Amelia Taylor – Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
If your dog just spent time with an intact male, you may be asking yourself if she could possibly be pregnant with puppies. Being able to recognize if your dog is pregnant early enables you to plan ahead for her requirements and make pregnancy safe. Pregnancy signs do not appear instantly in dogs, so you need to be aware of small signs that might be indicative of pregnancy, including behavior, appetite, and visual changes. Here’s how you know if your dog is pregnant and what to do about it.
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Observe Changes in Behavior
Pregnant canines tend to exhibit mood and energy changes. Some become more clingy and affection-hungry, while others are more withdrawn. You might also see her relaxing more or sleeping excessively.
Look out for:
• More attention-seeking or protective behavior
• Sleeping longer or not wanting to play
• Nesting tendency, like rearranging the bedding or seeking seclusion in quiet spaces
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Look for Appetite Changes
At early pregnancy, a dog’s appetite can vary. She may eat less during the initial weeks because of hormonal fluctuations, much like morning sickness in people. As the pregnancy advances, her appetite will normally be greater as her body accommodates developing puppies.
Tip: Provide wholesome food in smaller, more frequent meals and ensure she is well hydrated.
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Physical Signs of Pregnancy
Physical signs become apparent around three to four weeks from conception.
Monitor for:
• Enlarged nipples: They can be darker and more pronounced as milk glands form.
• Weight gain: Slow weight gain, particularly in the abdominal region, is an unmistakable sign.
• Enlarged belly: By day 40, your dog’s belly will feel rounder and more taut.
• Clear vaginal discharge: Some dogs will have a small clear discharge a few weeks pregnant, which is normal.
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Less Activity or Tiredness
Pregnant dogs tend to get tired easily. If your high-energy dog just does not seem as keen on running or playing, it might be because of the additional stress on her body. Short walks are okay, but do not insist on rigorous exercise.
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Nesting Behaviour
As your dog approaches the final stages of pregnancy, you might observe her collecting blankets, toys, or even retreating to quiet areas. Nesting is her way of getting ready with a safe place to give birth to her puppies.
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Veterinary Confirmation
Observation is useful, but only a veterinarian can definitively confirm pregnancy.
Your veterinarian might do:
• Ultrasound (approximately day 25): Picks up fetal heartbeats and verifies pregnancy early.
• Day 30 blood test: Test for pregnancy-specific hormones.
• X-ray (after day 45): Shows how many puppies you will have.
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False Pregnancy Possibility
At other times, dogs may even exhibit pregnancy signs when they’re not pregnant — false pregnancy. Changes in the hormones may lead to swollen nipples, nesting, and even lactation. If you experience them but no puppies show up after two months, consult your vet.
