How to Tell If a Dog is Pregnant

Knowing how to tell if a dog is pregnant may not be as difficult to determine as you may think. Of key importance is the fact that the earlier you can identify a pregnancy, the better chance you will have to care for her. You'll probably know exactly when she conceived if you have been breeding your dog in the hopes of having a litter. Your Veterinarian should be able to find out if she is pregnant within three weeks after a breeding attempt.

One of the most important keys to learning how to tell if a dog is pregnant is distinguishing warning signs such as decreased eating, appetite loss, an inflamed vulva, vaginal secretions and engorged nipples. But unless you have been expecting your dog to have a litter, you probably won't know she's pregnant until nearly six weeks into the pregnancy, when her abdomen begins to enlarge.

When you do discover that your dog is pregnant you should take your dog to the Veterinarian for an examination. At that time the vet will determine if she needs any unusual prenatal care other than the standard betterments to her diet. As she begins to progress, your dog will likely begin to sleep longer and eat more food to feed her growing puppies. Make sure that you keep her on a regular exercise schedule during the pregnancy because it is vital to make sure that she will be ready when it's time for the delivery.

As you begin to approach the last two weeks you should create a whelping box packed with velvety blankets while making sure that you don't leave her alone during the final days because she may require help when it's time to deliver her litter. The typical dog pregnancy lasts eight to nine weeks.

Step by step instructions for telling if your dog is pregnant.

Step 1: Be on the lookout for sudden changes in the dog's appetite because an early sign of pregnancy is a decreased appetite. This normally happens in the first week of the dog's pregnancy and after she progresses along her appetite will begin to increase.

Step 2: Be on the lookout for any changes in your dog's behavior. A reduction in activity may be a sign of pregnancy. You may also pay special attention to the level of your dog's affection because dogs react differently during pregnancy

Step 3: Check periodically to see if the dog's nipples increase in size because in the early stages of a dog's pregnancy her nipples will swell along with the tissue underneath the nipples.

Step 4: If you suspect the dog is pregnant look at her abdomen because a pregnant dog's abdomen looks firmer. The size of the abdomen will increase in size depending on the type of breed and how many puppies the dog is carrying.

Step 5: Feel the abdomen periodically to check for movement because any movement in the abdomen is a sure sign that your dog is pregnant.

Step 6: A pregnant dog makes a soft place to deliver puppies one or two days before she delivers so pay close care to whether she begins nesting. You may also notice periods of restlessness at this time. This is the final sign that she is pregnant.

Never press hard on a dog's abdomen if you suspect she is pregnant, gently feel the abdomen in a soft tender manner. If you implement all of these tips and steps you will be well on your way to knowing how to tell if a dog is pregnant.