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There are many techniques to confirm a gestation in dogs. Ultrasonography is the gold standard and can be performed as early as 21 days post-ovulation. It can be also used during the gestation to monitor the embryos vitality. However, X-ray has the advantage of allowing the counting of embryos from around 50 days post-ovulation.
It is important to provide the bitch with a high quality diet as it will impact the development of the embryos and the vitality of the puppies at birth. However, puppy growth is not linear during gestation, so the bitch's energy requirements and diet must be adapted during pregnancy.
To ensure the gestation is following a normal course, regular visits at the clinic to perform an ultrasonography, blood analysis or weight monitoring are recommended.
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