Signs and Symptoms of a Pregnant Chihuahua

Knowing when your Chihuahua becomes pregnant is vital to its health and safety. That's because Chihuahuas are more prone to complicated pregnancies than other breeds, according to PetChiDog.com. Fortunately, the signs and symptoms of a Chihuahua pregnancy are fairly recognizable, even for someone who may not be an expert when it comes to dogs and their breeding. It is always a good idea to take your pet Chihuahua to the veterinarian if you suspect it is pregnant.

  1. Growing Stomach

    • As is the case with many mammals, one of the most obvious symptoms of a Chihuahua pregnancy is a growing stomach. The stomach of a pregnant Chihuahua begins swelling four to five weeks after it becomes pregnant. Chihuahuas, in particular, experience more rapid stomach growth than humans and even other dog breeds.

    Hard Stomach

    • As the stomach becomes larger on a pregnant Chihuahua, it also becomes harder. Feel your Chihuahua's stomach to determine if it is bloated and taut as opposed to soft and squishy. The latter would indicate a bit of extra weight on your Chihuahua, not pregnancy.

    Nipple Growth

    • In addition to a growing, hard belly, a pregnant Chihuahua will also experience rapid nipple growth. This is the body's response to the pregnancy by creating milk and preparing the nipples for nursing. If your Chihuahua is pregnant, the nipples will be more noticeable under the fur, sometimes even sticking out.

    Increased Urination

    • Because growing puppies push on the bladder wall of a pregnant Chihuahua, the amount the mother urinates will become much more frequent. Keep track of how often your Chihuahua urinates to determine whether or not this is more often than usual. If the amount has noticeably increased and the above symptoms are present, your Chihuahua is likely pregnant.