You can tell if your dog is pregnant by observing several physical and behavioral signs, though the most accurate confirmation comes from veterinary diagnostic tests.
Common Signs of Pregnancy in Dogs
- Changes in Appetite: Your dog may eat more due to the growing puppies or less because of nausea, especially early in pregnancy
- Vomiting or Morning Sickness: Some dogs experience vomiting during the first few weeks, similar to morning sickness in humans
- Enlarged and Darkened Nipples: About 2-4 weeks after breeding, nipples become larger, pinker, and sometimes darker due to increased blood flow. They may also produce a clear fluid later in pregnancy
- Swollen Abdomen and Weight Gain: As pregnancy progresses, the belly enlarges and the dog gains weight to accommodate the growing puppies
- Behavioral Changes: Pregnant dogs may become more affectionate, clingy, irritable, or seek isolation. Nesting behaviors such as dragging blankets or digging may also occur
- Decreased Energy: Lethargy and tiredness are common, especially starting around the second week of pregnancy
Veterinary Diagnostic Methods
- Abdominal Ultrasound: The most reliable method, able to detect embryos around 3-5 weeks after breeding and monitor their development
- Blood Test for Relaxin Hormone: Detectable about 3-4 weeks after breeding, this hormone test confirms pregnancy but may be less reliable in small breeds or very early testing
- Abdominal Palpation: A vet can feel the embryos as small swellings in the uterus around 28-35 days after breeding, but this should only be done by a professional to avoid harming the puppies
- X-rays: Used in the last trimester to count puppies and assess their size before birth
If you suspect your dog is pregnant, a veterinary visit is recommended for confirmation and to receive guidance on care throughout the pregnancy.
