Beagle Dog

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Beagle Pregnancy
Overview

This will be one of the most exciting times for Beagle owners and also one of the most nerve wracking.

Proper care at this time is vital to ensure the health of the dam and the soon-to-come puppies.

Let's take a look at:
  • The aspects of Beagle pregnancy,
  • How to know your Beagle is pregnant
  • How to care for your expecting mother
  • What to expect during delivery
           
A Beagle, 6 weeks pregnant.


The First Signs


Many wonder how to know a Beagle is pregnant.  The signs become clear very quickly.  You will notice:
  • She will act lethargic - not wanting to exercise as much, wanting to lie and rest - this will happen more often as the weeks progress
  • Her stomach will enlarge very quickly
  • Her nipples will grow very large - previously inverted nipples will begin to emerge
  • She will clean herself more thoroughly than usual
  • She will withdraw at random times, wanting to "nest" and prepare for the birth
Frequently Asked Questions

How long will a Beagle be pregnant for?
 
All dogs, no matter what the breed, will deliver in an average of 63 days from the time of conception.  It is normal for the dog's pregnancy to last any where from 60 to 65 days.  If a Beagle has not delivered at the 65 day mark, she should be brought to the veterinarian immediately.

How many puppies will a Beagle have?
 
There are many opinions on this, and you may read many different answers. This is because the number can range so greatly.  The facts are that the average size will be 6 and this number can easily vary from 1 to 10 puppies.  It is common that if a dam has a small litter, her next litter will be small as well.  On the flip side, if she has a large litter, most likely her future litters will be large as well.   However, Mother Nature does have the final say on this.

How to Know it is Time

You will know  by the increased activity of nesting behavior, however it is the dog's temperature that will let you know that labor will begin in 24 hours.

Two weeks before the expected date, begin to take your Beagle's temperature.   Use a rectal or oral thermometer but use it rectally. You should lubricate it  and insert it about a half  inch. Leave it  for three minutes. Your Beagle's temperature is normally between 101 and 102.5 Fahrenheit.

When  temperature drops below 100F, she should deliver the Beagle pups in less than twenty-four hours.    If your Beagle  does not go into labor within 24 hours after her body temperature drops to below 100F , bring her to the vet ASAP.

What You Will Need

Roughly 87 % of all pregnant Beagles deliver their puppies at home without complications.  Approximately 96 % deliver without assistance.  Therefore, it will be your job to supply the correct environment and to be standing by to assist when needed.  It is very important to be ready to assist during and after the birth.


You will need:
  • A thermometer
  • Sheets, towels and newspapers
  • An area for the birth, this will usually be a large cardboard box that you have prepared ahead of time
  • Trash bags - for the used, wet and messy newspapers
  • Floss or thread
  • A suction bulb - the type that is used to suctioning out mucus from a human baby's nose
  • Patience and ability to stay calm in intense situations
The 3 Stages

Please note that this is an overview.  When a Beagle is giving birth,  there is a lot of information to know.  Care during pregnancy is vital, as there are health issues that only expecting dogs can develop.  In addition, post care is very important.  For these reasons, this is an overview of what happens and what to expect.  For the full & complete details, please refer to the Beagle Pro E-Book.

Stage 1:

During the first stage of labor the dog's cervix will dilate and  contractions begin. This element of Beagle pregnancy can be painful to the dog. She will be uncomfortable,  restless and quite possibly pacing, shivering, panting and possibly vomiting.

Do not feed her during this stage - if an emergency C-section needs to be done, she must have an empty stomach.   This is the longest stage of labor, lasting 4 to 20 hours.  When this stage is complete, your Beagle is almost there! During this period keep the mother’s environment quiet and calm.  

Stage 2:

As this stage progresses the water usually breaks and a white fluid is passed. You can gently move her to replace the wet sheets or newspapers with dry ones.  Do not be surprised if the amniotic sac is pushed out without breaking.

Once the "water breaks" puppies will begin to be pushed out.  They may come out one after another.  However, it is not uncommon for 1 pup to emerge every 30 minutes.

If you see the rear legs of a puppy protruding from your Beagle, you must help by gently pulling the puppy in a downward and rearward arcing motion. Gently!  Puppies are very fragile.

It is normal for many puppies to be born feet first or sideways. As the pups are delivered, the dam will lick the puppy clean and bite off the umbilical cord. It is important to let the dam do this.   The rough licking of the mother stimulates the puppies to breathe and prompts circulation. It is normal for the dam to ingest the sac, cords and any of the fluids or tissues expelled.

Stage 3:

Once all the puppies have been born the dog enters this 3rd stage during which time the dog's uterus contracts fully, expelling any remaining placenta, blood and fluid.

Warning Signs

  • There is a possibility that a pup will be pushed out encased in a sac.  If the dam does not tear a possible sac away from the puppy and does not lick them, you must intervene.  If the puppies are still in a water sac, tear it open,  clear away all fluids from the puppy's mouth and nose with the bulb, and quickly yet gently rub the puppy to prompt it to breathe.
  • If the dam does not bite the umbilical cord, use a piece of floss or thread, wrap it around about an inch away from the puppy's belly and cut the cord.
  • Take your Beagle to the veterinarian if:
•     If more than 4 hours have passed without a puppy and you are certain more puppies are inside
•     Is your Beagle is straining for more than 1 hour without a pup emerging
•     If you see the puppy is stuck 1/2 way out and you can pull him or her out


  Tip:  A dog can get "Morning Sickness" just as human females do. 

More Information

This is an overview of Beagle pregnancy to help you have a basic understanding. Full & complete information including:
  • Care During Pregnancy
  • The Health Conditions Only Pregnant Dogs can Develop
  • Exact Birthing Instructions
  • Cesarean Information in Detail
  • Photos of Each Stage
  • What you Must Do with Each Pup After Delivery
  • The Health Issues that can Affect a Puppy During the First 2 Months
  • Caring for a Newborn Beagle Puppy
  • Weaning Puppies
  • And Much More...  Click to See More