Dog Pregnancy Week by Week

The first sign that your dog may be pregnant is a change in her appetite. Most dogs will start eating more food than usual during pregnancy, so it’s a good idea to monitor your dog’s food intake. In addition, you may notice that she begins to gain weight or looks bloated due to the extra fluid retention common in pregnancy. 

Another sign of pregnancy in dogs is behavioural changes such as increased restlessness, irritability or clinginess. She may also seem more affectionate than usual, seeking out more cuddles and attention from you than normal. 

Behavioural changes are often accompanied by physical changes like swollen nipples and an enlarged abdomen. If your dog appears to be getting larger around the midsection and has darkened nipples, this could indicate that she’s pregnant. 

Of course, the most accurate way to determine whether your dog is pregnant is through testing. Your veterinarian can conduct a simple blood test or ultrasound exam – a blood test can detect hormone levels that are elevated during pregnancy, while an ultrasound can show images of developing puppies inside the uterus after about three weeks of gestation. 

Alternatively, they may perform abdominal palpation. By feeling the abdomen, a veterinarian can assess whether a dog is pregnant or not, as well as determine how far along she is in her pregnancy.

It’s important to note that abdominal palpation isn’t always 100 percent accurate and should never replace other diagnostic tests. However, it remains one of the most reliable methods available and with proper training and experience can offer valuable insight into a dog’s condition prior to birth.