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If you’ve bred or are considering breeding your female dog, you may be wondering how to best support her body and the development of her litter in-utero. As humans, we highly encourage the use of prenatal vitamins for pregnant females, which contain an array of vitamins, folic acid, iron and zinc. Does something like this exist for dogs, and if not, what are some ways that you as a pet parent can support your pregnant dog?

Prenatal vitamins for dogs

Commercial prenatal vitamins for dogs do exist, but the truth is that the best prenatal vitamins for your pregnant dog are likely to already be found in your dog’s quality, commercial diet. Be sure that this food is labeled for all life stages.

Research shows that folic acid supplementation reduces the risk of certain birth defects such as cleft palates, neural tube defects and spinal bifida. Two additional supplements that may be considered are a fatty acid supplement including EFA and DHA and Vitamin B9.

It is absolutely paramount to consult with your dog’s veterinarian for guidance before beginning any of these supplements. Please do not give human prenatal vitamins to your dog.

How to support your pregant dog

Much prenatal care begins before your dog becomes pregant!

Prenatal care includes:

• Assessing genetics. It is not responsible to breed dogs who have a history of genetic disease, such as dysplasia. Do your due diligence and consult with your veterinarian before breeding your dog.
• Proper diet. This is possibly one of the most important aspects when supporting pregnant dogs. The best and most sustainable diet for these dogs is a quality, commercial diet. You can feed your pregant female as you would any healthy dog during the first two trimesters, so long as she is not gaining or losing too much weight. During the third and final trimester, it is recommended to switch to a commercial puppy formulation. Avoid large-breed puppy formulations, as the calcium phosphorus content will not support your healthy dog. Discuss the best diet with your veterinarian.
• Maintain appropriate weight. Both underweight and overweight dogs and their litters are at risk. Underweight dogs are likely malnourished and are at risk of stillbirths or underweight puppies. Obesity during pregancy can cause a myriad of issues including difficulty during labor and can decrease milk production.
• Work with your veterinary team. Find a veterinarian who specializes in breeding dogs and establish a relationship! Pregancy can be a stressful and anxiety producing time, especially the closer your pup gets to going into labor. Having a medical team on standby will be absolutely essential, not only for your peace of mind but also for the health of your pregnant dog and her litter.

When it comes to breeding a dog, some of the most important aspects for success include how healthy she is entering into pregnancy, your resources for supporting her through pregnancy and postpartum care. Always consult with your veterinarian before deciding to breed your dog to ensure that both you and your pup are fully prepared!

Note: Dogster believes in spaying and neutering dogs so as not to add to the many homeless dogs in rescues and shelters. Never breed dogs on a whim and spay her to avoid having your dog get accidently pregnant. Responsible dog breeders strive for the highest level of care, keep litters to a minimum and offer a home for life for all their dogs so none ever end up homeless. Read more on responsible dog breeders here.

You love your puppy. Spending time with him is so much fun. But you must work outside the home. After all, you want to provide the best life you can for him and the cost of food, treats, vet bills, training and grooming can add up. So, you wonder: How long can your puppy be left alone?

It comes down to his age, socialization, training and exercise needs

Number of hours a puppy can be left alone for bathroom needs

A puppy needs to potty often and can hold his bladder only so long. So when determining how long your precious puppy can be left alone, take into consideration his need to go to the bathroom. Puppies can “hold it” for the following periods of time:

• Under 10 weeks old, a puppy can hold it for one hour
• 10 to 12 weeks old, a puppy can hold it for two hours
• 3 months old, a puppy can hold it for three hours
• 4 months old, a puppy can hold it for four hours
• 5 months old, a puppy can hold it for five hours
• 6 months old, a puppy can hold it for six hours
• Over 6 months old, a puppy can hold it for six to eight hours

This chart is a guideline. You never want your puppy to be uncomfortable or have an avoidable accident. My advice: Err on the side of caution and arrange for someone to take your puppy — even at 5 months old — out to potty every 4 hours. And before you leave the house, make sure that he’s gone out.

How long a puppy can be left alone socialization wise

In addition to his bathroom needs, your puppy still requires time to bond with you. Feed him, play with him, train him and socialize him; he will understand that great things happen when you’re around.

Puppies under 14 weeks old are in a sensitive, crucial socialization period. They benefit from a lot of appropriate exposure to what they’ll face in everyday life. This includes people, animals, noises, smells and sights. Being isolated can damage a puppy’s development.

Puppy socialization guidelines

Puppies should be slowly exposed to different stimuli every day and throughout the day. After your puppy has had a sufficient number of vaccines, take him on walks, visits with friends and to dog-friendly stores.

