Instructions
Look for enlarging of the nipples and surrounding breast tissue when you suspect your dog is pregnant. A dog's nipples are usually small and flat, but they enlarge when she is pregnant.
Watch for a decrease in appetite or energy. Hormone changes in early pregnancy lead many dogs to feel more tired or unable to eat. Appetite will increase later in the pregnancy.
Feel the dog's stomach and monitor her for weight gain. The stomach will begin to swell within a few weeks of conceiving. It will feel firm, not soft like fat does.
Feel your dog's stomach for signs of movement. The puppies will begin to become active approximately three weeks before birth.
Take your dog to be tested by a vet four weeks after her heat cycle ends to verify she is pregnant.
How to Recognize the Signs of a Pregnant Dog
Recognizing how a dog looks and behaves early in her pregnancy allows you to get the proper prenatal care for your dog so she has the best chances of delivering a healthy litter. Whether the pregnancy was intentional or accidental, your dog deserves proper care.