How to tell how far along your Chihuahua's pregnancy is?

Question

My family adopted a female chihuahua from the SPCA two weeks ago, on June 16th. She had kennel cough, so she was sent home with antibiotics so that she could recover from that before being spayed (SPCA regulation). Last week, she was still coughing, so I took her in to be rechecked, and found out she is pregnant!! She is on another round of antibiotics now. I really didn't want to have pups, but at this point, I guess there isn't much way around it. There is no way to know when she went into heat at all. She is about a year old according to the vet.

At this point, I can feel her pups moving in her abdomen, her teats are prominate and firm, and she is eating more, and sleeping more.

Anything else I can look for that will help me get an idea of when to expect her to deliver?

I guess I should have probably asked how long (in weeks) chihuahuas are usually pregnant??

They only adopted her out to us unspayed because she had the kennel cough, and because I signed a contract that I would bring her back by July 14th to be spayed or be visited by an Animal Control Officer. I agreed to take her home, treat her cough and then bring her back in ASAP. The paperwork that I got from her check up says nothing about being pregnant. So, I can only assume they didn't know. I am going to call them on Wednesday, she is STILL coughing! And we are on day 3 of the second antibiotic.

Answer 1

Generally, you can't feel the pups move until after week 7-8.

She should have a temperature drop 12-24 hours before labor. Take her temp every morning (BEFORE she gets up and moves around for consistency) and monitor it. Another sign is that her vulva will become looser and her abdomen will drop. She also could have a green discharge meaning early labor is beginning.
She may loose her appetite before going into labor.

It could be very soon. I would get a whelping box ready. If you do not have a good book about whelping I would get one right now!

Guess you wouldn't know what she bred with. Chihuahuas are pretty small and chances are it was a larger dog. Be ready for possible problems. Talk to your Vet and see if you can call him if you have any problems. If you know ANY breeders, see if they can come and assist.

Good luck, hope everything goes well. Get ready!


63 days is average for any breed, but that does not mean it can't be 60 or 66.

I have been thinking about this, and it might not be a bad idea to have an x-ray done, then you will know how many, and an experienced Vet should be able to give you an idea as to possible problems. Being as you just adopted her, contact the ASPCA and see if they would be willing to help. I am surprised they adopted her out without being spayed first, I didn't think any adoption groups did that anymore. You sure they did not know?

Answer 2

Well see if there is milk come out of her nipples. That is about 2 weeks befor pups. Take her temp when it goes down to 98 or under that means pups in 12 to 24 hours. Also she will have a glassy eyed stairy look, want you near, dig alot (to help with the pain), shake.

I would watch you don't know what breed the male is can she have the pups safely that is the main thing too worry about. Also with her being sick like that it is not very good on the pups or her.