Introduction
It’s commonly known that dogs often react to their owners being pregnant, but do male dogs behave differently than females? Dogs have a strong sense of smell and hearing, so they can detect changes in hormone levels and behavior early in the pregnancy.
While female dogs may have a more obvious reaction, like nesting and becoming more protective, males can also pick up on cues and will likely become more attentive and affectionate. Understanding how your male dog may behave during pregnancy, as your scent, routine, and relationships shift, can help you bond and prepare him for life with a newborn.
Scent Changes
A pregnant woman’s body chemistry changes dramatically during pregnancy and dogs are able to detect these changes through their highly developed sense of smell (1). Dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to only about 6 million in humans, making their sense of smell about 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than humans (2).
When a woman becomes pregnant, the hormones progesterone and estrogen increase significantly, and dogs can detect these hormonal changes even in the early stages of pregnancy. The scent of these hormones can change as the pregnancy progresses. Many dogs will be naturally drawn to, and curious about, these new scents (1).
Some studies suggest dogs are able to identify the specific scent signature of a pregnant woman as early as day one of fertilization, even before the woman herself is aware of the pregnancy. While more research is still needed, many dog owners report noticeable behavior changes in their dogs during early pregnancy stages (3).
Hormonal Changes
One of the most notable changes human pregnancy causes in male dogs is their ability to sense hormonal changes. A woman’s body undergoes many hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy as hormones like estrogen and progesterone rapidly increase. Given a dog’s incredible sense of smell, male dogs are able to detect even the subtlest change in a woman’s estrogen levels.
These hormonal changes can manifest in behavioral differences. Since estrogen is responsible for boosting moods and evoking maternal instincts in female mammals, some male dogs may pick up on the shifts and become more attentive and protective. They may even display nesting behaviors, gathering blankets and pillows to create comfortable spaces for the expecting mother. Male dogs also tend to be less aggressive and more docile around pregnant women. However, some dogs do react negatively to the hormonal changes, as the shift can make them anxious or irritable.
Nesting Instinct
The expectant mother starts nesting as her due date approaches. She becomes focused on cleaning, organizing, and preparing the home for the baby’s arrival. According to Healthline, dogs notice this change in behavior and the increase in activity around the home. The article states, “As your instinct to clean and organize kicks in, your dog will pick up on the change in your normal activities. Your dog’s instincts make them very good at picking up on even subtle changes in behavior and activity levels in the home” (source). The dog associates the nesting behavior with the preparation for a new family member.
Physical Changes
As a woman’s pregnancy progresses, dogs will notice the physical changes happening in her body, especially the growing baby bump. According to Healthline https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/can-dogs-sense-pregnancy, a dog’s sense of smell allows them to detect the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. The enlarging belly and fetal movements are quite obvious to dogs as the pregnancy develops.
Some dogs become more attentive and affectionate with their pregnant owner. They may guard and protect the belly area when people approach. Other dogs seem curious or confused by the expanding belly bump. They may constantly sniff at or nuzzle the woman’s stomach as if trying to understand the changes. Male dogs in particular may react to the physical changes by becoming more alert and active.
Energy Level Changes
As a woman’s pregnancy progresses, it’s common for her energy levels to fluctuate. The changes in a pregnant woman’s activity levels can affect dogs in several ways.
Many women experience fatigue and low energy during the first trimester as their body adjusts to the pregnancy. This often leads to less exercise and playtime with their dog. The decrease in activity can cause some dogs to become restless or anxious. According to the ASPCA, dogs require exercise and mental stimulation, so changes in their normal routine can be stressful.1
In the second trimester, a woman’s energy levels often increase, allowing her to be more active with her dog again. The return to normal exercise and play comes as a relief to many dogs. However, as the pregnancy progresses, a woman’s mobility may become limited. Less walks or play can cause boredom and frustration in some dogs.2
Finally, in the third trimester, fatigue often sets in again. The dog may once more need to adjust to decreased activity. Owners can help their dogs adapt by providing interactive toys, having someone else exercise the dog, or shortening but continuing walks if possible.
Attention Changes
The dog may get less attention during the pregnancy as the human mother focuses more on preparing for the baby [1]. Some dogs may feel anxious or jealous due to decreased attention from their owner [2]. The dog may start demanding more attention by barking, whining, or pushing his head onto the woman’s lap.
To ease this transition, the pregnant woman can set aside special one-on-one time to interact with the dog daily. Hand feeding, brushing, or playing with toys can help meet the dog’s needs for attention. Obedience training and new tricks are also great ways to engage the dog’s mind and strengthen the human-canine bond during this time. With patience and care, the woman can balance caring for both baby and fur baby.
Protectiveness
Some male dogs become more protective of the expectant mother during pregnancy. This is likely due to the dog’s ability to sense hormonal changes and scent changes in the woman. As noted in an article on WagWalking, “It’s common for dogs to become more alert or even protective of their pregnant owners.” The protectiveness may begin early in pregnancy or not until later trimesters as the belly grows.
In some cases, the protectiveness manifests as gentle herding where the dog stays close by the woman’s side. However, as shared in a Reddit thread, some dogs can become overly protective and aggressive, needing training to curb the behavior. The reasons likely involve the dog sensing changes and wanting to guard the vulnerable mother and future newborn.
Preparing for Baby
As the arrival of the baby approaches, dogs may notice more changes around the home as parents prepare for the new family member. It’s important to gradually introduce dogs to baby-related stimuli so they are not surprised or upset when the baby finally arrives.
Dogs may react when they first hear a baby crying or making noises from a recording. Let them investigate baby toys and accessories, like swings, carriers and strollers, so they become desensitized. Bring home blankets or clothing with the baby’s scent before the birth. Set up the crib and change table, and teach the dog these are off limits. Limit access to the baby’s room if possible.
In terms of routine, try to keep the dog’s schedule of feeds, walks and playtime consistent. Prepare places in your home where your dog can relax undisturbed when you are busy with the baby. Provide new chew toys and food puzzles with high-value treats to keep them engaged. The more gradual the transition, the better they will adapt.
Remember, do not leave dogs unsupervised with babies. Supervise all interactions, and ensure babies do not pull fur, tails or ears. With preparation and training, you can ensure a calm integration and minimize negative reactions when bringing your new baby home.
Conclusion
In summary, male dogs can undergo a number of behavioral changes when their human companion is pregnant. These changes are often driven by the dog’s ability to detect differences in smell, hormones, energy, and attention during the pregnancy. Common reactions include becoming more affectionate, protective, clingy, or aloof. Some dogs may start guarding the mother’s territory or showing signs of anxiety or restlessness as they adjust to the changes in routine and environment. Preparing your dog for the new arrival and keeping his needs met with exercise, attention, and reassurance can help ease the transition. While responses vary between individual dogs, being aware of the potential changes can help owners understand and meet their pet’s needs through this exciting life change.