Have you noticed your dog acting a bit lazier than usual, or perhaps eating less of her evening meals? These can be signs of pregnancy, and if she otherwise seems healthy and happy, you may have puppies on the way!
Some of these symptoms can also be signs of illness, so it’s important to have any marked change in appearance, appetite, or activity level checked out. Of course, if you think your dog may be pregnant, you have a much happier reason to bring her to the vet! Here are 5 signs to watch for:
If your dog easily becomes exhausted or is spending more time napping, it may indicate that she is pregnant. For dogs that are typically energetic, this decrease should be taken seriously. For dogs that already enjoy snoozing all day, it may be harder to notice a decrease in energy. If that’s the case, try paying closer attention to how quickly she tires during walks.
Have you ever found yourself staring at your fur baby wondering, “Is she or isn’t she?” Maybe your pooch had an unexpected rendezvous with the neighbor’s dog, or perhaps you’re a breeder waiting anxiously to see if your planned mating was successful. Either way, knowing the signs of dog pregnancy can save you weeks of uncertainty!
As a dog owner who’s been through this rollercoaster before I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about spotting those early pregnancy signs confirming your suspicions, and caring for your expectant mama dog.
When Can You Tell If Your Dog Is Pregnant?
First things first – timing is everything! Most dogs don’t start showing obvious pregnancy signs until about 3 weeks after conception The entire canine pregnancy lasts approximately 62-64 days (about two months), so those first few weeks can be a real nail-biter if you’re waiting for confirmation.
If you’re like me and can’t stand the suspense, you should know that even veterinarians can’t definitively confirm pregnancy until around day 25-30. So take a deep breath, and let’s learn what to look for!
7 Early Signs Your Dog Might Be Pregnant
1. Nipple Changes – The Pink-Up Effect
One of the earliest and most reliable signs of dog pregnancy is what breeders call “pinking up.” About 2-3 weeks into pregnancy, your dog’s nipples will become:
- Rosier and more pronounced in color
- Larger and more swollen
- More prominent against the skin
This change is most noticeable in the last four to six nipples (closest to her hind legs). If your dog has typically had very light pink or grayish nipples, this change can be quite dramatic!
2. Changes in Appetite
Is your normally food-obsessed pooch suddenly turning her nose up at dinner? Or maybe your picky eater is suddenly ravenous? Both can be signs of pregnancy!
Many pregnant dogs experience:
- Decreased appetite during the first 2-3 weeks
- Occasional vomiting (doggy morning sickness) between days 21-25
- Increased appetite later in the pregnancy
My Lab, Bella, completely lost interest in her kibble during week three, but by week five, she was giving me those sad puppy eyes for seconds at every meal!
3. Decreased Energy & Activity
If your normally energetic dog is suddenly acting like a couch potato, pregnancy might be the reason. Just like human moms-to-be, pregnant dogs often experience fatigue, especially early on.
Look for:
- Reluctance to go for walks or play
- More napping than usual
- Tiring easily during normal activities
This change is usually temporary as her body adjusts to the hormonal changes. Most dogs regain some energy after a few weeks, though they’ll slow down again as their belly grows larger.
4. Weight Gain & Belly Changes
While a bulging belly is the pregnancy sign most people look for, it’s actually not visible until later in the pregnancy (around 6-7 weeks). However, you might notice:
- Initial weight gain around the waist and stomach by week 3-4
- A firmer, rounder abdomen by week 5
- A distinctly swollen belly in the final 3 weeks
Remember that weight gain alone isn’t a reliable indicator, as it could signal other health issues. That’s why it’s important to look for multiple signs together.
5. Behavioral Changes
Is your independent girl suddenly your shadow? Or maybe your cuddle bug is seeking solitude? Pregnancy hormones can cause noticeable personality shifts, including:
- Increased affection and clinginess
- Irritability or withdrawal
- Restlessness
- Nesting behaviors (especially in later stages)
My friend’s Chihuahua became super clingy during pregnancy, while my Bella became a bit grumpy and preferred her own space. Every dog reacts differently!
