Often, a dog's pregnancy is difficult to detect, at least until the last few weeks of the nine-week pregnancy, when the belly is enlarged and clearly visible. The best way to confirm a dog's pregnancy is to take him to the vet, but it's definitely beneficial to know about his physical and behavioral changes. Pregnant dogs show signs of pregnancy in the early, middle and late stages of pregnancy.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Observing Physical Changes
Step 1. Notice if the color of the nipples changes
One of the earliest signs of a dog's pregnancy is when it suddenly "pinks." This refers to a change in her nipples, which appear to be more redder than usual, slightly swollen and protruding. This sign can develop for 2-3 weeks after mating.
Step 2. Be aware of any body changes
The body of a pregnant dog will not change until the second half of pregnancy. Between about 4-5 weeks her waist will start to thicken and her belly will enlarge.
Step 3. Do not rush to increase food rations
A pregnant dog should be given an increase in food portions in the late third half of her pregnancy, but many employers tend to rush to increase the feed ratio. As a result, the additional calories that occur will make fat accumulate in the stomach, which is often mistaken for a sign of pregnancy. It is impossible for ordinary people to determine whether the enlargement of the abdomen is due to the presence of a fetus, or simply fat.
Step 4. Keep an eye on the body changes that are still happening
By the end of the third half of gestation (6 to 9 weeks), the female's abdomen is rounded and distended. Her mammary glands begin to develop and become more and more distinctly swollen, as they are getting ready to produce milk.
Step 5. Watch and feel the movement of the puppy
By the end of the third half of your pregnancy, you may be able to see the female's sides moving as the puppy moves in the womb. If you place your palms by your side when you see the movement, you may be able to feel it too.
Don't be too disappointed if you don't feel anything. The puppies were deep in the womb, and each floated in a sac of fluid, so it was impossible to feel the outline of their bodies
Method 2 of 4: Observing Behavior Change
Step 1. Don't expect drastic changes
Every dog reacts differently to pregnancy. There are those who become calmer and get tired quickly in early pregnancy, but dogs who are sick are also more silent, so this sign should not be used as a predictor of pregnancy. The average female dog behaves the same way, as usual, until the end of the third half of gestation.
At the end of the third half of pregnancy, the dog's size makes it more difficult to move, and he tends to sleep more
Step 2. Watch for changes in appetite
At the end of pregnancy, the dog's uterus will grow larger and take up more space in the stomach. He won't be able to eat much, so he'll usually start wanting to snack, eating smaller portions at a time, but more often.
Step 3. Keep an eye on nesting activities
When it's almost time to give birth, the dog will probably start busy nesting. He will be seen collecting blankets or cloth in a secluded place, busy preparing a safe and warm environment to welcome the birth of his child.
To be precise, this nesting activity varies from 2-3 weeks to 2-3 days before birth
Method 3 of 4: Seeking Doctor's Diagnosis
Step 1. Visit the vet
If you suspect that your dog is pregnant, it's a good idea to take him to the vet to be sure. There are various ways that a veterinarian can do to confirm pregnancy.
Step 2. Perform a physical examination
The vet will examine the dog, feel and feel his stomach carefully. With the palpation method (feeling by palpating the outside of the stomach) the doctor can sometimes feel the condition of the uterus and the outline of the puppy's body inside. However, this method is much more difficult and not as easy as one might think because it's easy to mistake a puppy for dirt in the stomach, and vice versa.
The most ideal time to feel a dog's pregnancy is between days 28 to 35 days after conception. Before this time, the differences were not so obvious that doctors couldn't tell if a dog was pregnant. And, after this period, puppies in the womb can be mistaken for something else, such as food in the stomach
Step 3. Check the heart rate
In late pregnancy (the past 6 weeks), the vet can sometimes hear the fetal heartbeat by pressing the stethoscope against the dog's stomach. However, this method is more difficult than with human babies because it is hindered by the rustle of fur and the fact that the dog's stomach is rounded rather than flat.
Step 4. Do a blood test
The main standard of pregnancy test is when the doctor performs a blood test to look for the presence or absence of the pregnancy hormone called Relaxin.
- This hormone will only appear after the 28th day of pregnancy. If the test is done before this date, there is a chance of getting a misleading negative result, in which you think the dog is not pregnant, when in fact it is.
- A positive result at any time, even before day 28, is confirmation that the dog is indeed pregnant.
Step 5. Perform an ultrasound examination
The fastest method to confirm pregnancy is an ultrasound examination. Doctors can catch the puppy's presence on the scan screen from around day 16 onwards.
- If the dog is docile and calm, the scan can be done without anaesthesia.
- If it is thick, the operator must clamp the hair on the abdomen so that the touch device can touch the skin.
Step 6. Ask to do an x-ray test
With the more common use of ultrasound, the need for x-ray tests to confirm pregnancy is decreasing. The main reason for using x-ray tests on pregnant dogs at late gestation, is to count the number of puppies in the womb.
This information is helpful for dog owners to know if all the puppies were born safely. This test alerts the dog owner when the dog's labor stops, when in fact there is still a puppy left in the womb
Method 4 of 4: Diagnosing Early Signs of Pregnancy
Step 1. Be patient
A dog may not show any signs of pregnancy in the first 2-3 weeks (first trimester of pregnancy). His appetite remains normal.
Like humans, pregnant female dogs also suffer from morning sickness and vomiting, but not until about 21 days after mating. Usually lasts for 1-2 weeks. Also, on the 21st day, you can start to notice the condition of the gums. If the marriage is successful, the gums will be white instead of the usual pink. This is because the fetus is attached to the uterus and the blood in its body collects there. So, for a day or two, the gums will appear white. Don't worry. If this persists after 2 days, contact your veterinarian
Step 2. Observe the dog's mood swings
Some people first suspect their female dog is pregnant because she suddenly becomes calmer than usual, but this is more of a myth than fact. Pregnancy causes changes in hormone levels and this has different effects on each dog.
There are dogs who suddenly become calmer than usual, some are more affectionate and want to stick around, but some are even more distant and reluctant to be approached
Step 3. Watch for signs of pain
While changes in a dog's mood or behavior can mean pregnancy, the same signs can also indicate that he is not in good health. Therefore, you should watch closely to see if there are symptoms of illness such as decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, or discharge from the vagina.
If your dog has been bred but hasn't eaten after a few days or weeks, it's unlikely that the change in appetite is pregnancy-related. It's best if you go to the vet immediately. Similarly, if you notice any discharge from her vagina (because it's not normal during pregnancy) or if she likes to vomit regularly
Tips
- Make sure you're gentle with your dog's tummy, even if you're not sure if she's pregnant or not. Don't risk hurting the puppy inside.
- Some dogs experience "morning sickness". This is due to hormonal fluctuations. Also, it is normal for clear fluid to come out of the genitals during pregnancy. But if it smells bad, you should immediately take it to the vet.
Warning
- A female dog who is in labor and is not used to being held or touched will tend to bite, so be careful! Keep the puppy's “nest” or territory out of the reach of children and strangers.
- False pregnancies are common in dogs. A few weeks after being in heat, a dog may display signs of pregnancy, such as enlarged nipples and increased appetite, but is not actually pregnant. Get your dog checked by the vet to confirm the pregnancy.
