How to Palpate Pregnant Dogs

Palpating is a term used to describe the manual inspection of the external aspects of the uterus and abdomen during pregnancy. This is often used on both humans and dogs for checking the size, height and other details of the pregnant body and the fetuses within. Many particulars in palpating dogs are similar to the ones used for humans, like the actual movement of the hands, but the positioning of yourself and your dog require amending for canine pregnancy monitoring.

Instructions

    • 1

      Have your dog stand up on all fours, and get down onto your knees so you are level with it.

    • 2

      Form your hand into a gently curved cup shape, like you would if you were trying to hold water in it.

    • 3

      Place your cupped hand onto the underside of your dog's body, just below the rib cage. You should pay attention to the feel of your dog starting at this point.

    • 4

      Press the cupped hand into your dog's stomach using your free hand. This will help you avoid using too much pressure.

    • 5

      Slide your cupped hand back along the stomach, toward the pelvic bone. Keep your other hand on top of the cupped one while you move it.