How to Tell if Dogs are Pregnant?

For experienced dog owners, it's really easy to detect the female dog pregnancy symptoms. But for the first timers, difficulties may arise and they don't really know how to tell if their dog is pregnant and what changes to look out for. 

So, we bring to you the information on how you can discover the first sign of dog pregnancy and how to go about the dog prenatal check-ups.

Female Dog Pregnancy Symptoms

Here are 9 ways to tell if a dog is pregnant:

#1. Pregnancy Tests

If you suspect she is pregnant, don't go for purchasing human pregnancy tests. Buy the one suitable for dogs and perform the test for confirmation.

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#2. Appetite Variances

Usually, your female dog's eating habits may change while she is pregnant. Not all, but a few start losing their appetite.

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#3. Vaginal Discharge

One of the significant dog pregnancy signs is experiencing vaginal discharge and a majority of them go through this. Seek veterinary help, in case vaginal bleeding occurs during the gestation period.

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#4. Behavioural Changes

She would stoop to her energy levels in case of pregnancy. However, a female who's unwell may also want to rest, so this makes an unreliable sign. Dogs maintain the same kind of behavior throughout their pregnancy.

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#5. Enlarging Abdomen

As the pups grow inside the womb, it's obvious for her belly to get enlarged. This is the most significant dog pregnancy signs.

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#6. Mammary Glands

How to tell if a dog is pregnant? Check her nipples as they start becoming rosy in color and also get swollen. This symptom starts to show in the third or fourth week of pregnancy.

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#7. Puppy Movements

Ways to tell if a dog is pregnant? Firmly place your palm flat on her side where you see the nipples and you'll be able to feel the wriggling pups inside the belly. Don't feel disappointed if nothing feels. Each of the pups is floating in the fluid sac so it's not always possible to feel them on the outside.

(Image Courtesy: Knoxville Veterinary Clinic)

#8. Get Professional Help

Still if you unable to find how to tell if a dog is pregnant? Go for dog prenatal check-ups. Visit an expert veterinarian to confirm your suspicion. He/ she may check for the dog's heart beat, undertake physical examinations, have an ultrasound/ X-ray and/ or perform blood tests for better diagnosis.

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#9. Keep A Check On Her Gums

Upon successful mating, the first sign of dog pregnancy is to watch out for her gums. On the 21st day, her gums might turn white from the usual pinkish color. This means her fetus' are attaching in the uterus and her body blood is collecting there. For a day or two, the sign gets visible, but disappears thereafter.

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How Long Are Dogs Pregnant?

For the initial one to three weeks, there aren't any particular dog pregnancy signs or symptoms. However, dog pregnancies are often estimated to last for around nine weeks which is almost 2 months. These 9 weeks equal to 9 months in humans. Each week corresponds to 1 month in human pregnancies. After 9 weeks you should be prepared for everything beforehand. Comprehend all the in and outs about her, and don't get surprise gifts.

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