Indications That Your Dog Is Pregnant

Are you wondering if your dog is pregnant? The good news is there are several behavioral signs which are fairly accurate indicators your dog is pregnant. If you are unsure whether or not your dog is pregnant, you will want to look for signs that your dog is indeed pregnant. Here are some common signs that your dog is pregnant.

The first sign that will indicate your dog is pregnant is a missed heat cycle. If your dog, as most dogs do, usually goes into heat every 4 months and she isn't in heat when she theoretically should be, she might be pregnant. If you had male dogs around your home or neighborhood a few weeks ago and now your dog is acting somewhat differently, she may be pregnant.
Is your dog sleeping more than she normally does? This is another sign that can indicate your dog is pregnant. Growing puppies take a lot of energy to create and nurture so your dog will probably tire quicker when she is pregnant. If you notice your dog sleeping more than usual and seems less content and energetic than usual, you may be looking at a pregnant dog.

In addition to being tired, another indication that your dog is pregnant is a marked increase in her appetite. Your dog needs the extra calories to feed her growing puppies. If your dog does not seem satisfied with the usual amount of food given her, she may be pregnant. If your dog wants to go outside more, this is another indication that your dog is pregnant. Growing puppies put more pressure on her bladder making her need to go outside more often to relieve the pressure. Increases in food and water intake combined with pressure on her bladder and a general lack of space internally will increase her need to go outside more often.

While your dog is sleeping more, eating more and urinating more, you're still not sure if your dog is pregnant. What are some more signs of canine pregnancy? Look at your dog's belly for answers. Her belly should be firm and more rounded than it was before. If you have a smaller dog breed it will be easier to tell if your dog is pregnant by feeling the belly. A larger dog maybe harder to tell but will still be noticeable at about 4 weeks.

Another indicator that your dog is pregnant, aside from her growing belly and behavior changes, is nipple changes. At some time during their pregnancy, every dog's nipples will also begin to enlarge and become more pinkish. Puppies are born blind and will follow the scent and feel of their mothers' nipples in order to get fed. If you notice larger, pinker nipples on your dog, it is a good indication that she is pregnant.

If you have looked at all the signs of pregnancy but you're still not convinced one way or the other, take your dog to the vet. Your vet will be able to do a belly palpitation to see if your dog is pregnant. They can also do a blood test or an ultrasound, thought ultrasounds are expensive.

Signs that indicate your dog is pregnant are usually visual and require no more than a keen, watchful eye. Look for your dog to sleep more, eat more, urinate more and have a tighter belly and pinker nipples. These are all signs that your dog is pregnant.

More Dog Health

« Is Your Dog Expecting? Signs and Symptoms | Only Dog Beds | Does Your Dog Need An Ultrasound? »