How to Know Your Puppy is Pregnant

It’s hard to realize your puppy is pregnant until she’s about 9 weeks pregnant. During this period, the size of the dog’s belly will increase markedly. The best way to confirm is to take your puppy to the vet for a thorough examination. But it will be even better if you can detect changes in your dog’s appearance and behavior during this period. Dogs often show signs of pregnancy in the early, middle, and late stages of pregnancy.

Table of Contents

Notice external changes

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/6d/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-1-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px- Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregrant-Step-1-Version-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/6d/Tell-if- a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-1-Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-1-Version-5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

The color of the nipple changes. One of the earliest signs that your pup is pregnant is the “visible pink” expression. This means that the female dog’s udders will be pinker, fuller and more bulging than usual. This sign will become apparent about 2 to 3 weeks after conception.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/3d/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-2-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px- Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregrant-Step-2-Version-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/3d/Tell-if- a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-2-Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-2-Version-5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Notice the changes in the dog’s body. The appearance of a pregnant dog will not change much until the second half of pregnancy. Between 4 and 5 weeks, the female dog’s waist will become larger while the belly is always in a full state.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/39/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-3-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px- Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregrant-Step-3-Version-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/39/Tell-if- a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-3-Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-3-Version-5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Do not rush to increase the portion size. You should only increase the diet when your dog is in the last third stage of pregnancy. Some owners have a tendency to increase their dog food intake too soon. Too many calories will lead to the accumulation of fat in the abdomen and make you mistaken that she is pregnant. It is also difficult for amateur veterinarians to discern whether the large belly is due to fetal displacement or fat accumulation.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/ac/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-4-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px- Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregrant-Step-4-Version-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/ac/Tell-if- a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-4-Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-4-Version-5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Continue to monitor the changes in your dog’s body. During the last third of pregnancy (around 6 to 9 weeks), your puppy’s belly will become rounder and larger. The mammary glands will become larger and more bulging because they are ready to produce milk after giving birth.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/33/tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-5-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px- Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregrant-Step-5-Version-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/33/tell-if- a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-5-Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-5-Version-5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Check and feel the movements of the puppies in the womb. During the last third of pregnancy, you will likely notice slight movement of your dog’s hips. Don’t worry! That movement is caused by puppies wiggling in their mothers’ wombs. If you put your palm on your stomach where the stirring is coming from, you can feel it.

Don’t be disheartened if you don’t see anything. The pups lie deep inside their mother’s womb, and each pup is surrounded by amniotic fluid. So it’s not difficult to understand if you can’t locate any puppy.

Notice behavioral changes

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/46/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-6-Version-4.jpg/v4-460px- Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregrant-Step-6-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/46/Tell-if- a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-6-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-6-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Don’t expect dramatic changes. Each dog has different actions during pregnancy. Some looked gentler and more tired. But when the dog is not feeling well, it has the same symptoms. So this symptom is not considered as a standard sign to know that the bitch is pregnant. ^{[1] X Research Source Reproduction in the dog and cat. Christiansen. Publisher: Bailliere Tindall} Normally, it will act the same way every day until the last third of pregnancy.

During this period, your dog’s bulkiness makes it difficult for your dog to move around, and he may just want more sleep.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/c3/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-7-Version-4.jpg/v4-460px- Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregrant-Step-7-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c3/tell-if- a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-7-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-7-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Change in taste. Closer to the last day of pregnancy, the uterus will get bigger and take up more space. Bulk food won’t be a dog’s favorite anymore. At this point it will tend to like to eat it through the mouth, little by little. ^{[2] X Research Source Reproduction in the dog and cat. Christiansen. Publisher: Bailliere Tindall}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/83/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-8-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px- Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregrant-Step-8-Version-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/83/tell-if- a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-8-Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-8-Version-5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Find the nest. As the due date approaches, your dog will start looking for a nest. ^{[3] X Research Source Reproduction in the dog and cat. Christiansen. Publisher: Bailliere Tindall} It will remove old blankets or clothes and arrange them in a neat place. It will do whatever it takes to have a cozy and safe place to welcome the newborn puppies.

Nesting time will range from 2-3 weeks to 2-3 days before birth.

Consult a more professional diagnosis

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/b2/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-9-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px- Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregrant-Step-9-Version-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b2/Tell-if- a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-9-Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-9-Version-5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Find a veterinarian. If you think your puppy is pregnant, clear your doubts by taking him to the vet. Your doctor will use a variety of ways to help you check that again.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/da/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-10-Version-4.jpg/v4-460px- Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregrant-Step-10-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/da/Tell-if- a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-10-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-10-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Dog health check. The doctor will do a general examination and especially focus on the abdomen area of the dog. ^{[4] X Research Source Reproduction in the dog and cat. Christiansen. Publisher: Bailliere Tindall} When taking a pulse (by placing a hand on the dog’s abdomen), the doctor can feel the uterus and the body of the puppy inside. But it’s not an easy thing because doctors can also confuse puppies with feces in the large intestine and vice versa.

