Using ultrasound in a canine pregnancy

The ultrasound scanner projects high-frequency waves through the tissues to create a live image of the structures beneath the skin. It is a harmless and pain-free process, and it can be used in several different ways throughout your dog's pregnancy.

Usually, it is used to determine whether your dog is pregnant or not. An ultrasound can also show whether there are puppies present, their heartbeats, and — in some cases — a rough indication of numbers.

Post-whelping, the ultrasound can be used to ensure there are no puppies left inside and that the afterbirth has been passed following each puppy.

How the scan works

Your dog will be allowed to relax before the scan and usually doesn't need shaving in order to carry out the ultrasound.

Water-based gel is applied to create a good signal. The probe is gently pressed on your dog's lower belly and slowly moved around to show images and videos on the screen. The probe emits sound waves which bounce off the developing puppies to show real-time images.

Six reasons to scan your breeding bitch

Early diagnosis

A dog pregnancy scan is a good tool for confirming whether your dog is pregnant or not. This confirmation enables you to prepare adequately for the arrival of puppies and ensures your dog receives the appropriate care and nutrition.

Viability of the foetuses

Determining the viability of the foetuses is essential for both the bitch's and puppies' wellbeing. Abnormalities and complications can be identified so intervention is possible. This ensures a healthy pregnancy with limited complications during whelping, and that the bitch can be fed and exercised accurately.

Approximate number of puppies

Knowing roughly how many puppies are growing inside the bitch will help her wellbeing. It also helps in the future puppies' care and development, and in finding new owners.

Monitoring foetal development

The ultrasound scanner is safe to use, so ongoing checks can be made on the growing puppies and to identify any complications.

Determining the gestational age of the puppies

By knowing the exact date the puppies should be born, we can plan for whelping and structure the bitch's care throughout.

Post-whelping check

An ultrasound scan can be used post-whelping to be sure that the bitch has passed all puppies and all afterbirth. If she has retained anything after the whelping, this can prove fatal to her and to any nursing puppies. Every breeder should do this scan. Not enough do.

The parts a fertility clinic can help with

At my clinic I also assist in some whelpings, give advice on fertility and pregnancy supplements, and advise on litter growth and development. I provide and suggest post-whelping exercise programmes for the bitch to help tone her up so she can return to work or sport sooner.

Home visits for ultrasound and fertility testing are available on request.

And the microchipping side, briefly

The law states that all dogs must be microchipped and registered with an approved database by the age of 8 weeks. Cats should be microchipped and registered by the age of 20 weeks. As an owner you could be fined £500 for having a dog that is not chipped.

Dog breeders must microchip all of their puppies — including the ones they keep — before sale and before eight weeks. At Rippletrix and at the clinic, chipping is done in the litter's own environment where possible, so the litter doesn't have to be transported and stressed.