To tell if a dog is pregnant, you can look for several behavioral and physical signs, but the most reliable methods involve veterinary diagnostic tests.
Common Signs of Pregnancy in Dogs
- Early signs (first few weeks):
- Vomiting or "morning sickness" similar to humans
- Decreased or changed appetite
- Lethargy or decreased activity
- Behavioral changes such as increased clinginess or irritability
- Enlarged, pinker, or darker nipples starting about 2-3 weeks after breeding
- Slight swelling of the abdomen may begin but is usually not obvious yet
- Later signs (after about 40 days):
- Noticeable weight gain and a swollen abdomen
- More pronounced nipple enlargement and sometimes milk leakage
- Nesting behavior like dragging blankets or digging
- Increased appetite and tiredness
- Swollen genitals and possible slight vaginal mucus discharge
Veterinary Diagnostic Methods
- Abdominal palpation: Around 28-35 days after breeding, a vet can gently feel the abdomen to detect the presence of embryos, which feel like small fluid-filled sacs. This should only be done by a professional to avoid harming the puppies.
- Ultrasound: The most reliable early test, usually done around 25-35 days after breeding, can visualize developing embryos and detect fetal heartbeats.
- Blood test for relaxin hormone: Relaxin is produced by the placenta and can be detected from about 22-27 days after breeding, confirming pregnancy.
- X-rays: Performed after about 55 days when the puppies’ bones are visible, useful for counting the number of puppies and assessing their development.
Summary
You may notice early signs such as vomiting, appetite and behavior changes, and nipple enlargement. Later, weight gain, abdominal swelling, and nesting behavior become more obvious. For a definitive diagnosis, a veterinarian can perform palpation, ultrasound, hormone tests, or X-rays depending on the stage of pregnancy
