Pregnancy in Dogs and Cats

Pregnancy in Dogs and Cats
1. Gestation Period
Dogs and Cats: On average, the pregnancy lasts about 58 - 63 days (approximately 2 months).
2. How to Detect Pregnancy
Physical Changes: After 3-4 weeks, nipples may become enlarged and pinker. Weight gain and a swollen abdomen become noticeable in the later stages.
Palpation: A veterinarian can feel the fetuses around day 25-30.
Ultrasound: Can be done after day 20-25 to confirm pregnancy and check fetal heartbeats.
X-ray: Best performed after day 45 (ideally after day 50) because the fetal skeletons have mineralized, allowing for an accurate count of the number of puppies or kittens.
3. Nutritional Care 
During the first 4-5 weeks, regular high-quality adult food is sufficient.
During the last 3-4 weeks, the mother requires more energy. It is recommended to switch to "Mother & Baby cat/dog" formulas or kitten/puppy food, which are higher in protein and calcium.
Feed smaller, more frequent meals as the growing uterus limits stomach space.
4. Preparation for Birth 
Prepare a quiet, warm, and clean "nesting box" or area.
Monitor the mother's body temperature. A drop in temperature (below 99°F or 37.2°C) usually indicates that labor will begin within 24 hours.
5. Signs of Labor Complications (Dystocia

The mother has been straining for more than 30-60 minutes without delivering a newborn.
There is a gap of more than 2 hours between each newborn.
Abnormal discharge (greenish-black or bloody) without the birth of a puppy or kitten.
The mother appears extremely exhausted or in severe pain.