Mating at the time of ovulation is a strong indicator that you can look forward to a pregnant Rottweiler. But to be sure, the first thing you ought to look out for is the signs of pregnancy. Once the mating period ends, the mother-to-be shows changes as the nipples protrude and change color to pink. There are other changes in behavior or appetite but they are not reliable. Discharge from the uterus may indicate pregnancy too. Other signs are morning sickness, loss of appetite, and restlessness. These are indicators only, and a blood test or a tummy scan will confirm the news.
Getting The Diet Right
It is necessary to change the diet during this period. The pregnant Rottweiler has to be kept on a high-quality diet, with more protein and fat. Avoid vaccinating her or adding any extra vitamins or supplements, without consulting the vet. She may indicate an aversion for food around the third week of pregnancy, even throwing up at times. She will increase her food intake 4 weeks into her pregnancy, which is the halfway stage.
Helping Her Through The Final Stages
Get an x-ray done a week to 10 days before she is due. Take her temperature regularly. It should be around 101-102.5. Her temperature should drop 8 to 24 hours ahead of labor. She might also refuse food on the last day. Please remember that these changes in food habits and variations in temperature can vary between individual mums-to-be. Try to be with the mother during the final stages, especially in the last two weeks. First time pregnant Rottweilers have it really tough.
READ: Female Rottweiler Names: Choose A Name Which Foresees The Character Of Your Dog
Whelping
The first thing is to select a safe and secure place. You will need a secure whelping box. The main feature here is the pig rail to keep the babies separated from the mother. The puppies are very small for a dog that grows into a 100-pound giant. Other necessary items are a thermometer, hand towels, lots of rags, a scale that can register small weights, scissors and dental floss needed to sever and tie the mother’s umbilical cord, and ribbons to label the pups.
Labor: The Various Stages And What You Can Do
During the first stage of labor, other than the obvious signs, look out for more subtle indications from the pregnant Rottweiler. She will keep digging and scratching her blanket and continuously shifting position.
During the second stage, the pregnant Rottweiler will have contractions. The babies are delivered every 30 minutes, sometimes two at a time. The mother Rottweiler licks the puppies clean and bites off the umbilical cord. First-time mothers might need assistance if they are too exhausted. The whole process can take up to 4 hours. If you suspect that the mother has not given birth to the whole litter consult a vet immediately. Stalled labor risks the remaining babies and the mom.
Finally, She Is A Mom
After she has dried the puppies give them a weight check every 12 hours, mark all the pups, and maintain a logbook. This will warn you if there is no increase in weight. The mother Rottweiler’s first milk is vital for the babies. Get the mother and the puppies checked the next day.
READ: Keep Track Of The Growth Of Your Rottweiler And See Them Become Healthy And Happy Doggos
Caring For The Puppies
For the just-born puppies, you need to keep a puppy formula in case the mother Rottweiler’s milk is insufficient. The mother will normally be alert and have a healthy appetite and show affection towards her puppies.
Ensure that all the puppies are fed regularly. Keep them warm. If there are several puppies, try rotating them so that every puppy gets equal nourishment. Be around constantly till the mother Rottweiler can manage on her own. And finally, congratulations to the mother Rottie and her family.
