How To Tell If Your Dog Is Pregnant: A Guide for Pet Parents 2024

How To Tell If Your Dog Is Pregnant: A pregnant dog can either be something extremely exciting, or something extremely stressful depending on your situation and what you want. If you are a puppy lover and have enough time and money to play, watch over, feed, and nurture the little puppies then there is nothing that will make you happier. If not, then you are put in a stressful situation where you need to find someone to take care of the puppies and someone who will be willing to adopt one.

Either way the sooner you catch on to your dog’s pregnancy, the better. But how can you tell if your dog is pregnant? What are the signs you should be looking out for? How can you take care of your pregnant dog?

How To Tell If Your Dog Is Pregnant

To determine if your dog is pregnant, observe subtle signs and behavioral changes. Early indications may include a decrease in appetite, lethargy, and changes in nipple size and color. As the pregnancy progresses, you might notice weight gain and a more prominent abdomen. Consulting your veterinarian is crucial for accurate confirmation. They can perform tests and ultrasounds to provide a definitive answer and guide you on appropriate care. Pay attention to any unusual behaviors or symptoms and seek professional advice for a thorough understanding of your dog’s pregnancy status.

Signs of Pregnancy

A couple of signs that indicate your dog may be pregnant are:

Morning Sickness
Increased Appetite
Slightly Enlarged Nipples
Increased Affection
Decreased Physical Activity
Increased Urination
Restlessness

Morning Sickness

During the first two weeks of their pregnancy there really aren’t many clear signs that your dog is pregnant since their stomachs have not blown up yet and they have not gained any weight. One of the few indicators, however, can be that they sometimes experience morning sickness and have symptoms such as vomiting, trembling, or maybe even making some weird sounds.

Increased Appetite

Another frequent sign which occurs during the first few weeks is a decreased appetite. This obviously does not mean that if your dog is not eating as much, it has gotten pregnant but make sure you take notice and keep an eye out for other possible signs.

Slightly Enlarged Nipples

This probably comes as no surprise to most of you but one of the first things you should check when suspecting your dog is pregnant are her nipples. Slightly enlarged nipples, which may have also changed a little bit in color, are the most prominent and probably the most accurate sign that your dog is pregnant.

Increased Affection

Something all mothers, regardless of their species, subconsciously experience is an increase in their affection. Increasing affectionate behavior is only natural since all dog mothers understand they will soon give birth to puppies of their own which they will love and look after.

Decreased Physical Activity

A decrease in physical activity is also a definite sign that your dog is pregnant. Pregnant dogs typically do not seek after physical activity and tire much faster than they normally did. They do not play as much or run around in your yard or outside. This, however, is something that takes some time to show. Decreased physical activity in pregnant dogs will normally take place about 4 weeks after they get pregnant.

Increased Urination

This is harder to observe since most dogs urinate anytime and anywhere, making it harder to notice an increase in urination but keep it in mind just in case you happen to come to that conclusion.

Weight Gain

Even though it goes unnoticed the first few weeks, after four to five weeks of pregnancy your dog’s weight gain will become pretty obvious. At this point your dog will have increased its caloric intake for enough time for the puppy, or puppies to start growing in its belly.

Swollen Stomach

This is by far the most obvious sign your dog is pregnant and it would be better if you have already figured out it’s pregnant before its stomach swells up. As you can imagine the deeper into pregnancy your dog gets, the more its belly will swell up due to all the puppies growing in its stomach.

Restlessness

Restless behavior and increased irritation usually mean your dog is ready to give birth. This is not only a sign your dog is pregnant but ready to give birth since it normally occurs during the 9^th and final week of pregnancy.

How To Make Sure Your Dog Is Pregnant

If you notice some, or any of the signs above and suspect your dog is pregnant and want to confirm your suspicions then you will have to make your dog take a pregnancy test. You can do this by taking your dog to the vet and confirming its pregnancy with ultrasounds, which are only effective after the third week of pregnancy and can accurately predict the number of puppies after four weeks.

Another much cheaper way, most people are not familiar with, is buying your own dog pregnancy rapid test kit and finding out for yourself. The kit contains all the equipment you will need and results, which will show up after 10 to 15 minutes, are proven to be 96 per cent effective.

How To Take Care Of Your Pregnant Dog

Giving birth is no easy task and you ought to do everything possible to ensure your dog’s health if you wish for the puppies to be strong and healthy.

Taking Your Dog To The Vet

Taking your pregnant dog to the vet is absolutely necessary to get a proper diagnosis and know how many puppies to expect. Other than that, you should extensively talk about any sort of medication your dog might be on, any symptoms it might have, and the food you feed it.

Feed It High Quality Food

When it comes to feeding your pregnant dog, you should make sure anything you feed it is top quality. For the first 4 pregnancy weeks it is recommended to feed it normal quantities or regular high quality dog food, while for the fifth and sixth week you should switch to puppy food. For the final three weeks of pregnancy make sure to increase your dog’s puppy food intake by 25% to meet its higher demand for food.

Meet Its Exercise Needs

As previously stated, pregnant dogs do not require as much exercise as they normally do so make sure you don’t overexert them. However, it is still important to take them on daily walks and try keeping them away from other dogs when they are in the final 3 weeks of pregnancy.

FAQs: Addressing Common Concerns

1: Can I Bathe My Pregnant Dog?

A: Yes, gentle bathing is safe during pregnancy. Ensure the water is lukewarm, and use a mild, dog-friendly shampoo.

2: How Long is a Dog’s Gestation Period?

A: On average, a dog’s gestation period is around 63 days. However, variations can occur, so monitoring signs is crucial.

3: Is Exercise Safe for a Pregnant Dog?

A: Yes, moderate exercise is beneficial. Regular walks and gentle play contribute to overall well-being.

4: When Should I Adjust the Diet?

A: Begin adjusting the diet around the fourth week of pregnancy. Consult your vet for personalized guidance.

5: Can I Feel Puppies Moving in the Belly?

A: Yes, gentle palpation may allow you to feel the puppies’ movements later in the pregnancy.

6: What Signs Indicate Labor is Approaching?

A: Signs include restlessness, nesting behavior, a drop in body temperature, and increased affection.

Conclusion: A Joyful Journey Awaits

As you embark on the journey of caring for your pregnant dog, remember that each canine pregnancy is unique. Providing love, attention, and proper care ensures a positive experience for both your furry friend and the upcoming litter. By understanding the nuances of canine pregnancy, you contribute to a joyful and healthy start for the newest members of your family