Previously, we discussed what would happen during week 2 of your dog’s pregnancy. We’ve discussed the different trimesters, as well as some of the potential signs of early pregnancy. Well, now we’re moving on to taking a look at what happens in week 3 of a dog’s pregnancy!
During this more exhausting, active stage of your dog’s pregnancy, what symptoms can you now expect from your pregnant dog? How will your pregnant dog’s body change at 3 weeks?
How can you best take care of them? And, what sort of things should you be on the lookout for? In this series of articles, we’re taking a look at what will happen during every week of your dog’s pregnancy, from week 1 right up to week 9.
Are There Signs of Successful Mating
Successful dog mating can typically be determined by observing certain behaviours and physical signs. One of the most obvious signs is the female dog’s willingness to stand for the male. This means that the female dog is in heat and receptive to mating.
The male dog will then mount the female and attempt to tie their genitals together, a process known as “treading”. Treading is when the male dog’s bulbus glandis (a gland located on the penis) swells and locks the male and female’s genitals together. This usually lasts for several minutes, and during this time, the seed is being transferred from the male to the female.
Another sign of successful mating is the presence of a copulatory tie. This is when the male dog’s bulbous glandis swells and locks the male and female’s genitals together. This usually lasts for several minutes, during which time the seed is transferred from the male to the female.
Additionally, a veterinarian can perform a pregnancy test or ultrasound to confirm that the female dog is pregnant. This is typically done around three weeks after the mating took place. The veterinarian may also be able to detect puppies by ultrasound at around 28 days of pregnancy.
It’s worth noting that while these behaviours and signs can be good indicators of successful mating, it’s not a guarantee that a pregnancy will occur. Factors such as timing, genetics, and health can all play a role in the success of a dog mating.
Can a vet tell if a dog is pregnant at 3 weeks?
3 weeks is now pretty much the middle of your dog’s 63-day pregnancy. Your dog is probably noticeably larger by now, and their pregnancy is likely to start affecting their life or behavior at this stage.
A dog who is 3 weeks pregnant is will eat less food than usual and is going to be pretty tired. They will generally develop morning sickness at this point too. If your dog begins to throw up, it’s a good idea to start giving them smaller meals more frequently over the course of the day.
At this stage, it’s a good idea to take your pooch for their first prenatal check-up at the vet’s, if you haven’t already. Your vet can give you advice on what to feed your dog during their pregnancy, as well as how best to prepare for the puppies’ arrival. Your vet can treat and identify minor health concerns too.
By three weeks, your vet should even be able to show you and your dog the puppy fetuses’ heartbeats on an ultrasound!
Do pregnant dogs have discharge?
Later on in your dog’s pregnancy, when they are actually ready to go into labor, you may notice a dark green discharge from your dog’s lady parts. This indicates that your dog’s placenta has detached. During these last weeks, your dog may begin to leak milk from their nipples now and then, too.
However, discharge any earlier in your dog’s pregnancy is not normal, and is a reason to get in contact with your vet.
What happens at 3 weeks of pregnancy for dogs?
Your pooch’s fetuses have been developing quickly since your dog first got pregnant – week 3 is no exception. At this stage in your dog’s pregnancy, the unborn puppies will be growing their heads, eyes, and even their first vertebrae, like their spine and limbs.
The puppies have tripled in size since week 1 – they are as big as a hazelnut by now! They’ve got some organs, though these are not fully developed. If you take your dog for an ultrasound at week 3 or 4, you’ll see all this unbelievable detail.
How long are dogs pregnant in weeks?
Your dog will be pregnant for around 63 days of rapid growth and innumerable changes. This equals about two whole months of new things happening to your dog and exciting preparation for you. In weeks, this means your dog will generally be pregnant for about 9 to 10 weeks maximum.
The 5 stages of dog pregnancy
Proestrus: This is the first stage of dog pregnancy and typically lasts for about 9 days. During this time, the female dog will experience a slight increase in her body temperature, and her vulva will begin to swell. She may also show signs of being more affectionate and may start seeking more attention.
Estrus: This is the second stage of dog pregnancy and typically lasts for about 9 days. During this time, the female dog’s body temperature will drop, and her vulva will return to its normal size. This is the time when the female dog is most fertile and receptive to mating.
Diestrus: This is the third stage of dog pregnancy and typically lasts for about 60-90 days. During this time, the fertilized eggs will begin to implant in the uterus, and the puppies will begin to develop. The female dog’s body will start to show signs of pregnancy, such as an enlarged belly and nipples.
Pregnancy: This is the fourth stage of dog pregnancy and typically lasts for about 58-68 days. During this time, the puppies will continue to develop, and the female dog’s belly will continue to grow. The puppies’ movements can be felt during this stage.
Lactation: This is the final stage of dog pregnancy and begins after the puppies are born. The female dog’s mammary glands will begin to produce milk, which will be used to feed the puppies. The puppies will begin to nurse, and the female dog will start to bond with them.
Check out every week of a dogs pregnancy below
- What happens in week 1 of a dog’s pregnancy
- What happens in week 2 of a dog’s pregnancy
- What happens in week 3 of a dog’s pregnancy
- What happens in week 4 of a dog’s pregnancy
- What happens in week 5 of a dog’s pregnancy
- What happens in week 6 of a dog’s pregnancy
- What happens in week 7 of a dog’s pregnancy
- What happens in week 8 of a dog’s pregnancy
- What happens in week 9 of a dog’s pregnancy
