Pregnancy of the Russian Toy Terrier - How to Know the Duration and What You Need to Know?

Pregnancy in a Russian Toy Terrier has a colossal impact on the dog's body. All changes occurring in the animal happen in a short period. On average, nature has allocated nine weeks (from 60 to 66 days) for the formation and development of one or several living beings in the womb.

The little, fragile terrier must cope with all this bustling activity comfortably settled in her belly. The body of a pregnant Russian Toy Terrier experiences enormous loads and stress, and you, as the owner and the person responsible for your pet, should help your girl. Otherwise, she may not cope.

How to know if a Russian Toy Terrier is pregnant?

The first month after mating does not usually provide clues on how to tell if a Russian Toy Terrier is pregnant. The appearance and behavior of the pet will not differ from the usual. However, during this time, there may be a slight (only 10% weight) weight gain in the puppies. As an exception, some pregnant Russian Toy Terriers may experience increased thirst and drowsiness a week after mating.

How long does pregnancy last in Russian Toy Terriers?

There is no exact number of days for how long pregnancy lasts in Russian Toy Terriers. The average duration of carrying puppies is 60-66 days, which is 9 weeks. In some cases, births may begin on the 57th day, while in others, it may be on the 70th or even 72nd day. Such cases of seemingly prolonged pregnancy are explained by a significant time gap between mating and ovulation. For example, if you mated your girl on the first day of estrus, but ovulation occurred only on the fourth day, fertilization will only happen after a three-day maturation of the eggs, that is, on the seventh day. As a result, with an actual pregnancy duration of 63 days, it is not difficult to calculate how long pregnant Russian Toy Terriers carry and when they can give birth. It turns out she will whelp on the 70th day after mating.

Pregnancy in Russian Toy Terriers

The accelerated gestation of puppies in small terriers, compared to humans, requires timely and correct responses to the pregnancy of a Russian Toy Terrier by weeks.

Weeks 1-3 of pregnancy

The first three weeks of pregnancy in Russian Toy Terriers, as we have already mentioned, occur without any visible changes in the dog. The terrier is recommended to follow a normal feeding schedule and daily walks. Remember that at this stage, the puppies in the womb are particularly susceptible to any chemical and infectious attacks. Therefore, during this time, do not treat the dog for worms, do not use medications (only if absolutely necessary and under the supervision of a veterinarian), do not allow the dog to come into contact with sick animals, and temporarily avoid using household chemicals in the home.

The feeding regimen is a normal two meals a day, in the morning and evening.

If the Russian Toy Terrier is overweight, the diet changes. The amount of grains and bread products is reduced, while the quantity of vegetables and greens is increased. The diet must include proteins, fats, easily digestible carbohydrates, and fiber. All of this can be provided by boiled liver, cottage cheese, milk porridge, pureed vegetables (just do not give raw cabbage, as it causes gas), chopped greens, dressed with vegetable oil. As a supplement to meat (not a substitute), the menu must include boiled sea fish.

A normal metabolism for the pregnant Russian Toy Terrier in the early weeks of pregnancy will be supported by calcium. For the mother, the norm is calculated at a ratio of 35 milligrams of calcium per 1 kilogram of body weight. Additionally, for the formation of the fetus during this period, at least 30 milligrams per 1 kilogram of body weight per day will be required. Calculate the need for phosphorus based on the ratio – calcium: phosphorus = 1.2:1.

Medications that can be used include calcium glycerophosphate, calcium gluconate, or calcium phosphate in tablets or powders. Veterinarians do not recommend using granulated glycerophosphate, as this preparation contains sugar. Be sure to combine calcium salts with phosphorus.

The body of a pregnant Russian Toy Terrier must be supplemented with vitamins A, D, and E. If the gestation of the puppies falls during warm weather, it is sufficient to introduce vitamin-containing products into the diet. Vitamin A, which is found in fish oil, liver, and egg yolk. Vitamin D can also be obtained from fish oil, egg yolk, as well as from yeast and sun exposure. Vitamin E is found in grains and vegetable oil. In winter, additionally and regularly introduce vitamins for the toy. Ask your veterinarian to calculate the dosage, which will depend on body weight and physical condition.

