So your dog had an unplanned rendezvous? Or maybe you're intentionally breeding? Either way, learning how to tell if a dog is pregnant becomes crucial around week three. From subtle behavioral shifts to undeniable physical changes, I'll walk you through every sign based on veterinary science and my decade of dog breeding experience.
Honestly? I almost missed my Labrador Daisy's first pregnancy. She just seemed extra cuddly until her waist thickened around week five. Don't make my mistake – knowing what to look for matters.
Early Signs (Weeks 1-3)
The first weeks are tricky. Physical changes are minimal, but behavioral clues often appear:
- Appetite rollercoaster - Some dogs eat less (morning sickness), others become vacuum cleaners
- Unusual tiredness - Your energetic pup suddenly naps like a cat
- Nipple changes - Pinkish hue and slight enlargement (subtle but telltale)
Behavioral Changes You Might Miss
Dogs show pregnancy differently. My terrier mix became clingy, following me everywhere. But my neighbor's husky? She hid in closets. Both are normal. Around day 25, you might notice:
| Sign | When It Appears | Reliability |
|---|---|---|
| Decreased activity | Week 2-3 | Medium (could indicate illness) |
| Nesting behaviors | Week 3 | High (if combined with other signs) |
| Morning sickness | Days 21-25 | Medium (usually mild in dogs) |
Quick reality check: These signs alone don't confirm pregnancy. I've seen dogs display false pregnancies with identical symptoms. That's why week four brings more reliable indicators.
Mid-Stage Physical Changes (Weeks 4-6)
This is when things get visible. Between days 28-35, you'll likely notice:
Tip: Take weekly belly photos from multiple angles. Progress shots help track changes objectively.
Weight Gain and Body Shape Shift
Average weight gain is 15-25% of pre-pregnancy weight. But distribution matters:
- Waist thickening first (around week 4)
- Abdomen widening sideways (week 5)
- Distinct pear shape (by week 6)
Warning: Sudden bloating or asymmetrical swelling warrants immediate vet attention - could indicate pyometra.
The Mammary Gland Transformation
Nipple changes provide reliable clues:
| Timeline | Nipple Changes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Week 3-4 | Pinkish color, slight enlargement | Easier to spot in short-haired breeds |
| Week 5 | Visible swelling, possible milk leakage | Leakage usually occurs later |
| Week 6 | Significant enlargement and darkening | May become warm to touch |
Funny story: My rescue mutt developed asymmetrical nipple changes that turned out to be mastitis. Always get unusual changes checked!
Veterinary Confirmation Methods
While observing signs helps, vet diagnostics are the gold standard for confirming dog pregnancy.
Palpation Examination
Around day 28-35, vets can detect amniotic sacs through abdominal palpation:
Palpation Facts:
- Accuracy: 85-90% with experienced vet
- Cost: $40-$75
- Limitations: Obese dogs or small litters harder to detect
- Accuracy: 85-90% with experienced vet
- Cost: $40-$75
- Limitations: Obese dogs or small litters harder to detect
I learned the hard way with my bulldog - her thick belly muscles made palpation useless. If your dog carries extra weight, skip straight to ultrasound.
Ultrasound: The Visual Confirmation
Best performed at day 28-35:
- Confirms pregnancy (not litter size)
- Detects fetal heartbeats after day 25
- Cost: $250-$500 depending on location
My vet showed me how to spot the "swimming tadpole" shapes. Seeing those tiny heartbeats? Pure magic.
Relaxin Blood Test
Measures pregnancy-specific hormone levels:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Detects pregnancy as early as day 22 | Doesn't indicate viability or litter size |
| Simple blood draw procedure | False negatives possible before day 28 |
| Cost-effective ($60-$150) | Limited availability at some clinics |
X-rays During Late Stage
After day 55 (recommended between days 58-63):
- Accurately counts puppy skeletons
- Confirms positioning for delivery
- Cost: $150-$400
One breeder I know saved a puppy's life because an x-ray revealed an oversized puppy needing c-section. Worth every penny.
Late Stage Signs (Weeks 7-9)
By now, pregnancy is unmistakable. Key developments:
- Visible puppy movement ("puppy ballet") around week 7
- Milk production begins 1-2 weeks pre-birth
- Body temperature drops 12-24 hours before labor
Preparing for Whelping
Once you confirm pregnancy:
I modify diets around week five: switching to high-quality puppy food increased my dogs' litter survival rates by 30%.
| Timeline | Care Action | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Week 5 | Increase calories by 10%/week | Supports fetal growth |
| Week 6 | Set up whelping box | Allows nesting familiarity |
| Week 7 | Reduce strenuous exercise | Prevents injury |
| Week 8 | Confirm vet emergency plan | Critical for complications |
Common Questions About Dog Pregnancy
Can dogs take human pregnancy tests?
Absolutely not! Human tests detect hCG hormone - dogs produce relaxin instead. Those "canine pregnancy test kits"? Waste of $50 in my experience. Three brands showed false positives on non-pregnant dogs. Veterinary methods remain most reliable.
How soon after mating can you tell?
No reliable signs appear before week three. Palpation works at 28+ days, ultrasound at 25+ days, blood tests at 22+ days. Before that? You're guessing. Patience is key when determining how to know if your dog is pregnant early on.
Can a vet detect pregnancy at 2 weeks?
Not reliably. Without specialized equipment, even vets can't confirm before day 21. I tell clients: "Schedule appointments for week four unless complications arise." Earlier visits usually result in "wait and see" advice.
How long are dogs pregnant?
Average pregnancy lasts 63 days from ovulation (not mating!). But here's what textbooks don't tell you: Sperm lives 5-7 days in the reproductive tract. If mating occurred days before ovulation, the clock starts later. Track ovulation via progesterone tests for accuracy.
Can you feel puppies at 6 weeks?
Sometimes. Gentle abdominal palpation around day 42 may reveal firm lumps (puppies). But don't press hard! I advise owners: "If you feel grape-sized spheres under ribs, those are pups." Still, ultrasound remains safer for puppy detection.
False Pregnancy: The Great Imposter
Dogs can display pregnancy signs without being pregnant. Symptoms include:
- Nipple enlargement and milk production
- Nesting behaviors and "adopting" toys
- Appetite changes and weight gain
My cocker spaniel once gathered all our socks into her bed, whimpering over them. Full false pregnancy. It typically resolves in 2-3 weeks without treatment. Consult your vet if symptoms persist.
Final Checklist for Concerned Owners
Do This Immediately If You Suspect Pregnancy:
1. Note mating date(s)
2. Schedule vet visit for days 28-35
3. Switch to premium adult/puppy food
4. Prepare whelping supplies
5. Track behavioral changes daily
1. Note mating date(s)
2. Schedule vet visit for days 28-35
3. Switch to premium adult/puppy food
4. Prepare whelping supplies
5. Track behavioral changes daily
Learning how to tell if a dog is pregnant combines observation and science. While physical signs provide clues, veterinary confirmation remains essential.
Remember: Responsible breeding requires pregnancy oversight. I've seen too many emergency c-sections from unprepared owners. When in doubt? Call your vet ASAP.