What Are the Warning Signs That Your Dog May Be Pregnant?

Dogs carry their puppies for about nine weeks before giving birth. While most pregnancies in dogs are uneventful, you should still take your dog to the vet for a complete checkup if you suspect a pregnancy. You should also take some simple steps to care for your dog during pregnancy and the birth. Recognizing the warning signs of pregnancy allows you to take the proper steps to provide for your dog.

  1. Nesting Activity

    • Nesting behavior occurs when your dog tries to make a nest from a blanket or by tearing up paper or other items. She is preparing a nest where she can have her puppies. As your dog reaches her due date, you should provide a box for her to give birth in. Line the bottom with plastic and then cover that with soft material like flannel. Staple or tack the flannel to the sides of the box, because dogs often try to dig in their nesting boxes.

    Mothering Activity

    • Pregnant dogs may care for an object like a shoe or stuffed animal the way she would a puppy. She may carry it around, lick it or appear to cuddle up to it.

    Weight Gain

    • Weight gain usually becomes noticeable after the fourth week of pregnancy but may seem insignificant at first. The amount of weight dogs gain during pregnancy varies depending on how many puppies they carry.

    Bulging Abdomen

    • As your dog's pregnancy progresses, you will notice her abdomen begin to bulge. How much her abdomen bulges will depend on how many puppies she carries. As she nears her due date, you may be able to feel the puppies inside her by gently palpating her abdomen. Vets can often tell you how many puppies a dog will have by palpating the abdomen, but of course they have had lots of practice doing this.

    Enlarged Mammary Glands

    • Mammary glands enlarge as pregnancy progress and they become swollen with milk. You may also notice a little milk seeping from your dog's teats.

    Behavioral Changes

    • You may notice behavioral changes in your dog. She may seem to sleep more than usual and may not eat as much as usual, especially as she nears her due date. If changes in behavior seem extreme, though, you should take her to the vet to make sure all is progressing normally.