If you’re the owner of a female Pitbull, you may be concerned about the possibility that your dog is expecting.
You may also want to know how long are Pitbulls pregnant so that you can prepare for the arrival of the new pups.
If you’re new to adopting pets, the prospect of bringing a Pitbull puppy into your house may be both thrilling and overwhelming.
Pregnancy in a Pitbull, like other dogs lasts an average of 63 days. With your knowledge about your Pitbull’s pregnancy, you can ensure a healthy pregnancy and litter.
To help you provide the best possible care for your pregnant Pitbull, this article covers all the bases you’ll need to know about Pitbull pregnancy.
How Long Are Pitbulls Pregnant For?
When compared to the gestation time of other breeds, the Pitbull is not significantly different.
As a result, your Pitbull’s pregnancy should last anywhere from 58 to 68 days, with the mean duration being closer to 63 days, or nine weeks.
The actual amount of days your Pitbull would be pregnant might vary depending on a variety of circumstances; however, your vet should be able to do the necessary tests to give you an accurate estimate.
It’s been shown that, like people, dogs experience three distinct stages of pregnancy. Each trimester of Pitbull’s pregnancy lasts roughly 21 days.
Identifying whether or not your Pitbull is pregnant in the early stages before the indicators emerge may be challenging without your vet’s diagnosis.
Phases Of Pregnancy In Pitbull
The health and development of your Pitbull’s pups depends on your careful monitoring of their mother’s progress during each trimester of pregnancy.
Week 1
Pregnancy begins with fertilization, which takes place within the first week. At this point, the Pitbull has ovulated and is ready to have puppies.
Your Pitbull may have mild morning sickness, motion sickness, or nausea at this time.
In the first week after mating, you should provide your Pitbull with high-quality, wholesome food and keep an eye out for any infections she may have picked up.
You shouldn’t worry if your Pitbull has a pink discharge, since this is very normal.
Week 2 & 3
Stage two of your Pitbull’s pregnancy occurs between weeks two and three. In the second week, the embryo begins to take shape and then migrates from her fallopian tube to the uterine horn, where it will continue to grow.
In the second week, the embryo begins to take shape and then migrates from her fallopian tube to the uterine horn, where it will continue to grow.
After 15 days, the embryo will adhere to the uterine lining at the uterine horn. During the third week of pregnancy, the Pitbull and the fetus have a strong bond, and the fetus grows to be around 1 cm in size.
The Pitbull provides all the nutrients the baby needs, and the pregnancy develops from the increased resources.
For this reason, you should give your Pitbull a healthy diet and enough of exercise. Your Pitbull needs a higher calorie diet since you will discover that he or she is hungrier than normal.
Week 4
Your Pitbull is entering a critical third trimester of her pregnancy at the fourth week. This is because it is at this time that the brain and spinal cord begin to form.
A puppy of four weeks old is typically approximately 1.5 cm in length. The pups may be felt by your vet on the exterior of your Pitbull’s tummy with gentle physical manipulation.
The pups may be felt by your vet on the exterior of your Pitbull’s tummy with gentle physical manipulation. Miscarriage is possible, making this a critical time in the pregnancy.
Therefore, you should start making adjustments to her schedule and make sure that she is not subjected to excessive physical stress.
Your veterinarian may suggest making some dietary adjustments and/or giving your pet some vitamin and mineral supplements.
There is no need for alarm if you see pregnant symptoms like clear discharge and nipple swelling.
Week 5 & 6
Your Pitbull has entered the fourth trimester of her pregnancy. On the fifth week of pregnancy, the fetuses begin to develop claws, paws, and whiskers, giving them the appearance of little pups.
Puppies’ genders and occasionally even their genitalia may be determined by ultrasound examination by your vet.
To sustain herself and her litter, your Pitbull will begin to gain weight and eat more than usual.
You must keep track of her caloric intake to guarantee the proper growth of the fetuses. The veterinarian may also use a scanner to count the pups.
At week six, your Pitbull’s pregnancy will become visible because of the rapid growth they will undergo.
There will be a gradual darkening of the nipples, and the pups’ individual patterns and markings will begin to take shape while they are still in the mother’s womb.
At this time, you may assist your Pitbull in establishing a nesting area that meets her needs (one that is private, quiet, warm, and comfy).
It’s time to start giving her puppy chow and any vitamins your doctor recommends.
Week 7
Week seven is the 42nd day of your pregnant Pitbull’s pregnancy, marking the beginning of the fifth trimester. It’s normal for your Pitbull to shed hair as she gets ready to give birth and nurture her pups.
