As the proud owner of a couple Boston Terrier dogs, I understand the excitement of adding to my dog “family”. When you first find out your pooch may be pregnant, there are several things you need to know. The first and most important thing you need to know is how long is a Boston Terrier pregnant?
Perhaps you have toyed with the idea of breeding your Boston Terrier. Or, she got out one afternoon and spent a little too much time with a male dog. Whatever reason your dog became pregnant, you need to know how long you have to prepare for the new addition. The gestational period of 63 – 65 days is only an estimate, actual date of delivery can vary by several days.
How to Know if Attempts at Mating were Successful
When you are breeding dogs, how do you know if the mating attempt was successful? The number one obvious proof of a successful union is when your female gets pregnant. However, how do you know she is pregnant? There are a few signs to look for, such as swelling in the nipple region, and a short-term loss of food at mealtime. A loss of appetite normally occurs within the first couple weeks of becoming pregnant. If you suspect your girl doggie is about to become a mommy, schedule an appointment with her veterinarian. It is imperative she receives prompt medical care, to ensure her health and that of her offspring.
How Do I Know if My Boston Terrier is Pregnant?
If you suspect your dog is pregnant, here are some signs your pooch has a bun(s) in the oven:
- A sudden boost in her appetite.
- Noticeable increases in weight.
- Her belly will appear swollen.
- She becomes tired easier.
- Displays actions of nesting.
- Has a more loving than usual temperament.
- A recognizable increase in the size of her nipples.
- Mood swings and easily irritated.
If your female pooch is experiencing any of the above signs, schedule an appointment with her vet. Her vet will assist with verifying she really is pregnant and make a determination of her due date. Also, if she is on any medications, there might be alterations that need to be done. In addition, the vet can also determine whether this is actually a condition called a ‘false pregnancy’.
How Long is a Boston Terrier’s Gestational Period?
Using the calendar method for calculating the due date of your dog’s puppies is simple. A mother Boston Terrier normally will carry her litter for an average period of sixty-four days.
To figure the estimated date of confinement (EDC), simply count sixty-four days from the breeding date (if known).
Only a veterinarian can properly diagnosis and confirm your Boston Terrior’s pregnancy. This is done using a tests that measures the levels of hormones in her blood. A dog pregnancy test can be performed during the first 21 to 25 days of the term. Also, around day 21 the vet can do an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy. Starting at the 30th day of the pregnancy, your vet can do an examination to determine how many pups she’s carrying. How exciting! In as short as a month after breeding you will know how many puppies to plan for!
So, How Long will My Boston Terrior be Pregnant?
You know how to use the calender method to figure out an approximate due date. Pregnancy is an exciting time for everyone involved, we cannot wait to see what the newest fur-kids will look lke! Your dog will be pregnant for slightly over two months–between 63 to 65 days, or around nine weeks. Of course, a pregnancy begins at conception, however, this is not necessarily the same day as the breeding.
After your dog has been bred, sperm cells remain inside the female’s body for several days. A fact that makes determining the actual day of conception difficult. The gestation period can take from 48 to 72 hours following breeding to actually start.
What is the Average Litter Size for a Boston Terrier?
There are several factors determining a litter’s size, but her age is a primary factor. Boston Terriers live a fairly long life–from ten to thirteen years; the older she is when conception occurs, the smaller her litter is likely to be. Another determining factor is if this is her first or second litter. The average litter consists of three to four pups, with the first two litters being the smallest.
Will My Dog Be Able to Deliver on Her Own?
The question every dog breeder want to know, whether their dog will be able to deliver pups on her own. In most cases your Boston Terrier should be able to go through labor without any difficulties. Yet, due the size of the puppies shoulders and heads, she might need assistance of a veterinarian. Possibly to the point of needing a C-section performed.
Dogs with heads that are large and round are known as Brachycephalc breeds. This includes Boston Terriers, Pekingese, and Bulldogs. Due to the size of the head on these breeds it can create problems with delivering pups. Sometimes one or two pups will be born quickly, labor will cease a while to give mom a rest. Then labor picks up again to deliver the rest of the litter.
Disorders in a Dog That Causes Delivery Problems
Sometimes a condition known as Dystocia happens with female Boston Terriers. This condition is a Foetal-pelvic disproportion and also known as dorso-ventrally flattened pelvic canal or foetal-maternal disproportion.
Dysocia is caused by alterations in both the mother and puppies body shapes. These changes occur because certain features of the pups are mismatched with the mother’s birth canal. When this happens, the only way pups can be delivered safely is via caesarian section. Failure to due so will result in a birth experience that ends with the mother’s painful death.
Can My Boston Terrier Go Through Delivery Naturally?
The answer to this question is dependent to the size of the male you breed her with. If he is the same size or smaller than your girl dog, labor should not be a probem. However, in cases where the father is bigger, that is when issues can come up.
In Closing
Becoming a grandparent is an exciting time in our life; no matter if it’s to our human or “fur babies”. For the most part, your Boston Terrier girl is able to go through pregnancy and labor without complications.
A boston terrier is pregnant for 63 to 65 days (or nine weeks). It is imperative to have your dog examined by a veterinarian throughout the pregnancy to ensure a healthy delivery. It is imperatvie to have the vet examine her the final three weeks of gestation. Doing so ensures the health of both mom and pups.
Most importantly, ensure your Boston Terrier female has proper medical care when she gets pregnant. The next nine weeks will be a learning time for you both. Listen to the advice your vet gives you, and provide her with a safe, quiet whelping area to give birth. When it is all said and done, the pregnancy of your Boston Terrier will be an exciting time for everyone.