The right time to determine the puppy’s pregnancy stage is between the 28th and 35th days after conception. Before this time, nothing will change dramatically to realize that the dog is pregnant. But after this period, puppies in utero may be mistaken for leftovers in the intestines. ^{[5] X Research Source Reproduction in the dog and cat. Christiansen. Publisher: Bailliere Tindall}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d0/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-11-Version-4.jpg/v4-460px- Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregrant-Step-11-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d0/tell-if- a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-11-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-11-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Check the heartbeat. Later in pregnancy (from week 6 onwards), your veterinarian will be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat by placing a stethoscope on your puppy’s belly. But this is more difficult than checking the baby’s heartbeat in utero because the dog’s coat is thick and the animal shape tends to be round rather than flat. ^{[6] X Research Source Reproduction in the dog and cat. Christiansen. Publisher: Bailliere Tindall}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/68/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-12-Version-5.jpg/v4-460px- Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregrant-Step-12-Version-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/68/Tell-if- a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-12-Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-12-Version-5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Blood test. The gold standard to see if your puppy is experiencing morning sickness is to ask your veterinarian to check his blood sugar. This process will help detect Relaxin, the hormone secreted by the placenta at the end of pregnancy. ^{[7] X Research Source Plasma levels of relaxin in pregnant and lactating dogs. Steinez. Bip Repro. 1987. Oct, 37}

This hormone appears only after the 28th day of pregnancy. If the test still turns out normal, there’s a good chance you’ll get a negative result and assume your dog doesn’t have morning sickness at all. But be careful because it is false and the dog is pregnant. ^{[8] X Research Source Plasma levels of relaxin in pregnant and lactating dogs. Steinez. Bip Repro. 1987. Oct, 37}
If you get a positive result at all times, including before the 28th day, there is a high chance that your puppy is pregnant. ^{[9] X Research Source Plasma levels of relaxin in pregnant and lactating dogs. Steinez. Bip Repro. 1987. Oct, 37}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8d/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-13-Version-4.jpg/v4-460px- Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregrant-Step-13-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/8d/Tell-if- a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-13-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-13-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Supersonic. The ultrasound method can help you realize that your dog is pregnant, even at the beginning. Skilled doctors can locate puppies in the womb through scanners from day 16 onwards. ^{[10] X Source of research Veterinary diagnostic ultrasound. Nyland. Publisher: WB Saunders}

If your dog is fine, the ultrasound will be done without the help of pain medication.
If your dog has a thick coat, the doctor will remove some hair from the abdomen so that the probes can reach the dog’s skin. ^{[11] X Source of research Veterinary diagnostic ultrasound. Nyland. Publisher: WB Saunders}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/db/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-14-Version-4.jpg/v4-460px- Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregrant-Step-14-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/db/Tell-if- a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-14-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-14-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Request an X-ray. With the popularity and popularity of ultrasound, the need for radiographs seems to be decreasing. The main reason is that this method is only carried out in the later stages of pregnancy for the purpose of determining how many puppies are in the womb.

In fact, this information is very useful as an owner can ensure that all puppies are born safely or in case the dog has finished labor but there is still one unborn puppy. life.

Diagnosis of pre-pregnancy signs

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/f7/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-15-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px- Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregrant-Step-15-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f7/Tell-if- a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-15-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-15-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Be very patient. During the first 2 to 3 weeks (first 3rd stage), your puppy may not show any symptoms of pregnancy at all. Meanwhile, it still shows the same appetite as usual.

Like humans, dogs also experience morning sickness, but it won’t last until the 21st day after the mating period. Instead, it’s only about 1 to 2 weeks. On day 21, look at your dog’s gums. If mating ends, its gums will turn white, instead of the usual pink. The cause here is that the fetus is binding to the uterus and the blood in her body is gathering at that location. So your puppy’s gums will turn white in about 1 to 2 days. Do not worry! If the above phenomenon persists after 2 days, consult a veterinarian immediately.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d1/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-16-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px- Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregrant-Step-16-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d1/Tell-if- a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-16-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-16-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Notice any mood swings. Some dog owners often suspect their puppy is pregnant because it looks more gentle than usual. But this is more of a sentiment-based observation than a fact-proven. Pregnancy is a cause of hormonal changes and this affects every dog differently.

Some dogs can be gentler than usual, others cling to their owners all day long, while others often hide away. ^{[12] X Research Source Reproduction in the dog and cat. Christiansen. Publisher: Bailliere Tindall}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d2/Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-17-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px- Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregrant-Step-17-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d2/Tell-if- a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-17-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Dog-Is-Pregnant-Step-17-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Check to see if your dog has other symptoms of illness. Changes in a dog’s appearance and temperament may indicate that it is pregnant. But it can also be a sign that the dog is not feeling well. That is why you should monitor it regularly to detect any unusual symptoms, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, sneezing, or even white blood cells.

If your dog has mated and skips meals in the following days or weeks, this is not necessarily a sign of pregnancy. Just to be sure, take your dog to the vet for a checkup, especially if you notice white discharge (unusual like during morning sickness) or frequent vomiting. ^{[13] X Small Animal Internal Medicine Research Source . Nelson & Couto. Publisher: Mosby}

Advice

Make sure you’re always gentle when rubbing your dog’s belly, even if you’re not sure if your dog is pregnant. You wouldn’t want to put the puppies in danger, would you?
Some dogs will suffer from morning sickness due to hormonal fluctuations. Of course, it’s completely normal to see clear fluid on her body at this stage. Do not forget to consult your doctor if this discharge has an unusual odor.
Try not to touch the newborn puppies because the mother dog may reject the puppies if they smell you. Puppies need to smell like their mother, and it’s not good if she’s not used to your scent.

Warning

Always be careful because if the mother dog has never been petted or cuddled, it may bite you. Tell children and strangers to stay away from dog litter or areas with puppies.
The phenomenon of dog false pregnancy is also very common. A few weeks after mating, dogs will also show signs of pregnancy such as larger udders and increased appetite. But the truth is that dogs are normal. ^{[14] X Source of Research} It is best to consult with your veterinarian to be sure if your dog is pregnant.

Steps