Since the pups are about completely matured at this point, you should increase the quantity of food the mother is consuming. Supplementing her nutrition with calcium will aid in the healthy growth of her pups.
Week 8
Some Pitbulls may give birth earlier than the average of 63 days, although this is not the norm. It is possible that this may occur around Week 8; thus, you should be prepared for any unexpected gifts that comes forth at this time.
If you want to help your Pitbull right now, the greatest thing you can do is to do as little as possible to stimulate her physically.
If she begins sprinting about and overworking herself, she may give birth sooner.
If she begins sprinting about and overworking herself, she may give birth sooner. At this point, you may see the pups moving about beneath the belly surface of your Pitbull, and she may exhibit nesting tendencies. Most Pitbulls have their litters around week nine.
She’ll become withdrawn, lethargic, and listless as she prepares to give birth due to labor pains.
If your Pitbull’s temperature lowers to 97 or 98 degrees Fahrenheit, she is probably ready to deliver within the next 24 hours.
Pitbull Pregnancy Signs
Pitbull pregnancy symptoms vary. Below are the indicators.
1. Changing Behavior
A Pitbull’s behavior changes throughout pregnancy. If your Pitbull is generally attention-seeking but became more quiet or bashful and seeks extra comfort, pregnancy is likely to blame.
Lethargy, timidity, and decreased activity are early pregnancy symptoms in Pitbulls. It’s typical for your Pitbull to tire quickly and nap more.
See your vet if you notice that your usually energetic Pitbull is now lethargic. As the pregnancy progresses, you may notice a shift in their care for toys, food, or clothing as motherly instincts kick in.
2. Appetite Changes
Changes in appetite are another indicator of Pitbull pregnancy. Hormonal shifts cause hunger changes during pregnancy. Pitbulls may lose their appetite in the early to mid-stages of pregnancy.
Early on, they may puke upon eating, this is the canine counterpart of morning sickness. It is normal behavior, so don’t worry. If your Pitbull doesn’t eat for two days, see a vet.
3. Enlarged Or Discolored Nipples
Pitbulls have tiny, flat, light-red nipples. Pitbull nipples get swollen and darkened during pregnancy.
In the early stages, the nipples and areolas round out. Increased blood flow darkens the nipples. Later in pregnancy, the nipples leak milk.
4. Weight Gain & Enlarged Abdomen
An expanded abdomen is a basic and expected symptom of pregnancy. As pups develop, their abdomens expand to accommodate.
If your Pitbull gains weight without evidence of increased food consumption, sickness, or inactivity, she may be pregnant.
Enlarged abdomen is a symptom of late pregnancy, so consult a vet if you haven’t already.
How To Confirm Your Pitbull’s Pregnancy?
Your Pitbull’s pregnancy may be confirmed in two ways. They are:
Ultrasounds
25 days after mating, an ultrasound may determine whether your Pitbull has conceived. Three weeks after mating, you can conduct an ultrasound, but the findings may not be reliable.
Although ultrasounds are painless, your Pitbull may be stressed since their belly hair will be shaved.
Pregnancy ultrasounds cost between $300 and $500. Most owners wait till their Pitbull is pregnant to have an ultrasound.
Blood Sample
This is the second blood test to determine whether your Pitbull is pregnant. This test detects pregnant hormones in Pitbull blood.
Accurate results need 5 weeks after mating. If done too early, a positive blood test may not be reliable. If your Pitbull has been pregnant for fewer than 35 days, the findings may be negative.
Caring For A Pregnant Pitbull
During a Pitbull’s pregnancy, take care to encourage them as their hormones and habits change. Safe delivery of your Pitbull requires proper care.
Pregnant Pitbull care suggestions include:
- Add puppy kibble to the Pitbull’s diet one month into pregnancy. Puppy food is more nutritious and nutritious for developing puppies because of the higher protein content. Thus it’s advised for a healthy mother and newborns.
- Spend a little more on high-quality food to help the mother and pups’ development.
- Exercise regularly but don’t overwork your pregnant Pitbull. As pregnancy causes fatigue and low energy, don’t overwhelm the Pitbull.
- Work with your pregnant Pitbull to determine an appropriate degree of exercise.
- Be aware of behavioral and physical changes throughout pregnancy. This helps uncover pregnancy concerns early.
- Make sure your expecting Pitbull has access to drinking water throughout pregnancy and birth. They’ll tire quickly and need frequent hydration.
- Nesting readiness – Help your expecting Pitbull with the nesting phase. Create a cozy, calm crate before the delivery. Pitbulls need safety and security during pregnancy, particularly a suitable birthing area.
