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My pregnant dog isn't eating much. Is this normal before whelping?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boston Terrier | Female | unspayed | 4 years and 3 months old | 22 lbs

My dog is due to whelp in 2 weeks 2/22/17 and hasn't ate much today. Is this ok?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 9th, 2017

Yes that is pretty normal at this stage. Pregnant bitches appetite can wax and wane. As long as she is eating something and not having any other symptoms (i.e. Vomiting, diarrhea) then she will likely be ok. Just make sure she is eating high calorie puppy food daily and up until the puppies are weaned (at 3-4 weeks of age).

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    While dogs can lose their appetite around the third week of pregnancy for three to 10 days, this late in the pregnancy Peanut should be eating more. Dogs can lose their appetite in the 24 to 48 hours before giving birth, which is normal, but she isn't due for another two weeks. I would try to tempt her to eat by soaking her dry dog food in gently warmed low sodium beef or chicken broth, or offering her small amounts of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice. If she still isn't much by tomorrow morning, I would bring Peanut into the vet for a health check to be safe.

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    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 27th, 2018

    Hello, sorry to hear about Braziey. Some pregnant dogs can be lethargic and not eat when they are pregnant. This could be from the pregnancy itself. However, majority of the time, they should be eating more and more frequently. If Braziey continues to have this decreased appetite, then she should be evaluated by her veterinarian to make sure she does not have any underlying disease such as liver or kidney problems. If Braziey goes off her food, if she has any vomiting or diarrhea, then please have her evaluated by her veterinarian. Otherwise, please offer her any kind of food she may eat, including puppy food. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on August 18th, 2018

    I recommend getting her seen by your vet to make sure everything is going as it should. She may be too uncomfortable to eat much at one time. Also, she should be getting fed puppy food or food for pregnant or nursing females to ensure she is getting enough so she and her puppies remain healthy and she can provide enough milk for them when they're born.

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