Golden retrievers are some of the friendliest dog breeds you can find; these dogs are highly loyal and active in working or other tasks. Golden retrievers are living creatures that are always looking for a fun time with their owners.
However, suppose you are a breeder or are new to such a task. In that case, you might just be wondering about how long is a golden retriever pregnant, especially if you are looking to breed more golden retriever puppies.
Keep reading below to know how long you may have to wait for a golden retriever to give birth.
How Long Is a Golden Retriever Pregnant?
A Golden Retriever pregnancy lasts approximately 63 days, plus or minus a few days. The gestation period is nine weeks, or just over two months, compared to a human gestation period of 40 weeks and 280 days. A veterinarian can narrow down the exact due date.
In some cases, the pregnancy of a golden retriever can last around 57 days or even 65. But generally, you can expect the golden retriever to be pregnant for 63 days in typical cases with proper diet and nutrition.
Check this article to learn how much exercise does a Golden Retriever need
How many puppies are standard for a Golden Retriever?
A female Golden Retriever can give birth to 4-12 puppies at a time, with an average of 8. Your first litter or two may be smaller than later ones. A mother usually weans her puppies when they are 3-4 weeks old. After 8 to 12 weeks, they are ready for their new homes. However, a golden retriever can also give birth to a large litter of 17 puppies in rare cases.
It is, however, recommended to try not to let the female golden retriever mate with other dogs after doing it once during her heat or “estrus” stage, as she may try to do that more than once due to the behavioural changes at that stage, which may cause complications to arise in the long run.
How early can a Golden Retriever give birth?
Generally, a pregnant golden retriever can give birth after 63 days; in some cases, this period may vary from 57 to 70 days if there is a specific complication. To ensure that a golden retriever gives birth to a healthy litter, its diet should be filled with nutritious meals, and an animal veterinarian should give it regular health checkups.
Screening your dog for a bacteria called Brucella can also be an essential factor in your pregnant dog, as this bacteria can often cause abortions and is contagious enough to affect even humans. Excessive nutrition should also be avoided as it may result in congenital disabilities for the litter.
At the time of labour and delivery by your golden retriever, you may check out for the following symptoms:
- Drop in body temperature
- Changes in behaviour, such as restlessness and anxiety
- Vomiting and panting
These are some of the symptoms you should look for in your pregnant golden retriever to know when they are giving birth to a litter.
How do you know if Golden Retriever is pregnant?
How can one know when their golden retriever is pregnant? Generally, a female golden retriever may display symptoms such as mucus discharge, anxiety, and slight appetite changes in the first month. Although this may also be attributed to certain illnesses, getting your golden retriever checked by an animal vet before ascertaining the causes of such behaviour is essential.
Your golden retriever may also display personality changes as they may become slightly more affectionate or irritable and may display mood swings at random intervals. There will also be a sudden increase in weight with a swollen belly.
How long after mating can you tell a dog is pregnant?
In general, getting a blood test for your golden retriever is recommended after exactly 28 days of mating or more to assume whether your dog is pregnant. In other words, golden retrievers become pregnant after 28 days of mating with a male retriever.
Other ways of knowing when your golden retriever is pregnant usually depend on checking out their symptoms, such as physiological or psychological changes, such as swollen bellies or irritability.
Conclusion
Suppose you are unsure how to handle the news of your golden retriever becoming pregnant or are new to the breeding practice. In that case, it might be essential to consult a professional breeder or a veterinarian to understand how you may care for your golden retriever during their pregnancy.
This can include diet, physical activities, and other stimulations that may benefit a golden retriever and allow for a safer litter birth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average gestation period for a golden retriever?
The average gestation period for a golden retriever is around 63 days. During this time, the female dog’s body undergoes significant changes to prepare for the birth of her puppies. Providing proper care and nutrition to support her health throughout the pregnancy is essential.
Can the length of a golden retriever’s pregnancy vary?
The length of a golden retriever’s pregnancy can vary due to several factors, such as health, size, and genetics. It is essential to monitor the dog’s health during the pregnancy and seek veterinary assistance if any issues arise.
What are the signs of a golden retriever being in heat, and when to expect pregnancy?
TExpect pregnancy about two months after a female goes into heat. The signs of heat in golden retrievers include a swollen vulva, increased urination, and restlessness. Watch for these signs to know when to expect a pregnancy in your golden retriever.
What should I do if I think my golden retriever is pregnant?
If you suspect your golden retriever is pregnant, taking her to the veterinarian for a checkup and confirmation is essential. Your vet can help determine the best course of action for the health of both the mother and the puppies.
