Compared to humans, dogs have a shorter gestation period amounting to 9 weeks (3 months); the normal gestation or pregnancy period for dog breeds including Yorkies is 56-67 days, give or take a few days. It’s hard to determine the exact period so only a vet can tell you exactly how much time has passed since your dog’s pregnancy and what health precautions to take.

This article gives you detailed information about a Yorkie’s gestation period, how to take care of your dog’s health in that period, as well as how to make sure they get proper veterinary care.

 

If you’re considering breeding your Yorkie, it’s important to know how long their pregnancy will last. Yorkies are a small breed, so their pregnancy is relatively short compared to larger dogs. Knowing the length of their pregnancy can help you prepare for the arrival of their puppies.

Yorkies are pregnant for an average of 56-67 days, or about 9 weeks. This is from the time of conception to the time of delivery. It’s important to keep track of when your Yorkie is bred so you can estimate when she will give birth. Being prepared for the arrival of the puppies can help ensure smooth delivery and healthy puppies.

During their pregnancy, Yorkies will require special care and attention. It’s important to provide them with a healthy diet and regular vet check-ups. Understanding how long your Yorkie will be pregnant can help you plan for their care and the arrival of their puppies.

Gestation Period

So, you’re wondering how long your Yorkie will be pregnant? It’s an exciting time, but also a time of uncertainty. The gestation period for Yorkies is between 58-68 days, which means your pet will be pregnant for a little over two months.

During this time, it’s important to provide your Yorkie with proper nutrition and care. Make sure she gets plenty of exercises, but not too much to avoid any complications. Keep her stress levels low and provide a comfortable environment for her to rest in.

If your Yorkie has not given birth by the 67th day, it’s important to seek veterinary advice. They will be able to monitor your dog’s health and ensure that everything is progressing as it should be.

Signs of Pregnancy

If you suspect your Yorkie is pregnant, there are a few signs you can look for. One of the most obvious signs is a decrease in appetite. Your Yorkie may also become more tired and lethargic than usual.

Another sign of pregnancy is a behavior change. Your Yorkie may become more clingy or protective. She may also start nesting and preparing a space for her puppies.

Physical changes may also occur during pregnancy. Your Yorkie’s nipples may become larger and darker, and she may gain weight. You may also be able to feel the puppies moving inside her belly.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take your Yorkie to the vet for confirmation and prenatal care.

Remember to keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms or complications during pregnancy, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding. Early detection and treatment can help ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery for your Yorkie and her puppies.

Prenatal Care

As a Yorkie owner, you want to make sure your pet has a healthy pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know about prenatal care.

Diet

Feed your Yorkie high-quality dog food with essential nutrients. Avoid giving table scraps.

Exercise

Take your Yorkie for short walks to keep her active and healthy. Don’t overexert her.

Vet Visits

Regular check-ups with a vet are crucial during pregnancy. Your vet will monitor your Yorkie’s health and advise you on any necessary treatments.

During pregnancy, your Yorkie’s nutritional needs will change. It’s important to feed her a balanced diet with high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Delivery

Stages of Labor

Yorkies usually give birth after 63 days of pregnancy. The first stage of labor lasts 12-24 hours and includes restless behavior, panting, and contractions. The second stage is when the puppies are born and can last up to 3 hours. The third stage is when the placenta is expelled and can take up to 30 minutes per puppy.

Whelping Box

A whelping box is a safe and comfortable area where your Yorkie can give birth. It should be big enough for your dog to move around but small enough to keep the puppies close. Line it with soft blankets or towels and have a heating pad nearby to keep the puppies warm.

Assisting the Birth

Assisting a Yorkie during labor and delivery can be a delicate process, and it is important to proceed with caution to avoid harming the mother or her puppies. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Prepare a safe and comfortable birthing area for the Yorkie. This should be a warm, quiet, and private space, with plenty of clean towels and blankets.

2. Monitor the Yorkie closely for signs of labor, such as restlessness, panting, and nesting behavior. When the contractions become regular and strong, it is time for the delivery to begin.

3. Keep a close eye on the Yorkie during the delivery process, but try not to interfere too much. Yorkies are generally able to give birth without assistance, but you may need to step in if there are complications.

4. If the Yorkie is having trouble delivering a puppy, gently assist by applying gentle pressure to the puppy to help it come out. Be careful not to pull too hard, as this can cause injury to the mother or the puppy.

5. Once the puppies are born, clean them off and make sure they are breathing and healthy. Keep them warm and close to their mother so they can nurse.

6. Watch the Yorkie closely for any signs of postpartum complications, such as excessive bleeding or fever. If you notice anything unusual, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Remember, assisting a Yorkie during labor and delivery can be a stressful and challenging experience. If you are not experienced in this area, it is always best to seek the advice of a veterinarian or other professional.

