For those breeding Chihuahuas, knowing their pregnancy timeline is crucial, yet not so obvious. How long will a Chihuahua be pregnant in terms of months and days?
Chihuahuas are pregnant for around 58-68 days, with 63 days being the most common time they finally give birth. Although Chihuahuas are small, they have the same gestation period as other breeds.
Let’s break this down into further detail below.
Chihuahua Pregnancy: Full Timeline
Below is a weekly timeline of a Chihuahuas pregnancy. Each week will entail new advances and developments. Any important changes are noted below.
Week one: 0-7 Days
The first 0-7 days won’t be all that exciting. Nothing much will change with your Chihuahua. There’s a small chance of morning sickness but many go on to display no signs of pregnancy in the first week.
Week two: 7-14 Days
7-14 days is when the fertilized eggs reach the uterus and essentially start turning into puppies! At this stage, the embryos are still extremely small, so no changes to her diet or exercise are needed.
Week three: 14-21 Days
14-21 days is when the small fetuses attach to the wall of the uterus in order to receive the nutrients required to grow. You may notice your Chihuahua’s appetite increase, and her mood may start to alter.
Still, it’s not advised to make any drastic changes to her diet just yet.
Week four: 21-28 Days
21-28 days is when more notable changes begin, and owners may need to reduce general activity and consult their local veterinarian for nutritional guidance.
Your Chihuahua’s pups will be developing at a rapid rate but they will still be extremely small.
At this stage, puppies are susceptible to developmental issues, so once again, consulting your local veterinarian is important.
Week five: 28-35 Days
During week five you may even be able to feel the puppies moving, or at least see a visible bulge to your Chihuahua.
At this stage weight gain will be quite noticeable and she should now transition onto a special diet to support the growing pups.
Vets can perform an ultrasound by this point and you’ll know just how many puppies your Chihuahua is expecting!
Week six: 35-42 Days
Week six is considered to be the final stage of gestation. Your Chihuahua will be quite large and her appetite will likely still be growing.
It’s important not to overfeed her and keep her portion sizes steady. You may also notice some discharge, which is perfectly normal.
Week seven: 42-49 Days
Your Chihuahua will not be preparing to give birth. By this stage, it’s important to have a safe and comfortable place for her to give birth. Soft blankets on the ground or bed is perfect.
It’s advised by veterinarians to encourage as much sleeping as possible (in her “nesting” area). Ensure the temperature is kept warm and your Chihuahua is comfortable.
At this stage, the pups will be fully developed, meaning they will look like tiny little Chihuahuas!
Week eight: 49-57 Days
At this stage, we are nearing the end of the pregnancy, and your Chihuahua is preparing to give birth. It’s crucial to limit all strenuous activity and keep her still, comfortable, and warm.
It’s normal to see your Chihuahua a little restless at this stage, but owners should do their best to limit her movements and reassure her.
You may notice her digging in her designated area. This is perfectly normal behavior and is classed as “nesting” ready for her puppies.
Week nine: 57-65 Days
Congratulations! Your Chihuahua will likely give birth during week nine.
It’s normal is your Chihuahua’s appetite decreases during this stage.
Owners can keep track of her temperature several times per day. If you notice a sudden drop from around 101-103 to 96-97, this usually means she’ll be giving birth in the next 24-48 hours
Source – Extra Info
Signs Your Chihuahua Is Giving Birth
There are common signs to watch out for that indicate your Chihuahua is soon to give birth:
- Digging/nesting behavior
- Drop in body temperature below 100F
- She may become more clingy or reserved (either)
- Vomiting
- Food refusal
- Licking the genital area
- Shaking or shivering
- Hardened abdomen
- Her mammary glands will enlarge
If you notice these signs, your Chihuahua will likely give birth in the next 24-48 hours.
Source – Emergency Veterinary Care Centers
How Long Will Chihuahuas Give Birth For?
Chihuahuas can be in labor anywhere from 3 to 9 hours, but it can vary drastically. Most Chihuahuas can manage perfectly by themselves, but owners should always keep a close eye on her.
The very first Chihuahua puppy will be born inside an amniotic sac. Usually, this thin membrane breaks itself so the puppy can breath.
If this sac appears to not have broken, owners must break it to let the puppy breath. Trupanion advice
- Trending: How to keep Chihuahuas Warm in Winter
Do Chihuahuas Need C-Sections?
Not all Chihuahuas need C-sections, but MOST do have this procedure performed. Chihuahuas usually have C-sections due to their tiny size and heightened risk during natural birth.
- It’s crucial to speak to your veterinarian throughout the Chihuahuas pregnancy to determine what’s best for her.
How Many Puppies Do Chihuahuas Usually Have?
Chihuahuas typically have 1-3 puppies per litter, but in some cases, it can be as many as 5-6.
Remember, at week four to five, vets can perform the first ultrasound, which reveals just how many pups are in the litter!
Summary
Chihuahuas are normally pregnant for 58-68 days, with 63 being the most common day they give birth. Chihuahuas usually need c-sections due to their high-risk pregnancy.
Of course, while it’s great to do plenty of research online, nothing beats visiting your local veterinarian for tailored advice. It’s also important to go for regular check-ups and dietary advice.