Pregnancy is a particularly delicate time for dogs and is one of the periods in their lives where they are the most vulnerable in terms of health.
This is particularly the case with yorkies whose small size already makes pregnancy complicated due to musculoskeletal issues. There will also be increased risk of common health conditions among Yorkies like obesity, hypoglycemia and stomach upsets further worsens matters. Skin problems may also aggravate during this delicate period.
This is especially the case for Teacup Yorkies. Their small body size make pregnancy an extremely tough, even deadly, ordeal for your pooch.
Fortunately, there are a lot of ways you can tell if your pooch is pregnant so you can get them the help they need as early as possible. Some of the signs you could look out for include:
Fluctuating Appetite
Yorkies are generally ravenous and love to eat. If you notice your pooch suddenly getting pickier than usual this might be a sign they are pregnant. Later on in the pregnancy, they may start to eat a lot more than they used to. The increase or decrease in appetite generally varies from dog to dog.
Reduced Physical Activity
Yorkies are also known for their hyperactive personalities, which explains to a certain extent why they stink often. This is more often than not the first thing to change when they get pregnant.
At first you will observe things like lethargy, less barking and issues like vomiting. Later on, the weight gain makes them less agile and generally less playful.
Larger And Darker Nipples
This is common with all dog breeds. The nipple changes are in as a result of hormonal changes and can be seen as early as the first few weeks of pregnancy. Later on towards delivery, you may even notice milk from the nipples.
Weight Gain Especially Around The Belly Area
Yorkies are small dogs and so weight gain is usually very easy to spot. If you notice the gain specifically around the torso area then you might be dealing with a pregnant furry buddy. Your spidey senses should tingle more if the weight gain seems rapid, as all this happens within 2 months.
Nesting Behavior
It is in the instincts of a pregnant yorkie to create the best possible home for their beloved litter. You may observe odd behavior like your doggy gathering and piling pieces of cloth or even shredding material. This is referred to as nesting and is a late sign of pregnancy as your furry friend prepares a safe and warm place for the little ones.
Sometimes, you may miss these signs and only find out your dog is pregnant when they are in labor. In this case, here are some clues that the puppies are coming:
- Restless behavior including pacing, scratching, and digging.
- Tremors and shivering.
- Fluid discharge from the vulva that could be clear, bloody, or greenish.
- Visible abdominal contractions lasting seconds.