Is My Dog Knocked Up?

It is not always obvious to detect when your dog is pregnant or whelping (a dog-specific term for birthing). She won’t be “late” and there aren’t exactly home pregnancy kits you can shop for at the drugstore for her. Besides, it would be pretty rough to get her to pee on a stick. The most definite way to know if you’ll have newborn puppies in your home before long is to take a trip to the veterinarian’s office. A basic blood test and X-ray is all that is necessary. But if your female dog is not spayed and you deduce that she may be pregnant, there are some signs and symptoms that you can keep an eye on on your own.

Is she acting any differently? If your dog is characteristically on the go but presently doesn’t have a lot of energy, that’s one sign she may be pregnant. If she has a hard time getting peaceful or resting, this can be a clue. She may also become more aggressive about her territory.

Watch for vaginal discharge, this is an expected symptom of pregnancy.

Watch your dog’s eating program. Is she eating on a regular basis? If she has a decreased appetite or isn’t showing as much consideration to her food as usual, she could be having morning sickness.

A female dog’s nipples will become engorged in preparation for nursing her pups.

Watch your dog’s stomach to see if it appears bloated or swollen. This happens part of the way through the pregnancy. You may even be able to tenderly feel for the puppies as well.

Your dog may not want to be in the region of people or animals as much as usual, but she wants her own space.

Your dog might begin “nesting,” or getting prepared for the delivery and care of the puppies. She may scuff at the floor or the blankets as if to fluff them.

How to prevent symptoms for dogs pregnancy:

If your dog isn’t pregnant, and you don’t wish for puppies in the future, there is a clear-cut answer. As Bob Barker often said, “Have your pet spayed or neutered.” Mobile pet clinics are making this more practically priced and handy every day.

If you are anticipating for your dog to give birth in your home you will want to help make her stress-free. Provide her with a few older blankets in a calm, quiet area. You may want to have ample newspaper on hand as well. Dogs normally prefer dark and quiet places to birth, which is most likely why most births happen at night. The labor can last somewhere from 2 to 6 hours. Make sure she is getting a balanced diet, including plenty of vitamins and minerals so she has enough strength and energy for this process.