You can tell if your dog is pregnant by observing several behavioral and physical signs, and by confirming with veterinary diagnostic methods:
Common Signs of Dog Pregnancy
- Changes in Appetite: Your dog may eat more to nourish the growing puppies or may eat less due to nausea, especially early in pregnancy
- Decreased Activity: Pregnant dogs often become more lethargic and tire more easily
- Nipple Changes: Nipples enlarge, become pinker, and may produce a clear fluid around 3-4 weeks after mating
- Weight Gain and Abdominal Enlargement: As the pregnancy progresses, your dog’s belly will swell noticeably
- Behavioral Changes: Nesting behavior (dragging blankets, digging), increased affection, or irritability can occur
- Swollen Genitals and Vaginal Discharge: Swelling around the vulva and slight mucus discharge may be noticed
Veterinary Diagnostic Methods
- Abdominal Palpation: Around 28-30 days after mating, a vet can feel the developing puppies as small lumps in the abdomen. This method requires skill and should only be done by a vet
- Ultrasound: From about 25 to 35 days, ultrasound can detect fetal heartbeats and confirm pregnancy early on
- Blood Test for Relaxin Hormone: Relaxin, produced by the placenta, can be detected in the blood from about 22-30 days post-breeding and confirms pregnancy
- X-rays: Around day 55 or later, X-rays can show the puppies' skeletons and help count the litter size, but are not useful earlier in pregnancy
Important Notes
- Some signs can mimic illness or false pregnancy (pseudopregnancy), so veterinary confirmation is essential
- The typical gestation period is about 63 days, so timing your observations relative to mating is helpful
If you suspect your dog is pregnant, a veterinary visit is the best way to confirm and ensure proper care throughout her pregnancy.