6. Enlarged Abdomen
As the pregnancy progresses (especially after week 4-5), you’ll notice your dog’s abdomen becoming more distended. This is different from simple weight gain – her belly will feel firmer and more defined.
By the final weeks, the puppies might even be felt or seen moving inside her belly if you place your hands gently on her sides while she’s resting.
7. Nesting Behavior
As your dog approaches her due date (typically around week 8-9), she may start:
- Gathering blankets or clothing
- Shredding paper or bedding
- Creating a “nest” in quiet corners of your home
- Becoming restless and pacing
This is a strong indicator that puppies are on the way soon! Make sure you have a whelping box ready before this stage begins.
4 Ways to Confirm Your Dog’s Pregnancy
Home observation only gets you so far. To know for sure if your dog is pregnant, you’ll need veterinary confirmation. Here are the four main methods vets use:
1. Physical Examination (Palpation)
Around day 28-30, a veterinarian can gently feel your dog’s abdomen to detect the developing puppy sacs, which feel like small grape-like structures. This should ONLY be done by a professional, as improper palpation could harm the developing puppies.
2. Hormone Test
From day 25-30, your vet can perform a blood test to detect the hormone relaxin, which is only produced during pregnancy. This test costs around $130-155 and is fairly accurate, though false negatives can occur if done too early.
3. Ultrasound
Between days 25-35, an ultrasound can confirm pregnancy by detecting fetal heartbeats. This non-invasive test costs $300-500 but provides valuable information about:
- Confirmation of pregnancy
- Approximate number of puppies
- General health of the developing fetuses
4. X-Ray
After day 55, an X-ray can give the most accurate count of how many puppies your dog is carrying. This is especially important information to have during delivery, so you’ll know when all puppies have been born.
Caring for Your Pregnant Dog
Once you’ve confirmed your dog’s pregnancy, proper care becomes essential. Here’s what you should focus on:
Proper Nutrition
Despite what you might think, pregnant dogs don’t need extra food during the first 6 weeks. In fact, overfeeding early in pregnancy can be harmful! Follow these feeding guidelines:
- First 6 weeks: Normal high-quality food in normal amounts
- Last 3 weeks: Gradually increase food intake by 35-50%
- Feed smaller, more frequent meals to avoid discomfort
Exercise Needs
Keep your pregnant dog active but avoid strenuous exercise:
- First 2 weeks: Some vets recommend limiting vigorous exercise
- Middle weeks: Normal exercise is fine
- Last 3 weeks: Shorter, more frequent walks as her energy decreases
Veterinary Care
Schedule these important vet visits:
- Prenatal checkup to confirm pregnancy and assess health
- Mid-pregnancy check to monitor progress
- Pre-whelping visit to prepare for delivery
Your vet may recommend deworming medication during the third trimester to protect the puppies from parasites.
Preparing for Puppies
As your dog’s due date approaches (remember, about 63 days after conception), you’ll need to prepare:
- Set up a whelping box in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home
- Stock up on supplies (clean towels, newspaper, heating pad, bulb syringe)
- Learn about the whelping process so you can assist if needed
- Have your vet’s emergency number readily available
Warning Signs During Pregnancy
Contact your vet immediately if you notice:
- Heavy bleeding or abnormal discharge
- Extreme lethargy or collapse
- Fever
- Signs of labor before day 58
- Straining for more than 1 hour without producing a puppy
- More than 2 hours between puppies during labor
Is It a False Pregnancy?
Sometimes dogs experience false pregnancies (pseudopregnancy) with symptoms that mimic real pregnancy, including enlarged abdomen, nesting behavior, and even milk production! The key differences are:
- False pregnancies typically appear 4-9 weeks after heat ends
- Real pregnancies show multiple signs within 2-3 weeks after mating
- A hormone test or ultrasound can definitively determine which is which
Final Thoughts
Determining if your dog is pregnant requires a combination of observation at home and professional veterinary confirmation. The earliest signs appear around 3 weeks after conception, but definitive tests aren’t reliable until at least 25 days into the pregnancy.
