How to Tell If Your Dog Is Pregnant - Without a Vet

Have your dog spayed at the age of four to six months so she cannot get pregnant.

With the pet overpopulation explosion and an estimated four million dogs and cats being euthanized every year, the responsible thing to do is have your dog spayed so she can't get pregnant. If you have allowed your intact female dog to become impregnated, it is your responsibility to find homes for the puppies and have your dog spayed as soon as medically feasible. If you are wondering if she is, in fact, pregnant, a veterinarian will be able to confirm that. There are, however, some clues you can watch for until you get your dog to a doctor.

Instructions

1. 

   As her pregnancy progresses, your dog may begin to show some "nesting instincts."

   Monitor your dog's general behavior. Often the first signs of pregnancy in dogs is a dramatic change in their overall behavior. A pregnant female dog will tend to be agitated and seem anxious. She may also become irritated easily and shy away from the touch.

2. 

   Pregnant dogs experience a kind of morning sickness.

   Watch for vomiting. A pregnant dog has a kind of "morning sickness" just like humans do. Her agitation will usually stop when the vomiting begins. This nausea and vomiting may cause her to lose her appetite for the time being. Not all dogs experience this symptom.

3. 

   Check her vulva and nipples for discharge and swelling.

   Check her nipples. Look for redness and swelling of the nipples. As she gets further along, the nipples will take on a red or pinkish hue. They will also become puffy and more pronounced. There may also be a vaginal discharge.

4. 

   Some dogs, especially the brachycephalic breeds, need medical intervention.

   Palpate your dog's abdomen. You will notice swelling in her stomach area and as she progresses you may even be able to feel the puppy fetuses.

5. 

   If your dog is putting on weight quickly, she may be pregnant.

   Weigh your dog. Her weight will increase 20 to 50 percent during pregnancy.

Tips & Warnings

• The only sure way to tell if your dog is pregnant is to get her to the vet.

• Once a dog's pregnancy is well underway, it is not safe to spay her or abort the puppies. Her blood loss could lead to death.

• Some breeds and mixed breeds require a Cesarean section or medical intervention for the health of the mother.

References

• Pets: Pregnancy and Dogs, Is My Dog Pregnant?
• Vetinfo: How To Tell If Your Dog is Pregnant
• Ask a Breeder: 9 Signs Your Dog is Pregnant
• Purina: Is Your Dog Pregnant?
• Humane Society of the United States: Pet Overpopulation