How to Tell Pregnancy in Dogs
Determining if your dog is pregnant may be tricky at first. Veterinarians don't typically test the blood or urine to diagnose early pregnancy. Rather, dog owners usually rely on certain physical and behavioral changes to detect early pregnancy. Later in pregnancy, a veterinarian may use a physical examination and other tests as part of the diagnostic process.
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Instructions
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Recognize Pregnancy Signs
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1
Note whether your dog is gaining weight unexpectedly. According to the Claws and Paws Veterinary Hospital, this may not be noticeable until your dog is at least five weeks pregnant. Even then, it may be easiest to notice early weight gain in dogs that are carrying many puppies.
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2
Take your dog to the vet if you suspect pregnancy. Around the fourth or fifth week of pregnancy, your vet may be able to feel her abdomen and determine whether she is pregnant. However, this sort of examination isn't 100-percent accurate.
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3
Allow your veterinarian to perform an X-ray after you think your dog has been pregnant for around six weeks. Veterinarians can use X-rays to figure out how many puppies are in the litter.
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4
Pay attention to your dog's mammary glands, which are organs that produce milk. You may notice enlargement around the fifth week of pregnancy, although it may become more obvious after your dog has been pregnant for around 45 days.
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5
Monitor your dog's appetite. A decrease in appetite is an early sign of pregnancy. Your dog may also seem more tired than usual or more affectionate.
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Watch for changes in your dog's behavior. Your dog may show signs of restlessness toward the last few weeks of pregnancy, and she may seek out secluded places. When birth is just a few days away, she may even go to the bathroom inside the house rather than waiting to go outside.
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Realize that your dog may exhibit mothering activity. She may mother or take care of toys, shoes and other items.
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Notice whether your dog attempts to build a nest for birthing her puppies. She may tear papers or blankets to cushion her nest.
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Be alert for signs of irritability in the last two weeks of pregnancy.
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Tips & Warnings
According to PetPlace.com, a dog may be pregnant for 58 to 68 days.
According to Dog-Obedience-Training-Review.com, a sustained temperature drop of about 3 to 4 degrees Fahrenheit to between 97 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit may indicate that your dog will deliver in about 24 hours.
Watch your dog around small children and keep her away from them, if necessary, during the last two weeks of pregnancy. She may be irritable and more likely to growl or even snap at them.