Weeks 4-6 of pregnancy

The second month is marked by the palpation of hardening in the belly of the Russian Toy Terrier. Be sure to show the terrier to a veterinarian. The dog doctor will determine the dynamics of pregnancy development through ultrasound and help determine the time of delivery.

Tip: between the 5th and 6th weeks, resist the temptation to palpate the dog's belly. This should not be done.

The puppies begin to move in the mother's womb in the eighth week. Their length is already about 8-10 centimeters, and they begin to be covered with fur. You will easily feel this by simply placing your hand on the belly of the miniature terrier.

Switch your pet to three meals a day, increasing the volume of lunch with protein food. This primarily refers to meat, fish, and cottage cheese.

Give more milk porridge, soups, and you can add milk to the cottage cheese. In general, provide more liquid dishes. Increase mineral supplementation first by one and then by two times.

That is, regarding the diet:

• increase the amount of protein food. The total volume of food should increase by one-third.
• diversify the menu with raw grated vegetables and fruits.
• reduce carbohydrates.
• add supplements.
• additionally increase vitamin A.

These are general requirements. You should approach the feeding question for your pregnant dog individually based on these guidelines, as you may encounter either an increasing or decreasing appetite in the pregnant Russian Toy Terrier.

Just don’t give in to the all-consuming pet. In overfed dogs, labor is much more difficult.

Week 7 of pregnancy

Your beloved pet undergoes significant external changes. Her body has expanded, noticeably increasing in the chest and belly area. The nipples of the dog are swollen and darkened. The groin area begins to drop. The terrier's appetite decreases. Therefore, remove from the diet products that may cause constipation in the animal. See how a pregnant Russian Toy Terrier looks in the PHOTO at this time.

During this period, stop long walks. It’s better to walk a little but often. The uterus begins to press on the bladder, so the dog needs to relieve itself more frequently. This should become the norm until the very birth. Ensure that the dog does not jump, chase other animals, or jump into water bodies. Walk her in quiet, calm places where there are no external irritants. Let the dog choose the pace of the walk – allow her to be picky. As soon as you see signs of fatigue in the pregnant Russian Toy Terrier from walking, take her home.

Week 8 of pregnancy

The puppies are almost fully formed, covered with fur, their eyes and ears are closed, and a "fontanel" appears on their heads.

At this stage, reduce walks, as the Russian Toy Terrier gets tired and needs long rest. Take your beloved pet outside as much as she asks. And even if the terrier wants to go out at night – take her out. Believe me, it’s not easy for her.

Exclude meat products from the diet, replacing them with sea fish. It is important not to reduce the number of calories necessary for the future mom. If calories are reduced, it will not be possible to avoid eclampsia. This is a form of toxicosis where seizures begin. It manifests itself in the last weeks of pregnancy.

Week 9 of pregnancy

Swollen nipples and colostrum that appears when pressed indicate the last days before delivery. Do not be alarmed if the dog's temperature drops to 37.5 degrees a week before the puppies are born. This is normal.

The mother begins to prepare for the birth of the puppies on her own. She may engage in "building" a nest, scratching the floor, digging a "den," and carrying toys and items to her home.

Up until the birth, reduce the volume of food by about a quarter. Feed her often but in small portions.

A short-term drop in the body temperature of the Russian Toy Terrier below 37 degrees indicates the onset of labor. We suggest you view the changes occurring during the pregnancy of the Russian Toy Terrier by days with PHOTO.

Pregnancy Timeline

Changes in the female

Frequently Asked Questions

How to know if my Russian Toy Terrier is pregnant?

In the first month after mating, external changes may be absent. Pay attention to slight weight gain and possible increased thirst and drowsiness.

How long does pregnancy last in Russian Toy Terriers?

The average duration of pregnancy is 60-66 days, but births can begin on both the 57th and 70th days.

What should be considered in the first three weeks of pregnancy?

At this stage, no changes are observed, but it is important to avoid contact with sick animals and not to use medications without necessity.

How to change the diet of a pregnant Russian Toy Terrier?

The diet should be balanced, with a reduction in grains and an increase in vegetables. Be sure to include proteins and fats.

Should the walking routine be changed for a pregnant dog?

It is usually recommended to continue daily walks in a normal routine, but monitor the dog's condition and avoid excessive strain.