Shih Tzu Pregnancy

Breeding can be one of the most exciting aspects of dog ownership. It gives the opportunity to bring new life into your home, raise puppies from their conception , and potentially make a profit by selling the offspring of your prized animals. It is also something that can be dangerous both for the mother and for her young, who are at their most fragile state immediately following birth. Shih Tzu pregnancy is very similar to that of other dogs, and much of the advice here will apply to any breed.

The first important part of caring for a pregnant Shih Tzu is recognizing that she is expecting. There are several signs that can indicate the early stages of pregnancy and it is important to keep an eye out for all of them, as some may not be readily apparent. A female who has recently conceived will show signs of odd behavior, perhaps becoming more withdrawn or irritable. She will also tend to display a loss of appetite and unwillingness to be active. Perhaps the most definite sign of pregnancy is the characteristic increase in nipple size, accompanied by more noticeable breast tissue. There will most likely be visible signs of the puppies’ presence in their mother’s womb, but this will not be noticeable until the later stages. This is the surest way to first identify that your Shih Tzu has become pregnant yourself but, in order to be certain, a veterinarian will need to conduct an examination of the uterus or ultrasound.

Once it has been determined that your Shih Tzu is pregnant, there are several prudent steps to be taken. Although a dog may lose its appetite in the early stages of pregnancy, it will very quickly regain hunger to an even greater degree then it had before. Pregnant animals, much like their human counterparts, require significantly increased food intake and it is very important for the well being of the mother and the litter that sufficient sustenance be provided at all times. Exercise will also help to ensure that your bitch stays healthy during the pregnancy and will improve the chances of an uncomplicated birth.

When the day comes for the babies to be born, there are several things to expect. The first signs of imminent labor are shivering, a withdrawn nature and general uneasiness. If these symptoms are  apparent, and it is near the expected whelping time, one should prepare for birth. The length of delivery varies extensively depending on the size of the litter, with approximately fifteen minutes being allotted for each pup. There is not a considerable amount one can do to assist in the process, save for ensuring that the newborns’ amniotic sacs are broken and that the puppies mouth and nose has been cleared of mucus so that they are able to properly breath.

Although Shih Tzu pregnancy is much the same as other dogs, there is an important issue specific to the breed. Their small size make Shih Tzu susceptible to difficult birth and this can particularly be a problem with the incredibly small Imperial Shih Tzu. It is therefore necessary for Shih Tzu owners to be particularly vigilant during the whelping time. Other than that there should be no particular variance between birthing a Shih Tzu or any other type of dog.

This process can be difficult, traumatizing and exhausting for owners. It is highly recommended that no one attempt dog breeding unless they have made themselves well aware of all the implications, much more so than simply by reading this brief article. For those informed and willing, though, this can be a rewarding and fascinating experience.