Taking care of pregnant dogs can be quite different from what we normally do with dogs that are not pregnant. Soon-to-be mothers require more specialized care and attention. Also, there are several things to prepare in order to welcome the new pups. But before you start preparing a new kennel, you’d want to make sure first that your dog is actually pregnant.
Here are six signs of dog pregnancy, according to Noah’s Ark Veterinary Hospital.
Decreased Activity
If your dog gets tired easily and spends more time napping, this can be a sign that she is pregnant. For dogs that are usually energetic, a significant decrease in activity should be taken seriously. For dogs that enjoy snoozing all day, it may be quite difficult to notice this decrease in energy.
Changes in Appetite
A pregnant dog’s appetite can fluctuate in different ways, depending on the stage of pregnancy. Early or midway into the pregnancy, your dog may eat less or even vomit occasionally. However, there may be times she will eat more than usual and be dissatisfied with her meals. Like how pregnant women are, this is because of changing hormones.
Unusual Behavior
Pregnancy can cause your dog’s behaviour to change. For instance, she may seek the comfort of her owner more often. She might spend more time at your side, looking for extra attention. Sometimes, she might seek isolation and not wish to be bothered or even seem depressed and irritable.
Enlarged or Discolored Nipples
Pregnancy causes a dog’s nipples to grow in size during the early stages of pregnancy. The areolas also become somewhat rounded compared to their usual flatness. You may also notice a change in color, turning a slightly darker red than normal. Later in the pregnancy, her nipples may occasionally leak milk.
Weight Gain and Enlarged Abdomen
As time passes by, your dog’s abdomen will expand in size because of the puppies growing. This can be one of the clearest indicators of a dog’s pregnancy, especially if your dog has no other reason for sudden weight gain. However, this occurs relatively late in the pregnancy.
Nesting Behaviors
This usually occurs during the last few weeks of pregnancy. You may notice your dog begins to shred bedding and other available materials to create a nest. She may also become irritable and reclusive during this time.
Do you notice these signs in your dog? Read the full article here for more details.