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When examining pregnant dogs, vets may be able to feel the puppies moving as early as 5 weeks. Owners can often feel the puppies at around 6 weeks onward, while at 7 weeks, they may even see the puppies move under the mother’s skin. This will partly depend on the breed and size of the dog, however.
At 6 weeks, the growing pups are 45mm or larger and have developed sex organs. Near 7 weeks, the puppies are even bigger, and their skeletons are almost fully developed.
If you want to feel for the pups, place your flat palm softly against your dog’s abdomen and wait patiently for the puppies to adjust their position. Do not be tempted to push the mother’s belly with your fingers since this can cause harm to the puppies and cause the mother discomfort. Furthermore, avoid stressing your dog too much by feeling her abdomen; if she is not comfortable with you touching this area to try to feel the puppies, don’t persist.
A Dog’s Stages of Heat
Most female dogs come into heat twice a year. The first sign is a swollen vulva, though bloody discharge is often the more noticeable sign. During this initial stage of the heat cycle (proestrus), females will attract males for around 9 days, though they will not allow mating.
In the second stage (estrus), which usually lasts between 5 and 9 days, females will attract males and allow mating. Once this second stage is over, the female will no longer attract or allow mating.
A female dog can become pregnant at any time during this second phase of heat. Nevertheless, sperm from the male dog can stay in the female’s reproductive tract for up to 7 days. So, it is difficult to know exactly when your dog becomes pregnant.
Conception Date
There is a significant time window when conception could have occurred, so the day of mating may not be the date that the dog becomes pregnant. A dog’s pregnancy lasts around 63 days from ovulation. Since sperm can live for up to 7 days within the female’s reproductive tract and eggs can remain fertile for up to 2 days, it can be hard to predict the exact length of a pregnancy and the due date unless ovulation tests are done.
How to Tell If Your Dog Is Pregnant
It can be a little challenging to know whether your dog has become pregnant in the early stages. The only way to be sure is to consult a vet. Depending on the likely stage of pregnancy, they will conduct a physical exam and may perform a hormone test, ultrasound, or X-ray to confirm the pregnancy.
The earliest that a vet can confirm whether your dog is pregnant is around 3 to 4 weeks of pregnancy. They can conduct an ultrasound or a hormone test to determine whether she has pups around 25–30 days after mating.
When your dog is 3 to 5 weeks pregnant, the vet might be able to feel for puppies by examining her abdomen. How easy this is will depend on the size and shape of your dog, though.
The 5 Signs of Pregnancy
As your dog’s pregnancy progresses, there are certain signs that will become more obvious.
1. A Larger Belly
Like humans, pregnant dogs will have enlarged abdomens as the pregnancy progresses. But keep in mind that a large, round tummy can also sometimes be a sign of a medical issue.
2. Increased Appetite
Keep an eye on any changes in your dog’s appetite. A pregnant dog may eat more than usual, especially in the second half of her pregnancy. Like some humans, a pregnant dog may also experience morning sickness that causes her to vomit and lose her appetite in the early stages of pregnancy. But unlike humans, morning sickness in a pregnant dog usually only lasts for a few days.
3. Changes to Nipples and Mammary Glands
The nipples usually look slightly larger and pinker around 2 to 3 weeks after conception. The mammary glands themselves (breasts) usually start to enlarge around the 5th week of pregnancy, but milk is not usually produced until a few days before delivery.
4. Weight Gain
As she progresses through her pregnancy, the dog’s weight will begin to rise. A healthy dog with the right nutrition will gain around 15–20% of her weight prior to breeding.
5. Change in Behavior
Pregnant dogs can experience significant behavior changes. Some are clingier than usual and seek comfort from their owners, while others may be more irritable, especially when whelping time approaches.
In the last few weeks of the pregnancy, you may notice your dog starting to “nest,” or seeking out a safe place to have her puppies. She may move bedding around or shred materials.
Note that dogs can also experience a phantom pregnancy (also known as a false pregnancy or pseudopregnancy), where they display a few of the signs of pregnancy but are not actually pregnant. Your dog may have swollen nipples and mammary glands, show nesting behavior, and even produce milk, but she is not carrying any pups. For most dogs with mild false pregnancy signs, no treatment is needed. However, if your dog is obviously unwell or the behavioral changes are severe, consult with a vet.
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The 3 Tips for Caring for a Pregnant Dog
Once you have confirmed that your dog is pregnant, you should take steps to ensure that she remains healthy throughout her pregnancy.
1. Proper Nutrition
One of the most crucial things you can do for your pregnant dog is to make sure she gets proper nutrition. If your dog is currently on a good quality dog diet and is in a healthy condition, you may not have to make changes to her food for the first two-thirds of her pregnancy. Overfeeding during pregnancy can also be harmful, leading to obesity, stress on the puppies, and difficulties in labor.
You should follow a vet’s advice, but it is usually recommended to serve puppy food that is high in energy and key nutrients and easily digestible, starting from week 6 of your dog’s pregnancy. Multiple small meals throughout the day are best, as the rapidly growing puppies don’t leave much room for the mother’s gastrointestinal tract.
2. Exercise
Regular exercise is vital for your pregnant dog to keep her fit, but you should avoid strenuous activities. As her abdomen enlarges and she gets nearer to whelping, she won’t need or want as much exercise. Allow her to rest more if she seems tired as she gets toward the end of her pregnancy.
3. Veterinary Care
Vet visits before, during, and after your dog’s pregnancy are essential to keep your dog and her developing puppies healthy. A vet can make sure your dog is up to date with her vaccinations before breeding. This way, she can pass on antibodies in her milk to her puppies.
The vet will also be able to run fecal tests and prescribe dewormers (if appropriate) that are safe for use during pregnancy.
Signs Your Dog Is Going Into Labor
You need to be prepared for whelping well before your dog is in labor. Here are a few signs that your dog is preparing to give birth imminently:
- Restlessness
- Panting
- Hiding away
- Nesting
- Eating less
Conclusion
Your dog’s pregnancy is an exciting time, and hopefully, it will go without complications. However, it is crucial to have the support of a veterinarian to perform tests, examine the pups, and make sure all is well before birth. Keep in mind that it may not be easy to see or feel the puppies moving in all pregnant dogs, as it partly depends on their size and shape. So, don’t be anxious if they are not as visible as you expected in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Reach out to a veterinarian if you have any concerns relating to your dog’s pregnancy.
Featured Image Credit: Anna Hoychuk, Shutterstock
