Ways to Tell Your Dog Is Pregnant

Your dog is exhibiting some unmistakable symptoms. She's lost her appetite and her breakfast. You know she was with a male dog a few weeks ago, but you want to be sure she's definitely conceived several pups. You also notice she's becoming more affectionate with your family, so you're beginning to wonder.

  1. Witness Her Mating with a Male Dog

    • If you've seen your dog mating with a male dog, the chances are pretty good that she will become pregnant. Even if you didn't witness this act, but you know she was in heat and a male dog was in her vicinity, the chances of pregnancy are pretty high.

      If you are trying to breed her, you will have a very good idea of when she conceived her litter.

    Physical Sickness

    • If your dog loses her appetite or becomes physically sick and she was bred several weeks ago, this is one physical symptom of pregnancy. This is the canine equivalent of human morning sickness.
      If your dog loses her appetite, this is another pregnancy symptom. She may still have a little bit of an appetite, but she's not eating as much as she did in the past before becoming pregnant.

    Swollen Teats and Vulva

    • These physical signs won't appear for several weeks. Her teats will become swollen in preparation for nursing her pups and her vulva (entrance to her vagina) will be inflamed and red. She may also experience vaginal secretions.

      As her pregnancy progresses, she will begin to get bigger in her rib area. Closer toward the end of her pregnancy, her stomach will grow bigger as well.

    She's More Cuddly

    • After your dog has conceived, she'll become more loving and cuddly with her humans, but more territorial and aggressive with other dogs. By becoming more aggressive, she's establishing a safe zone for her puppies once they're born.