Pregnancy can be a time filled with joy, anticipation, and excitement – however, it can also come with some unexpected surprises. One of the biggest surprises that many parents-to-be experience is how different their dogs act around them once they find out that they are expecting. Most dogs are very intuitive, and it is often not long before they are able to sense the change in their owner’s body. Dogs may act differently when around a pregnant human, and it is important to know how to read their behavior and respond appropriately. In this blog post, you will learn all about how dogs act when you are pregnant and the steps you can take to help ensure that your pup remains healthy and happy throughout your pregnancy.
How Early Can a Dog Sense Pregnancy?
While the precise moment a dog detects pregnancy is unknown, we do know that little eludes the canine nose. Your dog may be able to detect a change in scent, but it’s unlikely that he will understand why.
He is aware that something is different, both physically and behaviorally, and it is only normal for him to notice and express interest in it. According to Hartstein, “dogs are highly sensitive and intimate in studying behavior and subtle movements.”
It’s difficult to say just how dogs will react to their owners’ pregnancies; some may become protective, others may be fearful or even completely indifferent to the situation. Dr. Rachel Barrack, DVM, owner of Animal Acupuncture in New York City, says many pregnant people report that their dogs are more affectionate and/or protective during their pregnancy. “It’s likely due to the scent and your hormones, as well as possible changes in your mood,” she explains.
As your pregnancy progresses, it gets easier to hear your baby’s heartbeat. A fetal Doppler isn’t always necessary; you can hear the baby’s heartbeat with a stethoscope, specialized earbuds, or even by having your partner place their ear to your belly.
When introduced properly, babies and dogs (or cats; cat lovers, we haven’t forgotten you) can make an adorable combination. Whether your dog behaves differently while you are pregnant or not, there will be significant changes once the baby is here. Don’t be shocked if your child and dog quickly become best friends.
It’s been reported that dogs can smell 1,000 to 10,000 times better than humans — we’ve even reports of up to 100,000 times better! It’s also believed dogs have more than 220 million olfactory receptors in their nasal cavity, compared to about 5 million in humans (though we’ve seen varying estimates here, too).
Morning sickness could also disrupt your normal routine. You might delay your morning strolls or spend more time lying down. One of the many qualities that we believe makes dogs wonderful is their tendency to stay by your side if they notice you’re not feeling well.
Considering how dogs likely have a better sense of hearing — and better range — compared to humans, it stands to reason that they might also hear a fetal heartbeat and know something’s up. One theory is that dogs can hear four times farther away than humans, but this hasn’t been scientifically proven.
Bring Them to the Park
Dogs interact with other dogs, birds, people, and infants in the park. You can supervise them as they play with a young child or a baby in the park. This means that your dog will already be aware of how to act around the vulnerable newborn when you bring one home.
Some dogs even develop a strong protective and guiding bond with the infant once they begin to move around. Making a dog comprehend that a baby should be handled gently, protected, and loved is all about that first encounter.