How to Tell if Your Dog is Pregnant - Signs, Symptoms & Care

Is My Dog Pregnant? Telltale Signs and Symptoms

If you suspect your dog is expecting puppies, learning to recognize common signs of canine pregnancy is important for providing proper care. While some indicators mimic other conditions causing similar symptoms, certain physical and behavioral changes often confirm the big news.

Early Pregnancy Signs in Dogs

During early dog pregnancy, just a few weeks after fertilization, you may notice these subtle hints of impending puppies:

Swollen or enlarged nipples as mammary glands prepare for milk production
Intermittent vomiting or nausea in the mornings from hormonal shifts
Increased appetite as caloric demands rise to support pregnancy
Mild abdominal distention and weight gain in the belly region
Greater fatigue and restlessness alternating with nesting behaviors

Mid-Term Pregnancy Signs

Around 4-5 weeks into pregnancy, these more overt physical developments typically arise:

Morning sickness subsides while appetite remains consistently elevated
Nipple growth becomes more pronounced as mammary glands enlarge and darken in color
The abdomen swells noticeably from the growing womb and fetuses
Firm abdominal masses may be felt underneath indicating developing puppies
Clear vaginal discharge occurs intermittently
Increased urination meets higher fluid intake needs

Late Pregnancy Signs

During the last 2-3 weeks before delivery, your dog exhibits these signs and symptoms of impending labor:

The abdomen drops lower and appears pendulous shortly before birth
Clear mucus discharge from the vulva signaling cervical changes
Enlarged, loose vulva region preparing for the birth canal to open
Occasional shivering and restlessness from discomfort and nesting urge
Gradual body temperature drop to just below normal (99-100F)
Loss of appetite and change in bowel movements as labor nears

Detecting Pregnancy in Dogs

Beyond recognizing visual signs, veterinarians can confirm dog pregnancy and monitor fetal health in several ways:

Abdominal Palpation

Around day 28 of gestation, a veterinarian carefully palpates the abdomen to detect fetal swelling and check for normal growth. The skeletal structures of individual puppies become palpable midway through pregnancy.

Ultrasound Imaging

An abdominal ultrasound allows visualizing the pregnancy. Fetal heartbeats can be detected as early as day 22-25. It provides important information like the due date and number of expected puppies.

X-Rays

Abdominal x-rays taken during the last week or two before delivery can reveal size, number, and position of the puppies. However calcium deposits obscuring details make earlier x-rays less reliable.

Relaxin Testing

A serum blood relaxin test detects pregnancy as early as 22-27 days from conception by measuring increasing blood levels of this placental hormone during gestation.

Progesterone Testing

Serum progesterone levels elevated above normal baseline reflect pregnancy within 18-20 days from ovulation. Levels peak around day 40 then decline near delivery.

Estimating a Due Date

The normal canine gestation period spans about 63 days on average, but may range from 58 to 68 days depending on the breed. Large litters tend to deliver a bit earlier. You can estimate a due date by:

Noting the dates of suspected breeding
Tracking physical changes each week after breeding
Having your veterinarian confirm pregnancy via exam, ultrasound, or testing

Signs Labor is Approaching

As your dog's due date approaches, typically within 24 to 48 hours before the onset of labor, you may notice:

Drop in body temperature below 99F (37.2C)
Decreased appetite and energy level
Visible contractions and straining
Restlessness, shivering, and panting
Thick vaginal discharge tinged with blood

Any straining lasting over 1 hour without a puppy should prompt an urgent veterinary visit to examine for dystocia or birthing complications.

Caring for a Pregnant Dog

To support your dog during pregnancy you should:

Adjust Diet and Exercise

Feed a high quality puppy or performance formula diet meeting increased calorie and nutrition needs, especially calcium for bone development. Avoid strenuous exercise that could injure the fetus.

Provide Comfortable Bedding

Supply soft bedding and secluded spaces allowing your dog to rest and nest comfortably without stress as labor nears.

Monitor for Problems

Watch for decreased fetal movement, vaginal bleeding, pale gums, trembling, poor appetite or lethargy that requires prompt veterinary care.

Prepare for Whelping

Have an emergency kit, warm whelping box, and supplies on hand to assist delivery if complications arise warranting medical support.

Schedule Vet Checks

Take your pregnant pooch for regular veterinary exams to monitor fetal development, catch problems early, obtain prenatal vitamins if needed, and discuss birth planning.

When to Call the Veterinarian

Consult your vet right away if your pregnant dog shows any of these signs suggesting trouble:

Prolonged vomiting, diarrhea or loss of appetite
Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding
Signs of abdominal pain - whimpering, restless, hunched posture
Extreme lethargy, pale gums, weak pulse, fever
Failure to deliver a puppy within 1 hour of intense labor
More than 4 hours of intense labor without giving birth
Weak contractions lasting less than 5 minutes apart
Green-tinged fluid expelled before the first puppy

Pregnancy complications like eclampsia, uterine inertia or infection can be serious. So do not delay seeking veterinary help if concerns arise before, during or after whelping.

Enjoy the Pregnancy Journey

Paying close attention to your dogs physical changes and behaviors makes detecting pregnancy faster and easier while keeping mom and pups safer. Reach out right away if anything seems abnormal. Otherwise relax and enjoy all the excitement, wonder and rewards of the puppy pregnancy experience!

FAQs

How early can you tell if a dog is pregnant?

Subtle physical and behavioral signs allow detecting pregnancy within 3-4 weeks of conception. But reliable confirmation requires an abdominal exam, ultrasound, blood test, or x-ray around 4 weeks into gestation when changes become more evident.

What week of pregnancy can puppies be felt?

Puppies begin developing skeletal structures around week 4-5 of pregnancy. An experienced veterinarian can feel small fetal swellings upon gentle palpation by week 5-6. By midway through gestation the spine and ribs become noticeable to the touch.

How do I know when my dog will give birth?

Common signs that labor will begin within 24 hours include a temperature drop below 99°F (37.2°C), restlessness, shivering, lack of appetite, pacing and nesting. Delivery typically occurs somewhere between 58-68 days from breeding.

Can a dog be pregnant and not look pregnant?

Yes, some dogs show barely any visible signs or abdominal enlargement until just shortly before giving birth. Spay abortions have occurred after owners assumed a dog was just gaining weight, not pregnant. So always test to confirm if breeding occurred.

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.