How Long Are Dachshunds Pregnant? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ
By Jordyn Alger
Updated on
If you have a pregnant dachshund or think you may have one, you should brush up on all of the information you can regarding dachshund pregnancy.
On average, dachshunds are pregnant for 63 to 65 days. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. So, if your dachshund is expecting, you can expect to wait for a little over 2 months before seeing the puppies.
Beyond the length of the pregnancy, there is a lot to know about a pregnant dachshund. We’ll discuss what you can expect to occur during the dachshund’s pregnancy.
At What Age Can My Dachshund Become Pregnant?
Although dachshunds can become pregnant during their first heat cycle, it is not recommended. If your dog becomes pregnant too early, it can lead to serious health complications. It also may disturb the mother’s mental health, leading to potential dangers for the puppies during their newborn stages.
Female dogs should not be bred until they have reached full maturity, which occurs after their second heat cycle and preferably they would be between two and three years old. Likewise, she should not be bred when she’s older, most breed societies recommend they have retired from breeding by the age of 8 and some by 5 years old. It is important to note that female dogs don’t go through menopause and are able to become pregnant potentially even when older.
The 5 Signs of Pregnancy in Dachshunds
If you are uncertain whether your dachshund is pregnant, take her to the vet for a checkup. In the meantime, there are some signs you can look out for that may indicate that your dog is pregnant.
1. Weight Gain
Increased weight is a natural indication of pregnancy. As puppies grow inside her, she will gain extra weight.
2. Changes in Appetite
Your dachshund’s feeding habits may shift during pregnancy. For instance, she may eat more or less than normal or shy away from foods she used to love. She may vomit more frequently and become finicky with food. Finding food she will happily eat may become a problematic quest for you, but be sure to try! She will need to keep her nutrition up during this time.
3. Growth and Discoloration of the Nipples
During the beginning stages of her pregnancy, your dachshund’s nipples will become rounded and enlarged in preparation for the puppies coming along the way. Likewise, there may be a discoloration of her nipples due to increased blood flow.s.
4. Changes in Behavior
Much like with human pregnancy, dachshund pregnancy may alter her mood. You may notice that your dachshund is more affectionate than usual and always eager to be around you and soak up your attention. Alternatively, you may see her withdraw and grow less social. She may even become aggressive now and then. Any of these changes in behavior could be the result of pregnancy or other hormonal changes.
5. Enlarged Stomach
Much like weight gain, a large tummy is another obvious sign of pregnancy. The further along in the pregnancy that she is, the more her stomach will grow.
Stages of Pregnancy in Dachshunds
Different stages characterize each phase of a dachshund’s pregnancy, generally categorized by weeks. From week one to week nine, some developments should be expected.
Week One
At this point, there may not be many obvious signs of pregnancy. Your dachshund may experience morning sickness, but not all dachshunds display this symptom during the first week.
Week Two and Week Three
You may notice some physical and behavioral changes during weeks two and three. For instance, your dachshund’s nipples may become larger, and her behavior may shift towards or away from affection.
Week Three
Week three is when the embryo will implant itself in the uterus. This is how the puppies will receive nutrients and begin to grow.
Week Four
At week four, you should visit the vet to examine your dachshund’s pregnancy with an ultrasound. This procedure will allow the confirmation of pregnancy and is an opportunity to chat with your veterinarian about her health care during the pregnancy.
Week Five and Week Six
This is when it becomes much more apparent that your dog is pregnant. Her belly will be large, and she will gain much more weight.
For the first â…” of the pregnancy, you will not need to feed any extra but around now you will need to slowly increase the amount of food, but offer little and often. Gradually increase the amount each week so that by week 9 you will be feeding around a â…“ extra.
You will need to ensure that you are prepared for puppies. If you do not already have a location for whelping, construct one now.
Week Seven
Around this time, your dachshund may shed the fur from her stomach and be slowing down a little.
Week Eight and Week Nine
The puppies could be born any time now. Avoid intense activity or anything that could strain your dog or induce premature labor. Your dachshund may become withdrawn as the pregnancy ends.
Caring for a Pregnant Dachshund
The best way to care for a pregnant dachshund is to ensure that she is fed a complete balanced diet and follow a worming regimen recommended by your vet. Though feeding her more than usual is essential, it is also important to avoid overfeeding. If your dachshund becomes overweight, it may lead to complications during whelping.
Exercise is important, but overexertion is dangerous. Please pay attention to your dachshund’s energy levels while being active to ensure she is not overdoing it.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy can be a stressful time for humans and dogs alike but bringing new life into the world is one of the most rewarding experiences imaginable. While your dachshund is going through this exciting yet exhausting time, the best thing you can do to support her is to brush up on your knowledge of her pregnancy to ensure that she is properly cared for.
Featured Image Credit: Iamjorge, Shutterstock
