Saint Bernard Pregnancy: Gestation Period, Weekly Milestones, and Care Guide

Written by Heather Hall
Updated: July 27, 2023
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Welcome to our guide on Saint Bernard pregnancy, where we will be covering the gestation period, weekly milestones, and care for these beloved furry friends. Whether you are a breeder or simply an owner who is curious about your dog’s pregnancy journey, this article will provide you with valuable insights and tips on how to ensure a healthy pregnancy for your Saint Bernard. We understand that taking care of pregnant dogs can be overwhelming, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! With our comprehensive guide, you’ll have all the information you need to make informed decisions when it comes to your dog’s health and well-being during her pregnancy. So sit back, relax, and let us take you through this exciting journey!

Saint Bernard Summary

Saint Bernard isolated on white background

Saint Bernards are pregnant for nine weeks.

©cynoclub/Shutterstock.com

Saint Bernard is a large and powerful breed of dog that originated in the Western Alps, particularly in Switzerland. They were originally bred for search and rescue operations in the mountainous regions where they would help locate lost travelers. Their gentle nature, loyalty, and intelligence have made them popular as family pets.

This breed has a thick coat which can be either short or long-haired, depending on the individual Saint Bernard. They come in various colors, such as red, brown, brindle, or white, with markings of black or tan.

Overall, Saint Bernards make great companions for those who have ample space at home due to their size. They require regular exercise but also enjoy lounging indoors with their loved ones. With proper training and socialization from an early age, these gentle giants will make loving and loyal family pets.

Saint Bernard Pregnancy Symptoms

As a Saint Bernard owner, it is important to know what signs and symptoms to look out for during your furry friend’s pregnancy. There are plenty of indicators that can signal the onset of pregnancy.

One common symptom of pregnancy in dogs is behavioral changes. You may notice that your normally energetic pup becomes more lethargic or sleeps more often than usual. Additionally, some dogs experience a decrease in their appetite while others become ravenous.

Another telltale sign of pregnancy is changes in physical appearance. As time progresses, you may notice that your dog’s belly begins to grow larger as her litter develops inside her womb. This increase in size may also cause discomfort or restlessness in your pet. You won’t notice a large increase in her belly until the last month of pregnancy, so this is not always a good early indicator.

In terms of nipple signs, many pregnant Saint Bernards will develop enlarged nipples as they prepare to nurse their offspring after birth. These nipples may appear darker or more pronounced than normal and should be checked regularly for any signs of infection or irritation.

By the seventh week of pregnancy, your Saint Bernard’s nipples will be swollen. Around the eighth week, she may leak colostrum from her nipples. At this point in her pregnancy, your Saint Bernard is likely to feel uncomfortable and may want to eat more often but take in smaller portions. Additionally, she may urinate more frequently and may show signs of “nesting” behavior, such as reorganizing her bedding or seeking out a quiet spot to give birth.

Gestation Period: How Long Are Saint Bernards Pregnant?

12 Animals of Christmas From Around the World - saint bernard

Saint Bernards show little signs of pregnancy in the first couple of weeks.

©Rita_Kochmarjova/Shutterstock.com

The gestation period for Saint Bernards is typically around 63 days or nine weeks. This period of pregnancy can be broken down into three distinct trimesters, each with its own set of milestones and care requirements. During the first trimester, which lasts approximately three weeks, the fertilized eggs implant in the uterus and begin to develop into embryos. By week four, the embryos will have formed their hearts and other major organs.

During the second trimester (weeks 4-6), puppies grow rapidly as they continue developing their organs and skeletal structures. At this point, it’s important to ensure that your pregnant Saint Bernard is getting enough nutrients to support her growing litter. A high-quality diet rich in protein and vitamins will help ensure healthy puppy development.

In the final trimester (weeks 7-9), puppies undergo significant growth spurts as they prepare for birth. Your Saint Bernard may start showing signs of nesting behavior during this time as she prepares a comfortable space for delivery.

Throughout all stages of pregnancy, it’s crucial to provide your dog with proper prenatal care, including regular vet check-ups, moderate exercise, and plenty of rest. With proper care and attention throughout her gestation period, your Saint Bernard can give birth to happy, healthy puppies ready to embark on a lifetime of adventure alongside their loving owners.

Pregnancy Care for Saint Bernards

If you are a Saint Bernard owner and your furry friend is expecting, it’s important to provide adequate pregnancy care. This includes ensuring that your dog has access to high-quality food with all the essential nutrients required during pregnancy. You may need to increase the amount of food given as your dog progresses through her gestation period.

