How To Tell If Your Dog Is Pregnant

Dog pregnancies can be confusing and stressful, as well as time-consuming and costly. But then welcoming a new litter of puppies into the world is very rewarding.

For female dogs, sexual maturity is reached between age of 6 to 12 months. This means they can get pregnant at just 6 months of age. Dog pregnancies normally last for nine weeks. This is measured from the day that they ovulate (release their eggs) to the day that their puppies are born.

If your dog is pregnant there will be a number of signs for you to look out for, some of which are easier to spot than others. It’s important to be aware of early signs of pregnancy because the canine gestation period averages 63 days which doesn’t give you with much time to prepare.

You should be familiar with your breed’s standard and individual breed health test recommendation, as well as the responsibilities you’ll have in raising healthy well-socialized puppies.

Signs of a Pregnant Dog

Outlined below are need to know signs of pregnancy in dogs that will allow you to care for your pregnant bitch.

1. Changed in Appetite and Vomiting

A lack of appetite is one of the earliest signs your female might be pregnant. Not all females go through this doggy version of “morning sickness,” but some dogs do eat less during the first two weeks of gestation and make up for it later in the pregnancy. If dogs experience nausea, it’s usually during week three and four and will go away as the pregnancy progresses.

Your pregnant dog’s appetite will increase in the second half of pregnancy, so be prepared to change her diet accordingly

2. Bigger Belly

Pregnant dogs will have a bigger belly as the pregnancy progresses, just like humans, although first-time mums, and bitches carrying a small litter, may not show as much.

However, a bigger belly could sometimes be a symptom of disease.

3. Changes to the nipples

Possibly one of the most noticeable signs that your dog is pregnant will be changes to their nipples which will begin to appear more swollen. Another visible cue is changing colour with the nipples becoming darker, particularly the ones closest to their hind legs.

4. Body Discharge

A slight mucus discharge may occur around one month after mating.
Her teats may become more prominent in colour and size around 30 days after mating, and you may also see them produce a semi-clear fluid.

5. Decrease in Activity

If your female is normally energetic, a sudden slowdown might be another indication she is pregnant. Just like some women, dogs may also experience feelings of exhaustion as their hormone levels change to support a growing embryo.

See Your Vet

If you think your dog is pregnant, take them to your vet. It’s a good idea to take them for a prenatal checkup 2 or 3 weeks after they have mated. Your vet can answer any questions you may have, such as the type of food pregnant dogs should eat and what changes you should expect. If your pet needs any tests, your vet will let you know. If they have parasites, your vet will treat them.

During your visit, your vet can use ultrasound to see the growing puppies, typically around 4 weeks in. Ultrasound is safe during prenancy. It uses sound waves to create an image of your dog’s womb.

The vet may give your dog a blood test to check their hormone levels. Dogs have higher levels of a hormone called relaxin when they’re pregnant.