Dogs are social creatures. And being alone too long can lead to behavior problems because a puppy can become distressed.

Get help instead of leaving a puppy alone for 8 hours

If you can’t meet the above potty schedule, enlist the help of others, such as a reliable friend or family member to potty your pup as well as play with, feed and exercise him. Or hire a reliable pet sitter or dog walker to perform these tasks. Puppies sleep most of the day — up to 20 hours. Of course, no one is a substitute for your care.

How to leave a puppy alone in a safe area

Puppies want to investigate the world. This can be very dangerous if the area isn’t puppy-proofed.

Train your puppy to be in an appropriately-sized crate. Alternatively, leave your puppy in an exercise pen, complete with a play area, a sleeping area with a bed and a potty pad. Or you can leave your pup in a safe room that’s been puppy-proofed.

When determining how long your puppy can be left alone, consider his age because he needs to potty on a regular schedule. But also take into account his need for socialization, training, exercise and companionship too. After all, dogs are social creatures. And you want to spend as much time as you can watching him bloom into the best version of himself.

Getting a new dog comes with many considerations — one of which is whether he or she comes with “papers.”

But what do registration papers really mean?

AKC registration papers

Brandi H. Munden, vice president of PR and Communications for the American Kennel Club, says the AKC is a registry body, responsible for tracking the lineage of dogs representing 200 different breeds.

Registering a dog through the AKC includes a one-time registration fee for the lifetime of the dog, says Brandi. Registration is confirmed once the AKC Registration Certificate is issued in the names of the recorded owners and identifying the dog as the offspring of a known sire and dam, and of a recognized breed.

More specifically, the AKC Registration Certificate records you as the official owner on record for the dog and includes the dog’s registered name, registration number, the dog breed, the name of the dog’s sire and dam, the sex, whelp date, the breeder and owner’s name.

“AKC registration means that breeders dealing in AKC-registered or AKC-registrable dogs must open their kennels to AKC inspectors, who review care and conditions to make sure the dogs are bred in a safe and comfortable environment,” Brandi says.

She says when you get a dog represented as AKC-registrable from an AKC-registered litter, you follow this simple two–step process:

1. Request an AKC Dog Registration Application
2. Submit your application with required fees

AKC will process your registration and you will receive an AKC Registration Certificate. But you can also go through the process online at akc.org.

Can I register my dog with AKC?

To register your dog, he or she must be an AKC-recognized breed and be the offspring of an AKC-registered litter — or from an acceptable domestic or foreign registry with documented lineage, says Brandi.

That means mixed breeds — even those with purebred parents of different breeds like Oodles — cannot get registered. And there are purebreds who are not recognized, as well.

“Mixed breed dogs are not eligible for traditional AKC registration, but as we always say, ‘If it barks, it’s AKC!’” says Brandi. “Our Canine Partners program is available for any dog who is spayed or neutered and allows them to participate in the AKC fun and tradition such as our companion and performance sports like agility, obedience, rally and Fast CAT.”

Brandi says for pet parents who have a purebred dog not eligible for AKC registration and want to participate in breed-specific sports, the AKC has a Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) program.

“PAL dogs must be at least six months of age and spayed or neutered,” Brandi says. “Both programs welcome all dogs to our AKC family — because all dogs belong here.”

What should I ask the dog breeder about registration?

Ask whether the litter is already AKC-registered and whether they have a litter number.

“Be wary of excuses such as ‘AKC didn’t send the papers yet,’” Brandi says. “Your dog’s AKC Registration Application should be readily available to you when you pick up your dog. Buyers should also request a signed Bill of Sale from the seller.”

As you’re researching breeders, you might also come across terms like “limited registration” and “full registration.” Brandi says limited registration means that the dog is registered with the AKC, but any future puppies that dog may produce are not eligible for registration.

“This type of registration protects a breeder’s breeding program,” she says. “However, dogs with limited registration can participate in many AKC events including obedience, rally, agility, tracking, field trials, hunting tests, herding, lure coursing, Earthdog, Fast CAT, CAT, scent work, Junior Showmanship, Trick Dog and CGC.”

Is registering your purebred dog a good idea?

Brandi says it has its benefits.

“You become a part of the AKC family when you register your dog,” she says. “From competing at the highest levels of AKC competition to enjoying your dog’s companionship — registering with AKC means you’re becoming part of something great. Once you register, you can access packages, which include helpful resources for all your dog’s life stages.”

Of course, there’s more to getting a new dog than his or her breeding status. Ultimately, the most important thing is to find a dog you and your family connect with and then figure out the right activities for your new pet. There are many activity options available through the AKC and elsewhere no matter what kind of dog you have — mixed breed or purebred.