If you own a female dog that hasn’t been spayed, there’s a possibility that she may become pregnant, especially after socializing with male canines. Since pets can’t verbalize changes in their health, it can be challenging to determine if your dog is expecting. Fortunately, if you keep a lookout for the following signs, you can tell if your pet is pregnant and seek support from a trusted animal hospital.

5 Common Signs of Pregnancy in Dogs

1. Changing Size

During the first few weeks of pregnancy, your dog’s size won’t change too much, but she’ll begin to gradually gain weight around the 35-day mark. Toward the later stage of the pregnancy, her abdomen will become noticeably extended.

2. Mucus Discharge

About a month after mating, your dog may develop a white mucus discharge around her genital area. This occurs when a mucus plug forms near the cervix as a way to naturally keep bacteria out of the uterus.

3. Strange Behaviors

Physical and hormonal changes prompted by pregnancy can cause your pet to experience a decrease in activity levels. Some may seek more attention from their owners, while others may prefer more alone time.

4. New Eating Habits

In the earlier stages of pregnancy, dogs may exhibit a decreased appetite. At around the fourth week, hormonal changes will prompt a form of morning sickness that may cause vomiting and require them to eat smaller meals.  Later in the pregnancy, your dog’s appetite will increase to provide additional nutrients for the growing pups.

5. Swollen, Rosy Nipples

As your dog’s body prepares to provide milk for the puppies, the teats will become enlarged and turn a darker color. In many cases, milk will eventually discharge from the nipples.

What to Do If You Think Your Dog Is Pregnant

As soon as you notice any signs that your dog may be pregnant, take her to an animal hospital for a checkup. Your veterinarian will confirm the pregnancy through physical examinations, a pet ultrasound, and blood tests.

Depending on how far along your pet is, the vet will recommend a variety of ways you can support your dog’s health, such as changing their diet. Future visits will be scheduled to keep track of the pregnancy and help you prepare for birth. If the litter appears too large, the animal hospital may schedule a C-section to safely deliver the puppies.

If you notice any of the above signs, bring your pet to Animal Health Center in Enterprise, AL. The animal hospital is led by Dr. Bruce Donaldson and Dr. Matthew Farris, and their experienced team uses state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment, offers 24/7 emergency services, and provides general surgical procedures. This full-service facility is 6,000 square feet and is equipped with examination, surgical, and emergency rooms as well as boarding and grooming areas. Walk-ins are welcome, but if you’d like to schedule an appointment, send a message online or call (334) 347-0544.