Whippets are maternal animals, and as such, they will often exhibit subtle changes in their behavior in the weeks leading up to and during pregnancy. For example, you may notice that she is more affectionate around her litter mates, and her coat will change – it’ll become softer and shinier and might start to fall out in small clumps.
Signs Your Whippet Is Pregnant
Increased Appetite
Whippets are known for their speedy metabolism, so it’s not unusual for them to gain weight when provided with a lot of food. In some cases, this may mean that your whippet will be more active than usual and spend more time eating or sleeping. However, her behavior may also change – she might become docile or playful. For example, if you have a male whippet, he is more likely to get pregnant.
Sluggishness
If your whippet is acting sluggishly or not as active as usual, it’s time to take them to the vet for a check-up. Some of the early signs of sluggishness might include:
- They may stop eating or drinking and be more prone to accidents.
- Their coat will start thinning out and might become greasy or oily.
- They may start pacing around a lot or sleeping more than usual.
If these signs are present, it’s best to immediately bring your pet in for a health check-up!
Overly Cranky or Affectionate
There are a few common behavioral changes that can occur during pregnancy. For example, some women may become excessively cranky or affectionate, while others might experience more aggressive and territorial behavior from their pets. However, getting pregnant also alters the hormonal environment in females and males of various dog breeds, causing them to show signs of being in heat.
Weight Gain and Swollen Belly
If you’re noticing that your whippet is gaining weight rapidly and her belly is swelling, it’s essential to get her checked out by a vet as soon as possible. This could be a sign of pregnancy in your whippet, which can lead to numerous health complications for both mother and pup.
Your whippet may also have difficulty moving around or eating, or drinking. If she urinates more frequently or has trouble breathing, take her to the vet immediately! By doing so, you’ll help ensure that she gets the care she needs and avoids any major health complications down the line.
Nesting Instincts
Whippets are maternal animals and will start nesting around the time they are pregnant. You may see your whippet digging holes, stacking hay, or making unusual nests. If you think your whippet is pregnant, it is best to take her to a vet for confirmation. Once you know, she is pregnant, keep an eye on her health and provides her with appropriate food and shelter.
Isolation
Whippets are known for being friendly and sociable dog breeds, but they may start exhibiting signs of stress if their social environment is reduced or obliterated. Some common symptoms your whippet may be experiencing isolation include increased pacing around the house, changes in appetite (e.g., eating more grass or vegetables), and a higher-than-usual level of irritability.
If you notice any of these symptoms and your whippet isn’t acting like their usual self – it’s best to take them to see a veterinarian for further tests such as pregnancy tests or blood workups.
In cases where there’s been a dramatic decrease in socialization with humans, it might be worth considering adoption into another home as they often do better when given much love and attention from both people and animals alike.
Vet Activities to Know if Whippet Is Pregnant
X-Ray
If you’re ever worried about the health of your whippet, an x-ray is a great way to confirm whether or not she’s pregnant. With an x-ray, you’ll see her unborn pup and the bitch’s uterus (if she is pregnant). You can detect pregnancy as early as six weeks into the gestation period!
However, it will be primarily visible around 12 weeks into her pregnancy. If you have any doubts, you are taking your dog for an x-ray would give you peace of mind. It’s a simple and cheap procedure that could save your pup and yourself some hassle.
Hormone Tests
Veterinarians often perform hormone tests on dogs to determine if they are pregnant. These tests measure the levels of estrogen and progesterone in your dog’s urine. If the levels are high, your dog is likely pregnant. Symptoms of pregnancy can include swollen abdomen, increased urination, etcetera.
Ultrasound
Ultrasounds play an essential role in the health of pregnant whippets. Your veterinarian will use ultrasound to determine the pregnancy and assess your dog’s well-being. Pregnant whippets may look different from non-pregnant whippets, with their belly being more giant. It is essential to get your dog checked by a vet as soon as you notice she is pregnant, as early detection can save her life.
Palpation
The veterinarian will palpate the abdomen of a pregnant Whippet to feel for a round, hard object. If the veterinarian is confident that the whippet is pregnant, they will perform an abortion procedure; you can do this by inducing labor or surgically removing the embryo(s).
You can try to keep your whippet pregnant by taking her to a veterinarian regularly throughout her pregnancy; however, it’s important to note that complications are possible in this process, and you should always consult your vet first.
Taking Care of a Pregnant Whippet
Proper Nutrition
It is essential to make sure your pregnant whippet is getting the proper nutrition to support her pregnancy. Feed her a high-quality diet with plenty of hay and fresh vegetables while avoiding over-feeding. Keep an eye on her weight, and consult your veterinarian immediately if she seems to be gaining too much weight.
Veterinarian Visits
Whippets are one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide, with good reason. They’re sleek and elegant dogs that make great family pets. However, during pregnancy, your whippet will be more active than usual, so it’s essential to watch for any changes in her behavior.
If you notice anything unusual or suspect that she may have a health issue, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. Apart from keeping an eye on your whippet’s general health during pregnancy, you can also take her to the vet for a check-up six weeks pregnant onwards – this way, you’ll get to know whether everything is going according to plan!