Pitbull Labor Symptoms
Labor sign is a typical question. Births are more spectacular.
- Her temperature is the clearest symptom. If the temperature decreases from 99 to 97, she’ll start having pups.
- She may also be restless and hostile towards you and your other pets. This is normal and not punishable.
- She’ll “settle down to wait” in her whelping box. You must watch her, but don’t stress her out. You may view a remote camera from another room. If she’s comfortable, you may remain in her room.
- Moms give birth every 30-60 minutes. Depending on litter size, 1-24 hours.
- If there’s an issue, be ready to stay awake or swap between residents.
What Is The Birthing Process Like For Pitbulls?
Natural or surgical birth (C-section) is fairly common for Pitbulls. Both approaches are discussed in detail below.
Giving Birth Naturally
When having a natural delivery, owners must keep a close eye out for the telltale signals that labor has begun. A new family member or two will be joining them soon, so the nest better be ready to go.
Birthing-time indicators include:
- The Pitbull is a frequent nest visitor.
- Using the paws to scrape the towels in the nest on a regular basis.
- Behaving as if she just finished a strenuous workout, as she’s sitting down and breathing heavily.
Your Pitbull will experience a lot of anxiety at this time. After the first round of panting, labor might last for up to 12 hours.
When giving birth naturally, a mother Pitbull does it without any assistance. Puppy delivery involves the mother biting the birth sack and licking away the surplus fluid to create a breathing hole.
It’s important to be there for first-time moms who may need help at this time. Pitbull moms often consume the placenta and umbilical cords of their newborn puppies.
The concern is unwarranted since this is very normal and extremely nutritious for her to do.
C-section
C-sections are only performed on a small percentage of Pitbull deliveries. A veterinarian’s examination is necessary for making this decision.
Skull size and the predicted number of pups are two factors in deciding whether or not to perform a C-section. X-rays are used to check this out. X-rays are used to check this out.
Pitbulls are in usually danger because C-sections need general anesthesia. If complications arise during a vaginal delivery, a C-section may be the only option.
Your Pitbull, for instance, has been in labor for 10 hours with no results. There may be problems with the birth canal, therefore you should see a vet right away.
Pitbull’s Pregnancy: Frequently Asked Questions
If it’s your first experience caring for a pregnant Pitbull, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure her and the pups’ wellbeing (and you).
Should I Give My Pitbull Vitamin And Mineral Supplements During And Post Pregnancy?
Prenatal vitamins are safe for dogs just as they are for pregnant women. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on what to acquire and how to administer it to her.
Excellent for making sure she receives all the nutrition she needs to nourish her babies.
Is The Whelping Area Absolutely Necessary?
Some loving pet owners don’t plan ahead for a whelping place or don’t do a good job of it. The cleanliness and safety of this designated whelping space is of paramount importance.
If the mother does not feel secure at the chosen delivery location, she may go someplace else (which may be more difficult to get) to give birth.
Make sure she has access to a private area where she may give birth without worrying about disturbing other people or animals.
Keep her and the whelping area apart from other animals until she is ready to give birth. Whelping should only be done in a clean, sanitary, and private location.
As she recovers from giving birth and spends her first several days with her litter, a mother dog might be hostile.
As she recovers from giving birth and spends her first several days with her litter, a mother dog might be hostile.
As she recovers from giving birth and spends her first several days with her litter, a mother dog might be hostile.
When Should I Involve The Vet, If At All?
Whether you’re really anxious, which is understandable, ask your vet if they have on-call services that you may engage once she goes into labor.
Obviously, not everyone will, but knowing that you can always call and speak to someone about whatever is bothering you may be a huge relief.
What Can You Tell Me About A Pitbull’s Litter Size?
The average litter size for a Pitbull is 5. The typical puppy may weigh a few ounces. Most dog breeds have litters of about five puppies, while some, may have as many as eight.
In the early stages of pregnancy, owners may see their veterinarian to find out how many pups they can anticipate getting by utilizing an ultrasound.
Final Words
I hope you’ve learned everything you need to understand regarding Pitbull pregnancy phases and you will be able to use the info from this post and are now ready for the day your dog gets pregnant.
It’s crucial to remember that your Pitbull’s behavior and size will likely alter during this time, and that they may have increased comfort and support needs.
The greatest thing a dog owner can do to help is to keep an eye out for any and all changes, get in touch with a vet immediately if they see any red flags, and get the house ready for the arrival of a new puppy or puppies.