the pregnancy to ensure everything goes well.
Our article explaining how to breed yorkies can help as well, if you are still in the planning stages and do not yet have a pregnant dog on your hands.
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