Signs that a hovawart bitch may be pregnant
During the early stages of gestation it can be hard to tell if your hovawart bitch is pregnant. There are some changes to look for, which become more obvious as time progresses. All bitches are different so you may only observe some of these indicators.
- Decreased Appetite - A lack of appetite is often one of the earliest signs that a bitch might be pregnant. Not all bitches go through "morning sickness," but many will eat less during the first few weeks of gestation, making up for it later in the pregnancy. If your hovie loses her appetite, don't force her to eat. Tempt her with her favourite foods, but try not to worry if she still refuses to eat. Most dogs won't miss more than a day or two without eating at least a little. If she refuse to eat anything three days in a row, call your veterinary surgeon for advice.
- Increased Appetite - some hovawarts experience a noticeable increase in appetite almost immediately on becoming pregnant. She may gulp down her food quickly and stay by the food bowl asking for more. Allow her to eat more, but do not strain the stomach; three smaller feedings daily is best, keeping her satisfied and provide the extra nutrition needed for the developing whelps.
- Decrease in Activity - a normally energetic hovawart bitch may experience feelings of exhaustion as their hormone levels change to support the growing embryos. So a sudden decrease in activity or energy might be another indication that your bitch is pregnant.
- Nipple Growth and colour - the nipples of a maiden bitch are usually quite small, and the area immediately underneath them will feel flat. In preparation for milk production, once a pregnancy is in progress, breast material develops beneath the nipples. You can often observe growth in the nipples, and feel some breast development a couple of weeks after the mating has taken place. Additionally, the colour of the nipples may change a little. The nipples are usually a light pink to slightly gray. When pregnancy changes set in, the nipples become pinker and may look flushed, due to increased blood flow. This is most noticeable in the last four or six nipples, the nearest to her hind legs.
- Behavioural Changes - most hovawart bitches show some behavioural change. Some become more affectionate, and may even become “clingy” as they feel unsure about the changes they are experiencing. Others may become grumpy and/or prefer to be by themselves, unless they actively seek your company.
