How to Know Your Bitch is Pregnant

When it comes to keeping a female dog, owners are faced with an important decision that will influence her future greatly. I am of course referring to whether or not to have her fixed so she won't be able to throw litters. If you are not completely sure you won't be breeding with her at some point and want to leave that option open, you must get yourself familiar with the telltale signs of a pregnant dog.

I know you will think by yourself that you are a responsible dog owner and will make sure she won't go out when in heat, but if you have ever dealt with a dog in heat you will know how fast they can slip out of the house in just a split second so just be prepared.

In the early stages of pregnancy you can expect a decreased appetite. This normally happens in the first two weeks of pregnancy and they will make up for it during the rest of it. You can also see a decrease in activity; your pregnant dog will feel less energetic while her body starts to focus on gestation. A change in her nipples will also become visible. This is probably the biggest indicator of dealing with a pregnant dog, since her nipples will grow considerably and you will be able to feel some growth beneath the nipples as well in preparation of her milk production.

After the first few weeks you will find your dog's appetite will greatly increase and she will start gaining weight. Around the fourth week of pregnancy you can expect to see her belly will start to show and it will start to feel differently as well, firmer than before.

In the last weeks of her pregnancy her belly will be hard to miss and in smaller dogs can become so big that it actually starts dragging close to the ground when she is close to throwing her litter. You will know that birth is about to happen in a few days when her milk production is at full speed and small drops start to leak. At this same time you will already be able to feel the pups in her belly and sometimes even see them moving around.

The last signs that your dog is about to give birth to her pups is that she will be starting to prepare a nest for them. This will normally happen 1 or 2 days before she actually throws her litter and you will see her wanting to gather whatever she can find to build the puppy nursery.

These signs are of course indications of a normal pregnancy in dogs but if you want to make sure her trip around time during heat actually did get her pregnant you should consult with your veterinarian. Your vet can also give you all the proper information you need to know when it comes to caring for your pregnant dog and her future puppies.



By Danah Reed