How to Know If Your Dog Is Pregnant

by Lorrie Davids⁽⁶⁷⁵⁾ Blue Star

Is my dog pregnant? Maybe!

Any time your dog goes into her heat cycle, the possibility exists she will become pregnant. Puppies as young as 4 months of age can go into heat and will typically have 2 cycles each year. Your dog will be fertile, usually about a week. The age of the dog at first heat and length of cycle depend greatly on the breed. The gestation time is about 9 weeks. So, how can you tell if your pup is pregnant?

If you believe your pup may be pregnant, don't rush out for a doggie pregnancy test - they are pricey and not always reliable. Just wait and your dog will show signs within a short time.

First things to look for

About 2 weeks after your dog has mated you may be able to notice a change in her nipples. A pregnant dog's nipples will usually darken slightly and become a little larger, eventually looking a little "pouchy". It is still too early to see that your dog is carrying pups, but at this stage, should you take her to the vet, they will detect the pups' heartbeats.

At about three weeks after your dog has mated, you will be able to apply very slight pressure on her belly and feel little bumps. Those bumps are puppies, so don't press hard. When our dog was pregnant, we taught her to "belly up" and we could gently look for bumps and movement. She very much enjoyed gentle belly rubs, as any soon to be mama would!

Over the next few weeks you will see her abdomen grow…and grow…and grow!

At 6 to 7 weeks, your dog will look very pregnant. If she is used to walking, keep walking. Your dog needs to be in good health for the births! It is normal for her to desire less food, just as a human soon-to-be-mom right before birth. Eating much will make her uncomfortable. Instead of her usual meals, offer her small amounts of food more frequently. If she stops all eating entirely, call your vet.

How do you know it is time?

At seven to eight weeks you will notice her looking for the perfect den for the births. She will search out open closets, under tables, behind furniture for any somewhat secluded spot to give birth. At this point, if your dog is an outdoor dog and it is cold, please consider allowing her to be indoors.

A few days before birth she may ooze a little milky fluid from her nipples. Her body temperature will drop two or three degrees (to about 98) within 24 hours of giving birth. Contact your vet for instructions for taking her temperature if this is something you wish to monitor. Watch your dog carefully now. She will go to her selected den when labor begins. If your dog has allowed you to touch her belly and be near her during her pregnancy, she will most likely allow you to be there when she gives birth. It is an amazing, miraculous time - one I will never forget!

If at anytime during your pup's pregnancy something doesn't seem right to you, call your vet.

Happy Birthday to your new pups!

Article submitted Friday, January 07, 2011 & read 1491 times.

Leave your comments through My Pet Tale:

» left by Marijo Phelps from mountain meadow (1 year 42 days ago.)

Good info! I adopted a cat once and about 6 weeks later decided she was getting fat and needed to be on a diet (having never had a pregnant cat before.....) not to long after that she got real skinny and plopped 3 huge orange tabbies on the kitchen floor - yep, she was pregnant....
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» left by Lorrie Davids⁽⁶⁷⁵⁾ (362 days 18 hours ago.)

Hi Marijo. Sorry for the delay in responding. I guess I missed the email. Wow - you got a surprise, didn't you? We've only had one dog pregnant and it an experience we cherished. Our Cinder was such a good mama, but I think she was glad when it was time for the pups to go to their new homes. Thanks for reading and commenting. You are such an encourager!

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» left by ethan from chino vally (132 days 19 hours ago.)

how can i tell that my dog is pregnant by felling her stomack? i think she is pregnant she spends alot out side
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» left by Lorrie Davids⁽⁶⁷⁵⁾ (50 days 20 hours ago.)

Ethan, you would need to check her lower belly. Although, by now, you have your answer. I'm sorry I am late in responding. Happy New Year.

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