Is My Dog Pregnant?

An un-spayed dog can achieve pregnancy, regardless of age and breed, though it's vital to have a suspected pregnancy confirmed with a veterinarian, as canines are prone to a condition known as false pregnancy, when the female exhibits symptoms and behaviors that closely resemble an actual pregnancy. A full-term canine pregnancy is between 60 and 63 days.

Breeding

Breeding can occur in one of several ways. Any time sexual intercourse occurs, pregnancy is a possibility. In many cases, the dogs achieve a "tie" during the act of mating, where the male's penis remains inside the female's vagina for a period of approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Many owners mistakenly believe that this "tie" is necessary to achieve pregnancy, but this is simply not the case. A tie maximizes a dog's chances of achieving pregnancy, but it is not required.

The timing of the mating incident will also increase or decrease a female's chance of producing a litter, since the female is more likely to become impregnated at certain times in her cycle.

Multiple sires can also impregnate a female during one heat cycle, resulting in a litter of puppies with mixed parentage.

The Symptoms of Pregnancy

The signs and symptoms of pregnancy vary from dog to dog and the very same set of symptoms can also be present in a dog who is experiencing a false pregnancy, so a veterinary examination is the only way to positively confirm pregnancy.

On the outside, many dogs will appear to be pregnant until the final days of gestation. Behavior is often what alerts a dog owner to a possible pregnancy, though a physical examination and other measures, like a sonogram or "Repro Test" are the only definitive methods of confirming that a bitch is expecting a litter.

According to Dr. Michael Levine, DVM, the following symptoms are often seen in a pregnant canine:

- Increases or Decreases in Appetite

- Prominent, Swollen Nipples

- Lethargy and Increased Sleeping

- Clear Vaginal Discharge

- Firmness in the Abdominal Area

- "Nesting" Behaviors Like Digging and Rearranging Blankets

- Frequent Urination

- A Drop in Temperature (typically within 24 hours of delivery)

What Happens Next?

Pregnancy tests (performed any time after four weeks into the pregnancy), ultrasounds, and a physical examination are the most common methods to verify pregnancy.

If pregnancy is confirmed, regular visits to the vet will be required to monitor the health of the mother and her pups. Veterinarians are also a wealth of information and knowledge concerning the birthing process and can therefore instruct owners on how to assist their pet as delivery day approaches.

In the event that the pregnancy is posing a serious health risk to the mother, abortions can be performed to terminate the pregnancy. They are not typically performed unless a serious health threat exists, as the process carries its own set of risks and dangers.