Regular visits to the vet are also necessary during this time, so make sure you schedule appointments for check-ups and ultrasounds. Your vet can monitor your dog’s health and ensure that she receives any necessary vaccinations or treatments.

In addition, make sure that your Saint Bernard gets enough exercise but avoids strenuous activities that could put undue stress on her body. It’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort or distress in order to address them promptly.

Overall, providing proper pregnancy care for Saint Bernards requires diligence and attention. By taking these steps, you can help ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy for both momma and pups!

Average Litter Size for Saint Bernards

dog food for large breed puppies

Saint Bernards can have up to 12 puppies. An average litter size is between 6-8.

©Rita_Kochmarjova/Shutterstock.com

Saint Bernards are known for their large size and gentle nature, making them a popular choice among dog owners. If you’re considering breeding your Saint Bernard, it’s important to understand the average litter size for this breed.

On average, Saint Bernards have litters of 6-8 puppies. However, it’s not uncommon for some litters to have as few as two or as many as 12 puppies. Factors that can affect litter size include the age and health of the mother, genetics, and environmental factors.

Breeding should only be done with careful consideration and planning. It is important to prioritize the well-being of both parent dogs and their offspring by following best practices in breeding programs, such as genetic testing before mating.

What to Expect in Week 1

During the first week of Saint Bernard’s pregnancy, there are no visible signs yet. However, inside the dog’s body, fertilization has occurred, and the zygote has started to divide into multiple cells. The fertilized egg is now traveling through the oviducts towards the uterus, where it will implant itself in the lining.

The first week is crucial for embryonic development as this is when important genetic information from both parents combines and forms a unique set of DNA that will determine many characteristics of their offspring. During this time, it’s essential to ensure that your Saint Bernard receives proper nutrition and care, which can help promote healthy fetal growth.

It’s also important to note that not all pregnancies result in viable puppies. Some embryos may fail to develop or implant properly, which can lead to early termination of pregnancy (miscarriage). Therefore, monitoring your dog closely during this stage and keeping up with regular veterinary appointments can help identify any potential issues early on.

Overall, while there may not be any visible changes during this initial phase of pregnancy for your Saint Bernard, monitoring her health and providing proper care can help ensure a successful outcome later down the line.

What to Expect in Week 2

In week two of your canine’s pregnancy, you can continue to groom them as usual. Their embryos should be securely held in the uterus, and gentle grooming should not cause any harm. Your main focus for this week should be to maintain your pet’s weight. Uncontrolled weight gain at the start of the pregnancy is not healthy for them. Make sure that they do not gain more than 10% of their normal body weight until week 6. Their energy levels should remain the same since the embryos won’t be growing much yet. Generally, no changes to their diet or supplements should be made unless instructed by your vet.

What to Expect in Week 3

During the third week of pregnancy, the Saint Bernard puppies are kept safe and nourished by a membrane layer. There won’t be any major visible changes in physical appearance, and no need to alter the regular routine. The mother may become hungrier, so it may be necessary to give her extra food.

What to Expect in Week 4

Saint Bernard puppy

Saint Bernard puppies are worth the wait.

©dbking, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons – License

At week four of your Saint Bernard’s pregnancy, it is important to take her for her first vet visit. This will be a crucial step in ensuring the health and well-being of both the mother and puppies. Your veterinarian will confirm the pregnancy through an ultrasound and provide you with an estimated birth date so that you can prepare accordingly.

During this visit, your vet will also be able to count the number of puppies in order to give you an idea of what to expect when it comes time for delivery. While this initial count may not be exact, it can help you plan for things like supplies, space requirements, and potential medical needs.

What to Expect in Week 5

As your Saint Bernard enters week five of her pregnancy, the embryos have now successfully transformed into fetuses. This marks a significant milestone in their development as their organs begin to form and take shape. During this stage, the mother will start to gain weight slowly as she nourishes and supports the growing puppies inside of her.

Ensuring that the mother is receiving proper nutrition at this time is crucial for both her health and that of her litter. Providing a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals can help support healthy fetal growth and development.

As an owner, it’s important to monitor your Saint Bernard closely during this time. While some dogs may experience mild discomfort or nausea due to hormonal changes, if you notice any concerning symptoms, such as vomiting or loss of appetite, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian right away.

What to Expect in Week 6

In Week 6, the unborn puppies will begin to form their individual organs and claws. To make sure your Saint Bernard is properly nourished, it is important to increase her diet in energy, protein, and minerals. Though you may notice a decrease in appetite due to the discomfort of pregnancy, it is essential to ensure your pet eats the right foods. Splitting meals into smaller portions throughout the day instead of larger meals can be beneficial.

