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8 Signs Your Dog Might Be Pregnant
8 Signs Your Dog Might Be Pregnant
- posted: Oct. 01, 2020
When dogs are pregnant they exhibit many of the same symptoms as we humans do when we’re expecting. The gestation period for a dog is around 57-65 days, however, with the average being 63, so they will move through the changes quite quickly. You should notice the signs as they come along in quick succession, all adding up to a logical conclusion. If you’re not sure though and haven’t been to see your vet yet, here are 8 signs that your dog might be pregnant.
Sickness
Dogs experience morning sickness just like humans, who knew? If you notice your girl seems unwell or is throwing up in the mornings, it could be an early indicator that you have puppies on the way. That said, the fact that she hasn’t been unwell doesn’t necessarily mean she isn’t pregnant, as not all dogs are guaranteed to experience morning sickness.
Fatigue
If your pup is less active and energetic than usual, it may be a sign that she’s expecting. Growing little ones takes it out of you, so she may spend more time sleeping or lying around in her dog bed and be less excited for walks.
Nesting
If your pooch is spending more time than usual in their dog bed, it may be because they’re nesting. Dogs feel safe and secure in their bed and yours could be preparing to give birth and start nursing her puppies in a familiar place. When nesting, they will often be found in the dog bed more frequently, lying on their side rather than how they usually sleep. This is to protect their growing pups.
Related: 12 Natural Ways to Kick Fleas and Stop Your Dog Itching
Enlarged Teats
This is the sign that’s the lightbulb for most people who notice a change in their dog. Your dog will develop breasts as their body starts to prepare for motherhood. In the first 3 weeks of pregnancy you may be able to feel the difference when you rub their tummy. Her teats will enlarge and likely become pinker during this time.
Weight Gain
As you may expect, when your dog is carrying a litter, they will gain weight quite quickly. By the 9th week of gestation she will be about a quarter heavier than usual, carrying most of the weight around her abdomen.
Fluctuating Appetite
In the early stages of pregnancy, you may find dog food left uneaten. As your dog is feeling sickness during this time, they will likely be eating less. Later on in pregnancy, however, they will be eating more as one or many growing babes in her tummy will need feeding.
Dogs are notorious for overeating in general, so be careful about increasing her intake too much. Gradually increase how much you feed her from around the 5th week of pregnancy. Add to her portions each week so that by week 9 her intake is about a third higher than normal. At this point, her weight will have increased by roughly a quarter. She may be even heavier if she’s carrying a large litter. If you have any concerns about her weight during this time, contact your vet.
Less Physical Activity
If your pooch isn’t playing as much as usual, running or is less keen to go on walks, pregnancy could be the reason. This is partly due to fatigue, energy conservation and because she’s protecting her abdomen.
Behavioural Changes
You know your dog and can tell when they’re unwell. Like humans in the same situation, dogs experience mood swings while pregnant. Some may be clingy and remain close to you for support. Some are irritable, or they may shift between moods. If your dog is spending less time with you than usual, it could be they’re retreating somewhere they feel safe. If they go to the same place a lot, particularly taking food with them, follow them as they may be feeding newborns that they delivered alone without you knowing.
Although these signs are useful to know, always have your vet confirm a pregnancy so that you can properly prepare. Initially, they can confirm via ultrasound around day 20 or using a hormone test from day 21. The vet can then carry out a physical exam and count how many puppies your dog is carrying from roughly the 30th day of pregnancy. If you’re expecting a litter, take a look at an online pet shop to find all you need in preparing for puppies. Good luck!
8 Signs Your Dog Might Be Pregnant
- posted: Oct. 01, 2020
When dogs are pregnant they exhibit many of the same symptoms as we humans do when we’re expecting. The gestation period for a dog is around 57-65 days, however, with the average being 63, so they will move through the changes quite quickly. You should notice the signs as they come along in quick succession, all adding up to a logical conclusion. If you’re not sure though and haven’t been to see your vet yet, here are 8 signs that your dog might be pregnant.
Sickness
Dogs experience morning sickness just like humans, who knew? If you notice your girl seems unwell or is throwing up in the mornings, it could be an early indicator that you have puppies on the way. That said, the fact that she hasn’t been unwell doesn’t necessarily mean she isn’t pregnant, as not all dogs are guaranteed to experience morning sickness.
Fatigue
If your pup is less active and energetic than usual, it may be a sign that she’s expecting. Growing little ones takes it out of you, so she may spend more time sleeping or lying around in her dog bed and be less excited for walks.
Nesting
If your pooch is spending more time than usual in their dog bed, it may be because they’re nesting. Dogs feel safe and secure in their bed and yours could be preparing to give birth and start nursing her puppies in a familiar place. When nesting, they will often be found in the dog bed more frequently, lying on their side rather than how they usually sleep. This is to protect their growing pups.
Related: 12 Natural Ways to Kick Fleas and Stop Your Dog Itching
Enlarged Teats
This is the sign that’s the lightbulb for most people who notice a change in their dog. Your dog will develop breasts as their body starts to prepare for motherhood. In the first 3 weeks of pregnancy you may be able to feel the difference when you rub their tummy. Her teats will enlarge and likely become pinker during this time.
Weight Gain
As you may expect, when your dog is carrying a litter, they will gain weight quite quickly. By the 9th week of gestation she will be about a quarter heavier than usual, carrying most of the weight around her abdomen.
Fluctuating Appetite
In the early stages of pregnancy, you may find dog food left uneaten. As your dog is feeling sickness during this time, they will likely be eating less. Later on in pregnancy, however, they will be eating more as one or many growing babes in her tummy will need feeding.
Dogs are notorious for overeating in general, so be careful about increasing her intake too much. Gradually increase how much you feed her from around the 5th week of pregnancy. Add to her portions each week so that by week 9 her intake is about a third higher than normal. At this point, her weight will have increased by roughly a quarter. She may be even heavier if she’s carrying a large litter. If you have any concerns about her weight during this time, contact your vet.
Less Physical Activity
If your pooch isn’t playing as much as usual, running or is less keen to go on walks, pregnancy could be the reason. This is partly due to fatigue, energy conservation and because she’s protecting her abdomen.
Behavioural Changes
You know your dog and can tell when they’re unwell. Like humans in the same situation, dogs experience mood swings while pregnant. Some may be clingy and remain close to you for support. Some are irritable, or they may shift between moods. If your dog is spending less time with you than usual, it could be they’re retreating somewhere they feel safe. If they go to the same place a lot, particularly taking food with them, follow them as they may be feeding newborns that they delivered alone without you knowing.
Although these signs are useful to know, always have your vet confirm a pregnancy so that you can properly prepare. Initially, they can confirm via ultrasound around day 20 or using a hormone test from day 21. The vet can then carry out a physical exam and count how many puppies your dog is carrying from roughly the 30th day of pregnancy. If you’re expecting a litter, take a look at an online pet shop to find all you need in preparing for puppies. Good luck!
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