Figuring out a dog’s pregnancy in the initial days is a close to impossible task, as there are no apparent signs. In this blog, we will understand dog pregnancy symptoms week-by-week. With the help of this blog, you will be able to figure out the pregnancy of your dog better. Also, you will know a few details which will help you in managing your pet’s pregnancy better. So, let’s begin.
Dog’s pregnancy is a pretty exciting subject to understand. The female dog who is expecting, undergoes many hormonal and developmental changes during the period.{4} You may notice a fluctuation in the appetite, weight, and energy levels; and there are many other symptoms that may signal that your pet is pregnant.
If you want to find out your dog’s due date, try this free tool: Dog Pregnancy Calculator
Usually, the average duration of a dog’s gestation is 8 to 9 weeks. Just like trimesters in human pregnancy, we may call these stages here for dogs, where each stage comprises 3 weeks. You may notice no or a few signs of pregnancy in the first stage. Let us understand the symptoms of pregnancy in a dog, right from week 1 to week 9.{2}{5}
Stage 1 (Upto 3 Weeks)
This is the early stage of a dog’s pregnancy. During the initial 2 weeks, it is hard to see any symptoms, apart from a slight weight gain. The dog continues with its normal routine and eating habits. They will play with you, take a walk as usual. Usually, with the starting of the 3rd week, the dog who is expecting will start showing some signs of pregnancy such as morning sickness, tiredness, etc.{2}
Do you know that sometimes dogs show fake symptoms of pregnancy? Find all about it here: Phantom Pregnancy In Dogs
You might also like this: How To Tell If A Dog Is Pregnant
Stage 2 (4 to 6 Weeks)
As the dog reaches her 4th week of pregnancy, she may vomit more often and start experiencing nausea. It is the perfect time (between day 28 to day 35) to ask a vet to confirm the pregnancy, as an experienced vet can feel the embryo by just slightly palpating the abdomen. The other adopted procedures for pregnancy confirmation are ultrasound and blood tests.{2}
Week 5 is also the starting of the next level of the dogs’ gestation cycle, where the embryo is converted to foetuses. The dog may start showing behavioural changes such as mood swings, changes in personality, etc along with some weight gain and increased appetite. Around day 30, you may also notice a clear mucoid discharge from her vulva.{1}{4}
When the dog enters her 6th week of pregnancy, her belly size continues to grow. The increment in belly size depends on the number and size of puppies in her litter. Moreover, you might notice that the belly layer has become more rigid. At this time, she may start feeling more sleepy and develop more affectionate behaviour.{1}{5}
Stage 3 (Weeks 7 to 9)
This is the last stage of the dog’s gestation cycle. By this time, she may start showing a sudden drop in her energy levels. The clear signs of pregnancy during this period are swollen breast tissues, darkened and enlarged nipples. You may also notice the leakage of cloudy milk from their nipples. This is the most exciting stage of the overall gestation period, as it is easy to see and feel the movement of foetuses in her belly.{5}{2}
The puppies are developed completely by the 8th week. The dog may start feeling nervous and searches for a lonely place to give birth to the puppies. As you notice nesting behaviour in a dog, provide her with a whelping box with some privacy.{1}
Over the 9th week, the puppies stop moving in the abdomen as they are ready to come out into the world. The dog may feel more restless during the last 1 or 2 days of her pregnancy and she may randomly start digging, shivering, panting, and pacing. Her body temperature might fall a little suddenly one day; exactly that is the time when your pet is all set to deliver her puppies.{5}{3}
If your dog is pregnant or you doubt anything about her health, you may find DuePet’s app very helpful.
Download DuePet’s iOS App Now Download DuePet’s Android App Now
FAQs
You can start feeling the puppies in a pregnancy dog’s belly after around 5 weeks.
Yes, but only a vet can find out about pregnancy at 3 weeks with the help of ultrasound or blood test.
Sources
- https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/health-care/dog-neutering-spaying/how-long-are-dogs-pregnant
- https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/signs-dog-pregnant#1
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/how-long-are-dogs-pregnant/
- https://www.petmoo.com/dogs/dog-pregnancy/
- https://dogs.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Canine_Gestation