What to Expect in Week 7

During week 7 of pregnancy in Saint Bernards, significant changes are taking place within their bodies. At this stage, the puppies are growing rapidly and developing various vital organs like the liver, kidneys, and heart. The skeletal system is also beginning to form at this point. They are even growing hair now!

The mother’s body will experience some physical changes as well. Her appetite may increase due to increased energy requirements for both her and her growing pups.

What to Expect in Week 8

Adorable Saint Bernard Puppy With Sweet Expression

Saint Bernard puppies grow in the womb in only 9 weeks.

©Katrina Brown/Shutterstock.com

During week 8 of pregnancy for a Saint Bernard, significant changes are occurring within the mother’s body as well as the developing puppies. At this point, the puppies have grown to be approximately a few inches long and weigh 2-3 ounces each. Their limbs are beginning to form more definitively, and their facial features become increasingly recognizable. In an ultrasound, you can see their whiskers at week 8!

Inside the mother’s body, her uterus is expanding rapidly to accommodate her growing litter of puppies. As a result, she may experience some discomfort or bloating during this time period. Additionally, her mammary glands will begin to enlarge in preparation for nursing once the puppies are born.

What to Expect in Week 9

During week nine of Saint Bernard’s pregnancy, the puppies are fully developed and preparing for their grand entrance into the world. Their organs have formed, and they will continue to grow in size until birth. At this stage, the mother may become restless and begin nesting behaviors as she prepares for labor.

The puppies’ coats have also fully developed at this point, with different color variations depending on genetics. While the puppies may appear fully formed, they still require more time in utero to develop vital systems such as their immune system.

As for the mother dog herself, she may experience a decreased appetite due to her large belly pressing against her stomach or simply because of hormonal changes. It is important to offer small meals throughout the day rather than one large meal.

How to Prepare for Labor and Delivery

To prepare for labor and delivery, create a comfortable and safe environment for your pregnant Saint Bernard. This includes setting up a whelping box in a quiet area of your home where she can rest comfortably without being disturbed. The whelping box should be large enough for her to move around in but small enough to keep the puppies close by.

In addition, you should have all necessary supplies on hand, such as clean towels, heating pads or hot water bottles, scissors for cutting umbilical cords, iodine solution for disinfecting the cord stumps, puppy milk replacer formula (in case the mother cannot produce enough milk), and emergency contact information for your veterinarian.

Signs that your dog may be ready to give birth include nesting behavior (such as digging or scratching at bedding), decreased appetite or vomiting in the 24 hours prior to giving birth, panting or heavy breathing, restlessness or pacing, licking genital area excessively (may indicate contractions), clear discharge from the vulva (may indicate the onset of labor).

It is important not to interfere too much during the birthing process unless there are complications. Allow mother nature to take its course while monitoring closely from a distance. If any concerns arise

How to Care For Your Saint Bernard Afterward

Biggest Dog Breeds: Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards require postpartum veterinarian visits after giving birth.

©Aneta Jungerova/Shutterstock.com

Caring for a Saint Bernard after she has given birth to puppies requires special attention and care. The first few weeks after giving birth are critical for the mother dog’s health, as well as the health of her puppies. It is important to monitor her closely during this time.

One key aspect of postpartum care is ensuring that the mother dog receives proper nutrition and hydration. She will require plenty of fresh water and high-quality food to support milk production for her nursing puppies. A veterinarian can provide guidance on appropriate feeding strategies based on the size of the litter.

It is also essential to keep both the mother dog and her newborns in a clean environment, free from dirt, debris, or other potential sources of infection. This includes providing a separate area where they can rest undisturbed by humans or other animals.

Additionally, it’s crucial to watch out for signs of any complications, such as mastitis (inflammation of mammary glands), which can cause pain and discomfort in lactating dogs. Regular check-ups with your vet are necessary during this period so that any issues can be addressed promptly.

In conclusion, caring for your Saint Bernard after she has given birth involves paying close attention to nutrition, hygiene, and medical concerns while creating an environment conducive to nurturing healthy pups. By following these guidelines carefully, you will ensure that both momma dog and pups thrive together harmoniously!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Erik Lam/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

Heather Hall is a writer at A-Z Animals, where her primary focus is on plants and animals. Heather has been writing and editing since 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, Heather enjoys hiking, gardening, and trail running through the mountains with her dogs.

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