Signs of Pregnancy in Dogs - How to Care for and Prepare for Dog Birth

Recognizing Pregnancy Signs in Dogs

If you suspect your dog may be pregnant, there are a number of signs and symptoms to look for. A dog's pregnancy lasts around 63 days on average, divided into three trimesters. Detecting and confirming a dog's pregnancy early on allows you to properly care for her and ensure her health throughout the term.

First Trimester

The first 2-4 weeks of a dog's pregnancy may not have many outward signs. However, there are subtle symptoms you can spot:

• Decreased Appetite: A pregnant dog may eat less in the first few weeks due to changes in metabolism.
• Increased Tiredness: The dog may nap more often as her body works to nourish the fertilized eggs.
• Weight Gain: Although slight at first, extra weight begins accumulating.
• Enlarged or Darkened Nipples: Hormones cause the nipples to enlarge and redden.

Second Trimester

During weeks 4-6 of the pregnancy, signs become more distinct as fetuses develop:

• Morning Sickness: Hormone changes can cause vomiting.
• Swollen Belly: The abdomen begins expanding around week 4.
• Increased Appetite: The dog may eat more to support the growing fetuses.
• Mothering Toys: She may treat toys like her puppies.

Third Trimester

The last 2-3 weeks of pregnancy have the most obvious symptoms:

• Enlarged Abdomen: Very noticeable enlargement a few weeks before birth.
• Movement: You may see the puppies moving inside the belly.
• Milk Production: White or clear milk discharge from nipples.
• Nesting: Digging beds to prepare for birth.

Confirming Pregnancy in Dogs

In addition to signs, there are medical tests to confirm dog pregnancy:

Palpation

Around day 28, a vet can manually palpate the abdomen to detect small fetal swellings. This is the most common pregnancy confirmation method.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound scan can detect heartbeats in the fetuses starting around day 20-25. This is the most accurate dog pregnancy test.

X-Rays

Abdominal x-rays can reveal fetal skeletons in the final week of pregnancy when bones become calcified. The skulls and spines show up clearly.

Blood Tests

A veterinarian may test the dog's blood for relaxin or progesterone levels. Elevated amounts confirm pregnancy.

Other Options

Some vets use WITNESS pregnancy tests designed for dogs, or scope tests to view fetuses through the abdominal wall if palpation is difficult.

False Pregnancy in Dogs

Some dogs exhibit pseudo-pregnancy signs even when not actually pregnant. Causes include:

• Hormonal imbalances from estrus or spaying
• Social triggers from being near pregnant dogs
• Stress or anxiety
• Physical stimulation of nipples and uterus

False pregnancy symptoms are similar to real pregnancy like appetite changes, weight gain,mothering toys, and enlarged mammary glands. The behaviors usually resolve after 2-3 weeks.

Distinguishing False From Real

While difficult at first, a few ways to tell if your dog's pregnancy is real or pseudo include:

• Swollen or enlarged abdomen in real pregnancy
• Detecting fetal heartbeats with doppler ultrasound
• Seeing puppies on an x-ray
• Noticing milk discharge before labor

If unsure, have your vet examine the dog around 4 weeks into suspected pregnancy for confirmation.

Caring for a Pregnant Dog

Once certain your dog is expecting puppies, special care is required for her health and that of the litter:

Nutrition

Feed a high quality puppy or performance dog food. Increase portions by 10% starting in the 4th week, up to 50% more in the final week to support her caloric needs.

Supplements

Prenatal vitamins with folic acid and calcium supplements support bone, brain, and muscle development in the fetuses.

Exercise

Regular, gentle walks and play are fine early on. Avoid rough exercise and jumping during the final weeks when the abdomen is enlarged.

Comfort

Provide plush dog beds, cooling pads, or air conditioning so the pregnant dog is comfortable at all times.

Grooming

Brush frequently to remove shed fur and keep the dog's coat and skin healthy. Clean ears, clip nails, and brush teeth as usual.

Vet Visits

See your vet around 4 weeks into the pregnancy for an exam, confirmation, and guidance on healthy weights and nutrition.

Preparing for Delivery

The final week before your dog gives birth requires the following preparations:

Whelping Box

Provide a box or enclosed area with soft bedding where the dog can safely deliver puppies. Place it in a warm, quiet area of your home.

Supplies

Have clean towels, nursing bottles, heating pad, disinfectant, and latex gloves ready for the birthing process.

Identification

Order puppy collars and ID tags with your contact info so the puppies can be identified.

Veterinary Info

Know your vet's emergency contact info in case your dog needs urgent medical care before, during, or after labor.

Signs of Labor

Look for nesting behavior, reduced appetite, restlessness, and discharge from the vulva as signs birth is approaching.

The Dog Birth Process

A normal dog labor includes the following stages:

Early Labor

Mild contractions begin but are not productive. This stage lasts 6-12 hours as the cervix dilates.

Active Labor

Strong productive contractions begin expelling puppies every 30-60 minutes. Active labor lasts 12-24 hours.

Delivery

Puppies should arrive every 15-60 minutes. Allow the mother to bite umbilical cords and lick puppies clean. Each should nurse shortly after birth.

Completion

Labor ends when all puppies have been delivered and the mother passes the afterbirth. This usually occurs 1-4 hours after the last puppy.

Contact your vet if hard contractions last over 60 minutes with no puppy, there is heavy bleeding, or signs of illness in the puppies or mother.

Caring for Postpartum Dog and Puppies

After your dog completes labor, focus on recovery and caring for the litter by:

Allowing Nursing

Ensure each newborn puppy is able to nurse from the mother to receive vital colostrum milk.

Providing Nutrition

Feed the mother a premium puppy food diet with substantial calories and calcium for milk production.

Monitoring Litter

Weigh puppies regularly to ensure adequate milk intake and health, recording each pup's weight.

Keeping Warm

Use a heat lamp, heating pad, or warm bottle if puppies need supplemental heat.

Cleaning Bedding

Replace soiled bedding and towels in the whelping area frequently to prevent illness.

Providing Postnatal Care

Have the mother dog and puppies examined by your vet 24-48 hours after birth to check for any concerns.

Common Questions About Dog Pregnancy

How long are dogs pregnant?

The average dog pregnancy lasts 63 days from fertilization to delivery. Dogs go through the same three pregnancy trimesters as humans.

What does a pregnant dog belly feel like?

A pregnant dog's abdomen becomes enlarged, firmer, and rounded. You may be able to gently feel hard swellings from the puppies inside when palpating the belly.

Do dogs nest when pregnant?

Yes, pregnant dogs often dig beds and nests to prepare for delivery as their maternal instincts kick in 1-2 weeks before labor begins.

How many puppies do dogs have?

Litter sizes vary by breed. On average dogs have 5-6 puppies but can have as few as 1 to as many as 15 pups. Larger breeds tend to have more puppies per litter.

When can you xray a pregnant dog?

Dog pregnancy x-rays can be done in the final 2-3 weeks when fetal bones become calcified. This helps count puppies and check positioning for birth.

In Conclusion

Noticing early pregnancy signs allows you to properly care for your dog during gestation. Confirm pregnancy with your vet and monitor weight, diet, and comfort throughout all trimesters. Prep whelping supplies as your dog reaches full term. Involve your vet in any questions or concerns that come up in this exciting time!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.