How long do Yorkies stay pregnant? Since Yorkshire Terriers are smaller dogs, it can be a little tough to say whether they’re pregnant and when they’re likely going to give birth. Not only that, you also need every information you can get so you can give your dog everything she needs. Of course, this also guarantees that your pet and her litter will be safe and healthy.
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Yorkie pregnancy
Your Yorkie can get pregnant during their heat cycle. If you are trying to breed them, the first day of their heat cycles is the best day to get them pregnant fast. When it comes to pregnancy, note that they stay pregnant far longer than us.
Yorkshire Terrier dogs often stay pregnant for 63 days on an average which is very common for any dog. However, some dogs can give birth at between 58 days or even as long as 68 days. But note that if your dog hasn’t delivered the babies yet at around 67 days, you might want to check in with their vet.
Since Yorkie pregnancy is quick, the development of the pups is faster. But it also means that there are new symptoms every few weeks of their pregnancy that signifies the development of the young pups. In addition, it’s also the sign that your dog is preparing for the big day.
Signs that your Yorkie is pregnant
Whether you are trying to breed your Yorkie or it rather happened all of a sudden, it is best to know the symptoms of canine pregnancy. This gives you the chance to give them what they need or perhaps have them checked as it might be a health risk and not something positive.
That being said, here are the symptoms you should look out for when you suspect your pooch is expecting:
- Your pup will be less inactive and even sluggish. It’s also possible that they’ll be sleeping more than usual.
- Mood changes are also a symptom of canine pregnancy. They would either be too clingy or will not want your company or attention. The bottom line is, they will act unusually.
- The nipples will be engorged and will pop out more. This will continue growing for weeks to come.
- Your dog’s belly may expand ever so slightly at first and then it should be firmer than usual.
- The vulva will also show some difference – normally puffing up and even getting darker than normal.
- Your Yorkie will also start “nesting” or bringing objects, especially her toys, to her resting place. She will either stack it all up or will try to “mother” them.
- Discharging is also normal during their heat cycle to their pregnancy. The color can range from pink to a deeper red. It’s best that you put a diaper or cloth on your pup not only to avoid stains around the house but to protect their vulva from dirt.
- Change in appetite is also a telltale sign. It’s either they are eating more or eating less. Normally, Yorkies eat less when they feel uncomfortable with their expanding bellies. However, as time goes by and their pups develop more, their appetite will significantly increase.
At around 3 to 4 weeks of pregnancy, there will be an increase in her weight. They should be gaining around 1 to 2 pounds. The belly will expand even more and it will be more noticeable that they are pregnant.
However, the best and the most ideal way to guarantee that your dog is pregnant is by visiting the vet. They will conduct an ultrasound test to see if she is indeed carrying pups. It can also give you an idea of how many pups she might be carrying.
Average litter size
Yorkshire Terriers aren’t the biggest dogs. In fact, they are rather small. That means the average litter size is often smaller at around one pup to a maximum of five. Normally, there will be around three or four pups.
If they give birth with the maximum number of pups or perhaps even more (which is rather rare), there’s a huge chance that some of the puppies will be stillborn or will pass away right after birth.
How will you know if they are undergoing labor?
Apart from counting the days, you should also know some of the physical signs of labor. Normally, your dog’s temperature will drop down within 24 hours of giving birth. It’s best that you check her temperature a week before since some dogs deliver pups earlier.
She will also cry every now and then when her stomach contracts. There will also be vomiting, but not to the extreme.
In the event, her temperature dropped down for the last 24 hours and she hasn’t given birth yet, it’s time to call the vet. You should also check whether she is vomiting non-stop and getting weaker by the minute.
Also, watch out for excessive bleeding or discharge as well as if the rest of the pups are not coming out (the importance of ultrasound allows you to know how many pups to expect).
While spaying does have some benefits, many owners are looking forward to having their second generation of pets. And it’s not bad as long as you are able to handle even more responsibility and that you know how long do Yorkies stay pregnant.
