Physical Signs of Pregnancy in Dogs

When a dog becomes pregnant, she will exhibit a number of physical and behavioral changes while the puppies develop within her body. The average gestation period is between 58 and 63 days depending on the breed of dog, and during this period, many physical signs will become apparent. These changes occur based on the stage of pregnancy and how far along the fetal development is, according to Dr. Caroline Tanaka, a private practice veterinarian.

  1. Growth of Nipples

    • When pregnancy changes begin to occur in a dog, one of the first physical signs is that her nipples begin to grow. They will no longer feel flat or small, but breast material will develop beneath them, and the nipples themselves will swell. This is because she is preparing to produce milk for her puppies and her nipples must go through changes to accommodate the presence of milk.

    Weight Gain

    • By the time the dog has reached a month into her pregnancy, she will noticeably gain weight. She should be gaining weight across her body, not just in her abdomen. She may be experiencing decreases and increases in her normal appetite, but her weight should continue to climb regardless of her eating habits.

    Abdomen Growth

    • If the dog is carrying an average-sized litter, then her abdomen will grow and swell. When a dog is pregnant, her abdomen will feel thick and firm rather than just full and fat. The abdomen growth may not be as apparent if she is carrying a small litter, according to Tanaka, but the abdomen will always feel firm and hard if she is carrying puppies at all.

    Milk Production

    • Milk production will begin as the pregnancy progresses, and she will begin to leak small amounts of colostrum, the first milk production, as her delivery date draws near. You should also be able to express colostrum from her nipples with gentle pressure at this point.

    Temperature Drop

    • When her delivery date is imminent, the dog's temperature will drop from between 101 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit to between 97 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit. If you take her temperature twelve hours apart and both readings are between 97 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit, then her delivery will likely be within the next 24 hours.