The Role of Habitual Physical Activity on Pregnancy Health and Whelping in Dogs

Purpose

• To identify how routine physical activity affects the health of the pregnancy and ease of whelping in dogs.
• To compare selected blood biomarkers during pregnancy between bitches of different routine fitness levels and correlate these biomarkers with overall reproductive outcomes.

Background

Active lifestyle and moderate exercise have been broadly recommended by doctors for decades to women to promote general wellbeing and a healthier pregnancy and labor. Moderate exercise decreases the risk of excessive gestational weight gain and reduces the risk of pregnancy-associated diseases in women. The impacts of physical activity on the health and reproductive success of the bitch and her puppies are unknown, and consequently, there are no recommendations for best practice.

The goals of our study are to determine the impact of acclimated physical activity levels during pregnancy on general clinical and reproductive outcomes in dogs. Additionally, we will measure selected blood biomarkers and correlate them with the level of physical activity and reproductive outcomes. This study will provide evidence on how maternal physical activity routines affect pregnancy health and whelping to make scientifically sound recommendations for breeding female dogs, which are currently nonexistent.

Eligibility

• Able to wear a collar at home 24/7
• Weights at least 5kg (10lbs)
• Whelps naturally or via Cesarean section

Exclusion

• Housemates or playmates chew necks during play

Study Design

Participants will be asked to participate in:

• Fitness tracking with a provided FitBark 2 activity monitor throughout pregnancy (24/7)
• Weekly activity and nutrition journal maintenance throughout breeding and pregnancy
• Detailed records of the whelping process
• Optionally, bitches can also be enrolled to allow for 2-3 blood collections at their routine standard-of-care clinical appointments during pregnancy.

Participants will enroll in the study for the duration of the pregnancy, that is, from the breeding management appointment until just after whelping. Our study is designed to overlap with the routine breeding and pregnancy management schedule of our service and will not require additional appointments. We will not ask you to breed your dog for the purpose of our study. We understand that participating in this study is a commitment on your part, and we are grateful for your help! 

Compensation

The FitBark2 activity monitor is provided for the duration of the study. This fun and user friendly device is set up by the investigators and would be attached by your veterinarian, so you can monitor your dog’s daily activity throughout pregnancy.

Routine, standard-of-care visits and procedures are the owner’s financial responsibility. All costs associated with whelping, including any complications that may arise, are the responsibility of the owner. 

Funded by

The Dr. JoAnne S. O'Brien Endowment Fund