As the smallest of all the dog breeds, Chihuahuas undoubtedly also produce the smallest puppies. Does this also mean that they have shorter pregnancies than larger dogs? No. From the diminutive Chihuahua to the mighty Great Dane, the canine gestation period is approximately 63 days, give or take a day or two. Stick around for more information about Chihuahua pregnancy, such as how to tell if your Chihuahua is pregnant and how to look after an expectant canine mother.
How Long Are Chihuahuas Pregnant?
The average gestation period of the dog is around 63 days, and this applies to all breeds, large and small. In some cases, the pregnancy may be a day or two shorter, or it could be up to 5 days longer, depending on how many times and over what period of time they were mated. Fertilization of the egg can occur almost immediately, or up to 5 days later, which will also impact the time between mating and birth.
How Can I Tell if My Chihuahua Is Pregnant?
Depending on the stage of pregnancy, there are a few indications that your Chihuahua may be pregnant:
- Signs of estrus (being in heat) will often come to a sudden stop if fertilization has occurred.
- Around 3 to 4 weeks, you may notice some, or none, of the following signs:
- Enlarged nipples
- Increased appetite
- Increased affection levels
- Reduced activity levels
- Vomiting
- Clear vaginal discharge
- Around week 5, your vet can perform a pregnancy ultrasound to confirm pregnancy.
- At 6 to 7 weeks, your dog may start nesting behaviors, like gathering blankets or soft materials into their bed. This is an ideal time to introduce her to a whelping box or other secure area where she can deliver her pups.
- By weeks 7 to 8, you should see abdominal enlargement and mammary development, with some clear or milky discharge from the nipples.
How Many Puppies Do Chihuahuas Have?
Although small dogs have the same gestation as large dogs, they do tend to have smaller litters. The average Chihuahua litter size is around two to four pups, but having a single puppy is not unusual. A new world record for the largest Chihuahua litter was set in 2018 by a rescue dog named “LOL” when she delivered 11 healthy babies!
How to Look After a Pregnant Chihuahua
Taking care of your pregnant Chihuahua is not so different from looking after any dog, with a few extra things to keep in mind.
Nutrition
Make sure your Chihuahua is eating a diet of high-quality, nutritionally balanced food. From week 7, increase their portion by 25% using puppy food, and split their food into three meals a day. This will add the extra calories they need to grow puppies, help compensate for post-whelping weight loss, and increase their calcium reserves.
Vet Check-ups
You should schedule a checkup with your vet prior to breeding your Chihuahua so you can make sure she’s up to date with vaccinations and parasite control. If she’s already pregnant, there’s no time like the present to make an appointment. Puppies acquire much of their immunity in the womb, so it’s important that the mother’s immune system is the best it can be.
How Do I Know if My Chihuahua Is About to Give Birth?
If you’re on day 63 and there’s no sign of puppies, don’t panic. Remember that pregnancy length can vary. The signs you need to be on the lookout for are:
- Pacing, panting, and restlessness
- Lots of licking around the back end
- Nesting
- Discharge from the vulva (this may be clear or green)
Signs that you need to call your vet include:
Conclusion
The gestation period of dogs is around 9 weeks and is the same for all breeds, large and small. Fertilization of the egg can occur up to 5 days after mating, so don’t panic if there is no sign of puppies on day 63, provided your dog is otherwise settled and comfortable. However, if it has been more than 65 days and there have been no signs, it’s always worth booking a checkup with your vet to make sure everything is okay.
The best way to prepare for the arrival of your Chihuahua pups is to make sure your mother-to-be has been eating the best possible food and is up to date with her preventive health. Talk to your vet to make sure you have everything you need for a safe and smooth pregnancy.
Featured Image Credit: apichat maneejak, Shutterstock