What factors determine litter size in dogs? In this Vet Minute, Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Marty Greer, answers common questions asked about dog litter sizes. If you need help with your dog’s pregnancy, call a Revival Pet Care Pro at 800.786.4751.
What Determines Average Litter Size for Dogs?
What is the average dog litter size and if my female is having small litters how can I safely increase her litter size? The average size of a litter depends on the breed of dog. For example, the smaller breed dogs may only have one to three puppies while larger breeds can have eight and up to 14 puppies.
What Can I Feed My Dog to Increase Litter Size?
Superior nutrition, good body condition and excellent parasite control are important methods to improve the number of puppies a female dog has in her litters. Adding Breeder’s Edge® B Strong to her food ration and using a high-quality puppy food that is NOT grain free is recommended. Keep her at an ideal weight and physically active and fit. Making sure to use monthly flea, tick, heartworm and intestinal parasite control products will assure she is in peak health at the time we expect her body to be able to metabolically manage the all important canine pregnancy. Reproduction is a luxury of the body – only animals in excellent health have the resources to produce sperm, eggs and support a healthy canine pregnancy.
Whether your dog is having one or 14+ puppies, make sure you have your whelping supplies on hand so you are ready.
LEARN MORE:
Different Sized Puppies in the Same Litter
Why are some puppies in a litter born larger than others? Dr. Marty Greer talks about different sized puppies in the same litter and why this happens.
Deworming Pregnant Dogs: Dr. Greer’s Canine Deworming Protocol
Can you deworm a pregnant dog? What do breeders use to deworm puppies? Deworming pregnant dogs is essential to protect newborn pups. Learn which dewormers are safe for pregnancy, and the best dewormers for puppies and stud dogs.
Vet Minute: Nutritional Recommendations for Breeding Dogs
What should you look for when choosing a diet for breeding dogs? Dr. Greer shares her dog food guidelines for breeding females and males.
Dog Body Condition Scores: Canine BCS
What is ideal body condition for dogs? A dog body condition score (BCS) helps determine if you have an overweight dog, underweight dog, and your dog's health for your breeding program.
Written by: Marty Greer, DVM
Director of Veterinary Services
Marty Greer, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, has 40+ years’ experience in veterinary medicine, with special interests in canine reproduction and pediatrics. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 1981. She’s served as Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services since 2019. In 2023, Dr. Greer was named the Westminster Kennel Club Veterinarian of the Year.