3 Easy Ways You Can Tell That Your Dog Is Pregnant

Dog Pregnancy Chart

Dog pregnancies last for 9 weeks, but the obvious signs (like a big belly) don't show up until the last few weeks. Although it is still best to go to the vet to confirm the pregnancy, observing for signs in the early and middle stages of gestation can also be useful. Like us, dogs also react differently to pregnancy but there are also common telltale signs that they are expecting.

Here are 3 easy ways to tell if your pet is expecting:

Watch out for early pregnancy symptoms

It will be difficult to tell if your dog is pregnant during the first half of gestation, but there are some symptoms you can observe early on. If you had your pet mated and it was successful, she won't show any symptoms until the twenty-first day. Around this time, her gums will be white for a couple of days as the fetuses start to attach to her uterus where most of her blood is gathering. Also, many doggy moms-to-be also experience morning sickness around this time which may last for a week or two.

Observe physical changes

You will be able to see physical changes on a pregnant dog about 2 to 3 weeks after conception. One of the first few signs that you will be able to see is nipple color change. An expecting dog's nipples will appear to be pinker than usual, more prominent and slightly swollen. It won't be until the 4th or 5th week of pregnancy that her belly will start to fill out and her waist will begin to thicken.

Noticing behavioral changes

The average female dog usually behaves the same and may only exhibit changes in behavior during the last 3 weeks of gestation. During this time, her belly becomes rounder and more distended and her nipples become more swollen. She may be more tired and sleepy during this period as it becomes more difficult to move around. You will notice a change in appetite - many preggy pets prefer eating small meals throughout the day instead of fewer, larger meals as their big belly can no longer accommodate them. Lastly, while some doggy mommas-to-be prefer being left alone and become quieter, many of them also become more clingy and affectionate to their owners during pregnancy.

Expecting puppies is an exciting time for any dog parent, but be sure to prioritize the mother while she is expecting as she might need you more than ever around this time.

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