Yorkie Information Center

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Yorkie Pregnancy
Overview

Yorkie pregnancy information is very important.  When you learn that your Yorkshire Terrier is pregnant, there is much to know about ! 

This will be an exciting time; yet one that goes by very quickly.

Knowing the signs of pregnancy in a Yorkie is vital; mama will need extra care right away.

Preparations must be made to ensure a smooth delivery.  Let's discuss all aspects of Yorkie who is pregnant.
         
A pregnant Yorkie will very quickly  have a swollen tummy and her nipples will become extended.
Can a Yorkie Get Pregnant the First Time Mates?

Yes!   If you are not planning on having Yorkie  puppies, it is extremely vital to have her spayed.  Spaying also greatly decreases the risks ovarian and mammary cancer.  It is suggested to do this before the first heat.  If your Yorkie has not been spayed and a male dog was able to attach to her, she can get impregnated that first time! 

Signs that a Yorkie is Expecting

There may be variable conditions in which you do not know if your Yorkie is pregnant.  Perhaps she got out of the house while in heat, and a male dog found her!  This is the circumstances in which most Yorkie owners will become worried.  You will want to know if your dog is pregnant, as soon as possible.

You could ask your veterinarian to perform an ultra sound; though it is typically costly and you may want to set aside that money for impeding puppies.

Here are the first signs that your Yorkie is carrying pups:

    * She will act sluggish, sleepy and not as active as usual
    * Her tummy will expand very quickly
    * Her stomach will become more firm
    * Her nipples will grow very large, again, this happens fast
    * Nipples that were previously unseen, may begin to pop out, this will happen more and more as the weeks pass
    * She will clean herself more extensively than normal
    * She may begin to “nest”, gathering items, trying to make a quiet and soft area for herself

Getting Ready

An experienced and dependable veterinarian should supervise the entire pregnancy. A pregnant Yorkie will need extra care to stay healthy through this time.  As it comes closer to the due date,  an ultrasound can tell you how many pups to expect.

How long is a Yorkie pregnant for?  From the day of conception to the day of giving birth, your Yorkie will be pregnant for just about 63 days. 

At the first sign, the dog should have a complete medical exam. Everyone who comes into contact with your Yorkie must be exceptionally gentle with her.

She should be given a warm, soft and comfy area to rest; if you do not already have this for her.  As the weeks pass, she will want to spend more and more time in this quiet area to rest.

Feeding Requirements

A pregnant dog should be fed puppy food.  This will give her the extra calories and nutrients that are needed to help her grow healthy puppies.   

How Many Puppies Does a Yorkie Have?

On average, there will be a litter of four.  This can vary, of course.  The litter size will range from 1 to 5.

Entering Labor

You will know that your Yorkie is going to have puppies within 24 when her internal temperature drops below normal.  When you have counted down the days and know it is almost time, you can use a rectal or oral thermometer but use it rectally. You should lubricate it will and insert it about a half inch. Leave it for three minutes. Your dog’s normal temperature should be between 101 and 102.5 Fahrenheit (38.3 to 39.17 Celsius) .

When your Yorkie's  temperature drops below 100F (37.77 C), she should deliver the Yorkie pups within 24 hours.

As she begins to enter labor, she may also vomit and/or cry  She will need your gentle, kind words of encouragement.  While crying is typical, do keep a close eye on the following signs of jeopardy:

Red Flags


It is suggested to have your dog give birth at an animal clinic (unless of course you are an experienced breeder).  If you decide to have your Yorkie give birth at home, keep an eye out for these red flags.  She should be transported to an emergency vet or animal hospital if:

    * She has been pregnant for more than 70 days
    * It has been 24 hours since her temperature dropped and she is vomiting and/or crying but no pups have come out
    * 1 puppy came out, but it has been more than 2 hours without any more coming out (and you know there are more pups inside)
    * She appears to be experiencing severe and overwhelming pain

Time for the Puppies!

The mama dog should be put into a whelping box.  This can be a cardboard box with one side cut in order to "flap down" and allow you inside.

This should be lined with a lot of newspaper, as you can crumble them up, throw them away and still have new layers there, as things become a bit messy.

The puppies will begin to come into sight once her water has broken or the amniotic sac is pushed out.  If the sac is pushed out, do not be taken aback if the mother Yorkie eats it.  This is nature's way.

The puppies may come out one right consecutively or there may be a time span of up to 2 hours in between the puppies emerging.

The mother Yorkie will lick each pup clean and also chew away at and perhaps consume the umbilical cord.  Again, this is a natural instinct.

The placenta will need to be pushed out after the pups.  When the last puppy comes out, the placenta will soon follow.  The mother Yorkie may consume this as well.  Whether the mother consumes the sac, the cord or the placenta, do not prevent her from doing so, as it is a very strong ingrained instinct for her to do so.

Any puppies who do not find their way to her tummy to drink, should be carefully moved there.  Keep an eye out for a pup who is very small and being pushed out of the way by larger littermates.  Sometimes, a pup such as this may need to be bottle fed.  Hypoglycemia can set in very quickly if a puppy is not drinking.

Cleaning bedding should be put down and a heating pad, set on "warm" should be put under the blanket.

Care for the Mother Yorkie Afterward

Discharge may be noticeable in the mother dog for up to a week.  This can be red, brown or even with a tint of green.  If the discharge is black, this is a sign to take your Yorkie to the veterinarian right away.

You should sponge bath her clean, put her on clean soft blankets and allow her to rest with her pups.  Be sure to offer water at all times.

The temperature in the whelping box should be 85 degrees Fahrenheit for the 1st week and 82 degrees Fahrenheit the 2nd and 3rd week.  Take care that there are no cool or cold drafts. 

More, Important Yorkshire Terrier Pregnancy Information
  • The best age to breed
  • The best time to breed
  • How to pair dogs for selective breeding
  • Pregnancy health issues Yorkies have
  • C-Sections
  • Post-Pregnancy health issues
  • What you must do right after a litter is born
  • How to register a litter
  • Understanding the color genes
  • Direct Advice for any questions....Click Here to Learn More