The more babies a woman is carrying, the more likely it is that her uterus will swell, triggering contractions, says Brian Brost, M.D., associate professor of maternal/fetal medicine at the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota. An early due date isn't the only challenge to having multiples.
Dogs do not menstruate like humans do. Instead, they come into estrus (come into heat/season) about twice a year, once they have reached sexual maturity. This can sometimes be associated with a small amount of blood from the vulva, but it is not truly a period. Female puppies can reach sexual maturity potentially as early as six months old, although the first season (which is the closest equivalent to getting their period) is often at about nine months old.
Mother dogs usually start weaning their little ones when they're between 3 and 4 weeks old. The process is gradual, and usually continues until the puppies reach approximately 8 weeks. Toward the end of weaning, the puppies will be eating mostly solid meals with just occasional nursing. They'll also be drinking water.