Characteristics of a Pregnant Dog

Only when a female dog is in heat can she become pregnant, according to veterinarian Elizabeth L. DeLomba on the website Pets.ca. Heat is commonly mistaken as the equivalent of human menstruation, but it is more like ovulation. During this time, female dogs are most attractive to male dogs. Besides the typical warning signs, a veterinarian can verify a pregnancy by performing an ultrasound. A dog will give birth 63 to 64 days after conception.

  1. Early Signs of Pregnancy

    • PetEducation.com states that at first, the dog will have a decreasing appetite and eat much less than normal. The dog will become less active, become exhausted faster, and sleep more due to the hormonal changes that are occurring. The dog may show a tendency to stay away from other pets and humans. The nipples of the dog may also begin to undergo changes. Before pregnancy, the nipples will be small and flat. DogSymptoms.org says that during pregnancy, nipples will enlarge to start producing milk for the new pups.

    Middle Stage of Pregnancy

    • After four weeks of pregnancy, the dog will have an increasing appetite. DogSymptoms.org states that the dog will gain some weight during this period, and the abdomen, or underbelly of the dog will feel thick. It will not feel like soft fatty tissue, but slightly firm. The nipples will continue to enlarge and the dog will seem more exhausted. Inactivity and panting are common characteristics of this stage.

    Late-Term Pregnancy

    • In late-term pregnancies, milk may begin to leak from the nipples. This is called the first milk. The abdomen will clearly be much larger than usual and will still feel very firm and thick. If the dog's owner can feel movement in the abdomen, according to PetEducation.com, this is a clear sign that the puppies will be born soon. The dog will go through a nesting period 24 to 48 hours before giving birth. During this time she will be restless and will prepare a birthing area by pushing blankets together or scrunching newspapers.