Instructions
Keep track of whether your dog has been vomiting more often than she normally does. Dogs tend to experience nausea during the early stages of pregnancy in the same way that humans do. She may also seem restless and agitated and lose interest in her usual activities because she doesn't feel well.
Monitor your dog's appetite. If you notice that she suddenly seems much more hungry than usual and often ends up begging for food even after she's just eaten, it may be because of the heightened nutritional requirements of pregnancy.
Pay attention to her overall behavior. A pregnant dog will usually become more affectionate toward her owner than she normally has been and may spend more time near you, wanting you to pet her. In the final days leading up to delivery, she will likely begin "nesting." She may spend a lot of time in closets or behind furniture, attempting to find a secluded, comfortable place that she feels will be suitable for delivering her puppies.
Examine her abdomen and nipples. This won't work in the early stages of the pregnancy, but as the dog gets closer to delivery, her abdomen will start to appear larger and her nipples will often become swollen and look more pink in color. There may even be a small amount of milk coming from the nipples.
Make an appointment with your veterinarian to find out for sure if your dog is pregnant. If she isn't, the changes in behavior and appetite may be indicative of something else that should be treated as soon as possible. If she is pregnant, the vet will be able to help you make her comfortable and prepare for the birth of the puppies.
How Can I Tell If My Dog Is Expecting?
If you own a female dog that has not been spayed, it is possible she may eventually end up pregnant even if you haven't been actively trying to breed her. The typical canine gestation period lasts about 64 to 66 days, depending on the size and breed of the dog, but it is often not possible to find out for sure if your dog is expecting a litter of puppies until about 19 days into the pregnancy. Even at that time, only a veterinarian can tell with absolute certainty. If you have reason to believe that your dog may be pregnant, there are several physical and behavioral signs you can look for that may confirm your suspicions.