It can be heartwarming for dog parents to welcome new cute puppies onto the planet. As a result, telling if your dog is pregnant early enough would allow you adequate time to prepare for your little furry friends. This would enable you to give your dog the love they need in this fragile time. This blog will share some signs your dog is pregnant alongside other essential details to walk you through.
You can quickly tell if you are pregnant by watching various signs, including:
Gets tired easily
Pregnancy and energy deprivation are closely connected. If you notice a sudden and unexplainable loss of energy in your dog, especially in activities they used to do without struggle, that could be a sign that they’re pregnant.
Pregnant dogs, like humans, get drowsier than usual, distancing themselves from energetic activities such as training or fetching. However, it’s wise not to assume that getting tired easily is just a sign of pregnancy because there could be other underlying issues. Ensure you take your dog to the vet for further examination.
Changes in appetite
A pregnant dog may experience appetite changes, including an increase or decrease in feeding rate. Many dogs experience increased appetite because they now have more to eat, accompanied by high nutrition and energy requirements.
If your dog eats less than usual, this could be due to the hormonal transformations experienced in the early stages of pregnancy, as their body is still trying to fit in. Consider switching to other pet food brands. Consult with a pet store for more information.
Swollen belly
A swollen belly is another sign of pregnancy in dogs, characterized by a more turgid feel and a round look. However, this sign usually appears between six and nine weeks or later for many dogs, especially heavy-weight ones. It must be reinforced with other signs and symptoms to confirm the pregnancy.
Sudden weight gain
Sudden weight gain is among dogs’ most profound and accurate signs of pregnancy, just like humans. If your dog’s weight suddenly increases after years in a particular weight range, it is pregnant.
The weight is often distributed around related areas such as the stomach and waist from the fourth or fifth week of pregnancy. You’re also likely to witness the enlargement or discoloration of the nipples during this time. There is nothing to worry about this sign because it shows that your dog’s body creates room for puppies.
Behavioral changes
Some behavioral changes that symbolize pregnancy in dogs include becoming highly affectionate towards their owners and close family members. They may also be closely attached to other dogs, although not all.
Furthermore, if your dog becomes easily irritated by activities or things they enjoy, they could be pregnant. Developing a nesting behavior (urge to organize or clean their immediate belongings) is also a sign of pregnancy in dogs as they prepare for puppies.
Morning sickness
Morning sickness as a sign of pregnancy is prevalent in humans, dogs, and many other mammals. This symptom is often due to hormonal changes in your dog’s body. It can be accompanied by drowsiness, vomiting, nausea, or decreased energy, especially in the initial stages of pregnancy.
X-ray
While some signs of pregnancy in dogs are accurate, confirming is still essential. Instead of settling with “maybe my dog is pregnant,” you can confirm it through an X-ray.
X-ray is one of the most practical ways to confirm your dog’s pregnancy. This method, which is viable from the eighth week, involves creating pictures of the dog’s inside body. It also determines if and how many puppies are inside its uterus.
An expert must do an X-ray for excellent results, as it also involves checking for puppies’ wellness and any underlying issues.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound can be performed between 30 and 40 days to determine whether a dog is pregnant. This procedure identifies the puppies’ number, movements, and heartbeats and provides a nearly accurate estimation of the dog’s due delivery date.
Physical examination by a vet
Another way to confirm if a dog is pregnant is through a physical examination by a vet. In this method, the vet gently places their hands on the dog’s belly, moving them back and forth to determine the presence of puppies. Examining the mammary glands also helps confirm a pregnancy with or without touching.
Hormone test
As the term suggests, the hormone test aims to determine the prevalence of relaxin, the pregnancy hormone, in dogs. This test can be conducted using the dog’s blood or urine and is at least 99% accurate.
Besides these signs, learning how to care for a pregnant dog is also essential. This is primarily regarding feeding, socialization, housing, and vet checkups. It may appear quite draining, but the efforts are rewarding.
