To know if your dog is pregnant, watch for these common signs and confirm with a veterinarian: Physical and Behavioral Signs:
- Vomiting or "morning sickness" early in pregnancy, similar to humans
- Enlarged, pinker nipples that may produce a clear fluid, noticeable about 2-4 weeks after breeding
- Swollen abdomen or belly enlargement as puppies grow, usually visible by the second or third week
- Nesting behaviors such as dragging blankets or digging
- Changes in appetite-either increased hunger or decreased due to nausea
- Weight gain and decreased energy or lethargy
- Behavioral changes like irritability, clinginess, or increased affection
Veterinary Diagnostic Methods:
- Abdominal palpation: A vet can feel the uterus for developing puppies around 28-35 days after breeding, but this must be done carefully by a professional to avoid harm
- Ultrasound: The most reliable early test, usually done around 3-5 weeks post-breeding, can detect embryos and fetal heartbeats
- Blood test for relaxin hormone: Detectable about 22-27 days after breeding, relaxin confirms pregnancy since it is only produced during pregnancy
- X-rays: Used later in pregnancy (after about 55 days) to count puppies by visualizing their skeletons
If you suspect your dog is pregnant, a veterinary visit is recommended for confirmation and to get guidance on care during pregnancy. In summary, look for physical changes like nipple enlargement and belly swelling, behavioral shifts, and appetite changes, and confirm pregnancy through veterinary tests such as ultrasound, hormone testing, or palpation
