Care of the Expectant Mother
The normal length of gestation (pregnancy) is 63 days. However, puppies can be healthy if born a few days earlier or later.

The care of the prospective mother is most important. She should be free of internal and external parasites. Worming should be done before the mating. She should be well fed but not overweight. During the first few weeks, she can have her regular diet, which can be supplemented with extra protein foods and vitamins. After the fifth week, she should be allowed additional food; however, she should not be allowed to get fat, as this will make her delivery very difficult. Cooked eggs, milk, and meat, in addition to a well-balanced commercial dog food, will give her the extra protein that she needs.

Plenty of exercise in the form of walking is best. Toward the end of her pregnancy, she should have several short walks rather than one overly long one. Undue stress and excitement should be avoided. Jumping and climbing stairs should not be allowed the last few days prior to whelping. She should be kept clean and well-groomed. The breast area should be clipped if necessary and any discharge from the vulva should be washed regularly.

False Pregnancy
False pregnancy can occur with or without a mating. The bitch develops all the signs of pregnancy— swollen nipples, enlarged abdomen, increased appetite —and yet she has not conceived.

Reabsorption
Sometimes a bitch will be pregnant and then, for some still unknown reason, will reabsorb the puppies.

Signs of Pregnancy
During the first few weeks, it is quite impossible to tell if the bitch is pregnant. After the fifth week, there is often an enlargement of the nipples. Then, after the sixth week, there may be a visible widening of the abdominal area. At this time, your vet can usually confirm the pregnancy.