If a dog has not been spayed, pregnancy is always a possibility. There is a distinct set of signs and symptoms that can suggest that a dog is pregnant. A visit to the veterinarian for an exam is the only sure-fire way to verify a dog's pregnancy, as some female dogs experience a false pregnancy which very closely mimics genuine canine pregnancy.
Achieving Pregnancy
Any time there is sexual contact between a male and female dog, there is a chance of pregnancy. In most cases, the male and female will lock together during intercourse for a period of time in what’s called a “tie.”
This tie is not necessary to achieve pregnancy – the tie serves to maximize the chances of pregnancy, but it’s by no means a requirement for fertilization to occur.
The timing of intercourse also plays a role, as the female dog is more fertile at certain times of her cycle.
Signs of Pregnancy
A full term pregnancy for a dog is, on average, between 60 and 63 days.
Visually, many dogs never “look” pregnant. Other dogs will appear pregnant, but only in the last days of pregnancy, so this is not a reliable method of determining pregnancy.
Instead, one should look to the dog’s behavior. Dr. Michael Levine, DVM, explained that the following signs are most commonly seen in pregnant canines:
- Increased Appetite
- Decreased Appetite
- Prominent Nipples
- Lethargy
- Increased Sleeping
- Clear Discharge from the Vagina
- A Firm Abdomen
- “Nesting” Behaviors
- More Frequent Urination
When birth is imminent, there is typically a decrease in appetite, an increase in nesting behaviors – digging and scratching at bedding, floors, etc. – along with restlessness, panting and salivation. And within about 24 hours of giving birth, the pregnant dog’s body temperature will drop by a couple of degrees.
Confirming a Dog’s Pregnancy
Pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and an exam are the most common methods to verify pregnancy.
Palpating the abdomen is one of the easiest and most reliable ways for a veterinarian to confirm if a dog is pregnant.
Ultrasounds – also known as a sonogram – can also confirm a dog's pregnancy, in addition to revealing the exact number of pups.
About four weeks into a dog’s pregnancy, a test known as a “Repro Test” can be performed to verify a suspected pregnancy. These tests are usually relatively inexpensive, costing an average of $50 to perform.
What If My Dog is Pregnant?
If a female dog is confirmed to be pregnant, regular veterinary visits will be necessary to monitor her health and the health of the pups.
Preparations will need to be made as delivery day approaches and a whelping box will need to be made available. Close monitoring and knowledge of the whelping process is vital to ensure the health of mom and her babies.
“Your veterinarian will provide you with a great deal of useful information when it comes to pregnancy and whelping and if you encounter any problems or if any questions arise, it’s always best to bring her in for an exam,” Dr. Levine explained, adding, “I always recommend keeping the number and address of a 24-hour emergency clinic available as well. Problems can arise and turn deadly very quickly during pregnancy and during the whelping process, so you really can’t delay when there’s an abnormality.”
If an owner decides to terminate the pregnancy, an abortion can be performed, though at serious risk to the mother’s health. Most owners typically decide to allow the pregnancy to reach its natural conclusion due to the risks associated with abortion.