Remember, while bringing new puppies into the world is exciting, it also comes with significant responsibility. Make sure you’re prepared for the time, effort, and resources needed to care for a pregnant dog and her litter!
Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian if you suspect your dog is pregnant or experiencing any health issues.
Changes in Appetite
A pregnant dog’s appetite can fluctuate in different ways, depending on the dog and the stage of her pregnancy. Early or midway into the pregnancy, she may eat less or even vomit occasionally (the canine equivalent of morning sickness). However, she may also eat more than usual and be dissatisfied with her meals. These fluctuations correspond with your dog’s changing hormones. Click here to learn more about feeding a pregnant dog.
If your dog is pregnant, you may notice certain changes in her behavior. For instance, she may seek the comfort of her owner more often. A pregnant dog might spend more time at your side, looking for extra attention. On the other hand, a pregnant dog may seek isolation and not wish to be bothered; she may seem depressed or even irritable when given attention.
Enlarged or Discolored Nipples
While a female dog’s nipples are normally small, pregnancy causes her nipples to grow in size during the early stages of pregnancy. The areolas also become somewhat rounded compared to their usual flatness. You may also notice your dog’s nipples turning a slightly darker red than normal, which would indicate an increase in blood flow. Later into the pregnancy, her nipples may occasionally leak milk, as well.
How to Tell if a Dog Is Pregnant
FAQ
Can you tell if a dog is pregnant?
Early in pregnancy, you may not be able to tell that your dog is going to have puppies. Some dogs may vomit early on in pregnancy, like morning sickness in human women. As your dog moves further into pregnancy, you may notice: A veterinarian can diagnose pregnancy in dogs in several ways, including:
What are the early signs of pregnancy in dogs?
Signs of pregnancy usually start to become apparent about three weeks after mating, when some dogs may show subtle signs around this time. Here are five of the early signs of pregnancy in dogs: Change in appetite: A dog may experience a decrease or increase in appetite. Some dogs may even experience episodes of morning sickness, similar to humans.
When should a dog get a pregnancy test?
If you observe pregnancy symptoms in your dog and want to get them tested, they should be at least 22 days pregnant for the test to be accurate. Signs of pregnancy usually start to become apparent about three weeks after mating, when some dogs may show subtle signs around this time. Here are five of the early signs of pregnancy in dogs:
How do I know if my dog has a phantom pregnancy?
One of the main ways to know if your dog is having a phantom pregnancy is if you know for sure she did not mate while she was in heat. However, if you are not completely sure if she mated or not, then you need to see a vet to determine if your dog is really pregnant or if she is having a false pregnancy.
How can a dog detect pregnancy?
Abdominal palpation: a certain level of skill is required to detect gestation simply by feeling its belly. Palpation can be used to detect dog pregnancy 23 to 30 days – three to four weeks – after mating. It is the most economical and traditional method, but is not 100% reliable and cannot reveal any problems that could occur.
When should I see a vet if my dog is pregnant?
If your dog exhibits any of the following signs, they need to be evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out medical problems. Even if you feel confident that your dog is pregnant, they should see a vet to verify the pregnancy and begin planning for the pre and post-partum periods.
How do I check if my dog is pregnant at home?
- Weight gain.
- Swollen Stomach.
- Increase in appetite.
- Gets tired easier.
- Irritability.
- More affectionate.
- Vomiting (in the first few weeks)
- Decrease in appetite (first few weeks)
What does a pregnant dog’s belly feel like?
A pregnant dog’s belly feels progressively rounder and firmer as the pregnancy advances, eventually developing hard lumps within the abdomen that can be felt with gentle pressure, and later may become saggy and large as the puppies grow. The best time to feel for puppies is typically around 30 to 40 days into the pregnancy, when they are the right size for palpation, and veterinarians can feel small, grape-like or golf ball-sized lumps representing the fetuses.
How soon can pregnancy be detected in dogs?
What does a 1 week pregnant dog look like?
Week 1 and 2: most dogs don’t show any symptoms, and their weight is still stable, but they may start experiencing morning sickness. Week 3: the dog’s appetite increases, her nipples become slightly enlarged, and they may start showing affectionate behaviour.