FAQ

How much time does it take for Yorkies to give birth?

According to the Yorkie info center, the leading source of information on Yorkies and their gestation, for a toy breed dog such as a Yorkie, the normal gestation period is 56-67 days, 56 being the minimum and 67 being the maximum. If more than 67 days have passed since your dog’s pregnancy, it’s time to consult a veterinarian.

What are the initial signs of a Yorkie’s pregnancy?

Yorkie owners often wonder how to find out if their dog is pregnant or not. There are a few telltale signs and symptoms which, when combined, indicate that a dog is pregnant:

• Their physical activity will decrease
• Long bouts of sleep
• The areolas will grow larger than usual
• A firm stomach upon touching
• The dog will frequently self-groom
• Nesting behavior

Do these signs and symptoms change later on?

Yes, these signs are for the initial period of the Yorkie’s pregnancy, and they change as time goes on and they progress more weeks into the gestation. By the end of weeks 3-4:

• The dog may gain excessive weight – approx. 1.2 to 2.2 Ibs
• Their abdomen will be considerably larger
• Their appetite will increase
• They will urinate more often than normal

How do I confirm my Yorkie’s pregnancy?

Since dogs have very vague gestation periods and symptoms, it’s better to consult a veterinarian to find out if your dog is pregnant or not. Upon visitation, the vet will ask you about the predicted day of breeding and when the initial symptoms started appearing, along with doing a handful of tests:

1. Blood test – accurate after 22 days of pregnancy have passed
2. Ultrasound – done after 42 days to detect the fetus and any abnormalities
3. X-ray – done after day 45 to check how many puppies the Yorkie will be birthing

How does a Yorkie’s gestation differ from a human’s?

Comparatively, dogs have a shorter gestation or pregnancy period (9 weeks) than humans, which makes it all the more convenient for the dog owners and the dog. Furthermore, since a dog’s sense of taste and smell are better and much more heightened than a human’s, they’re able to detect more scents during the gestation period than humans.

How does a Yorkie’s pregnancy progress over the 3 months?

During the first month, the dog will experience the initial symptoms relating to external bodily changes, a bigger appetite, frequent naps, and lesser physical activity.

Progressing to the second month, fetal development speeds up, and the dog experiences symptoms such as a firm abdomen, appetite changes, weight gain, and frequent urination.

In the last month, fetal development is almost complete, bones start forming, and the dog experiences appetite loss, drops in body temperature, restlessness, panting, and shivers.

What are the health precautions I should take for my Yorkie during the gestation period?

Because of the sensitive nature of a dog’s pregnancy, as the owner, it’s important to take extra care during the gestation period. As American Kennel Club suggests, you should:

1. Test your dog for any genetic issues that the pups may inherit and prepare accordingly
2. Take into account the increase in appetite and feed her accordingly
3. Prepare a comfortable space for her to rest in
4. Make sure your dog gets enough exercise (no strenuous activity)
5. Remind anyone who comes into contact with your dog to take extra care not to handle her too roughly

How do I find out if my Yorkie is in labor?

Before labor, the dog experiences frequent body temperature changes, so it’s better to take her temperature twice a day starting 1 week before her due date, if your dog’s temperature drops below 100 F, it’s a clear indication that she’s about to give birth. As her labor begins, she may refuse to eat, vomit out the food, will whine a lot, and cry out because of contractions pain.

What are the red flags I should look out for during my dog’s pregnancy?

Although most Yorkie pregnancies go just fine without any hurdles or hitches, there are some dangers listed by Noah’s Ark Veterinary Hospital that you should know how to identify:

1. More than 70 days have passed and your dog hasn’t gone into labor yet
2. Sudden temperature drops have passed but there’s no sign of a pup appearing
3. There’s a significant time frame after the birth of the first puppy
4. Your dog seems to be in unbearable pain
5. Excessive blood loss, vomiting, and weakness

How many puppies will my Yorkie have?

The average number of puppies that a Yorkie can birth is 4, although this number may vary across different Yorkies, the range being 1-5. If your Yorkie has more than 5 pups, get the pups checked out by a vet as there’s a chance of some being stillborn or dying shortly after their birth.

Can a Yorkie get pregnant again in the same year?

For most dog breeds, having 3 cycles a year is considered to be common and normal since they have frequent bouts of heat and more physical capabilities for breeding.

For Yorkies, this number may be less because they only go into heat every 5-8 months and produce 1-5 puppies each time. As they’re a smaller breed of dog, they only have about 2 cycles a year and can birth two times a year, this too depends on your Yorkie’s health and breeding tendencies.