Introduction
During the course of canine pregnancy, a dog’s belly will go through many changes as her body adjusts to the growing puppies inside. Knowing what is normal during each phase of pregnancy can help owners monitor their dog’s health and identify potential issues early. This article will go through the key physical changes to expect in a pregnant dog’s belly, from early signs of pregnancy through late term when the puppies are ready for delivery. Learning to read your dog’s body and understand what is normal versus abnormal can give dog owners peace of mind that their pregnant pooch is progressing smoothly.
Early Pregnancy (Weeks 1-3)
In the first few weeks of pregnancy, there may be subtle signs that your dog is expecting puppies. According to Embassy Lakes Animal Hospital, you may notice the dog’s nipples becoming enlarged and pinker in color during the first 2-3 weeks. Appetite changes are also common, with some dogs eating less and others eating more. The dog’s belly will not yet look noticeably enlarged at this early stage.
According to Baldivis Veterinary Hospital, other signs in the first 3 weeks include lethargy, acting reclusive, and nesting behavior such as shredding bedding and rearranging blankets. Vomiting and changes in stool can occur as well. However, these signs are all subtle and easy to miss in early pregnancy. You’ll need to look for more definitive signs as the pregnancy progresses.
Mid Pregnancy
Around weeks 4-6 of pregnancy, there will be noticeable belly growth as the puppies develop rapidly during this stage. The mother dog’s abdomen will become distinctly swollen. According to Revival Animal, “Your dog’s teats will enlarge noticeably…You may also notice them ‘pinking-up’ as her mammaries prepare to produce milk.” The dog’s appetite will likely increase to support the nutritional needs of the growing puppies. She may exhibit nesting behaviors like shredding paper or blankets. The dog’s energy levels may start to decrease as well. Some behavioral changes like increased affection or clinginess are also common around this stage based on information from Baldivis Vet.
Late Pregnancy
In the late stages of pregnancy from around day 45 onwards, you will notice some major physical changes as your dog enters the final trimester before delivery (Senior Tail Waggers). The most obvious change is the rapidly expanding belly. Your dog’s belly will become very large, elongated and swaying as the puppies take up more room. Her nipples will also enlarge and redden in preparation for nursing.
As your dog nears delivery, she will start looking for a place to nest and give birth. She may dig around or move bedding materials. Allow her to choose her own nesting spot to feel comfortable and secure. Reduce stress by keeping her environment calm. Take her outside regularly for bathroom breaks. Limit exercise to short gentle walks to accommodate the heavy pregnant belly. Provide nourishing food and plenty of fresh water.
In the final week, monitor your dog closely for signs of impending labor like restlessness, pacing, panting, shivering and loss of appetite (Dog Pregnancy Week by Week Images). Prepare a whelping box with blankets in a warm quiet area. Have emergency phone numbers handy in case you need veterinary assistance. Get ready to welcome the puppies soon!
Hardness
As the pregnancy progresses, the belly will gradually become harder and firmer as the puppies grow inside. Generally, the belly should feel fairly firm throughout pregnancy. According to sources like Canine Maternal Hydrops in Dogs: A Little Known but Dangerous Complication, the belly may feel abnormally rock hard late in pregnancy due to a condition called canine maternal hydrops. However, in a normal healthy pregnancy, you can expect the belly to feel firm but not overly hard. Gently pressing on the abdomen can help you gauge the firmness. If you have concerns about abnormal hardness or swelling, consult your veterinarian.
Movement
Around 3-4 weeks into the pregnancy, you may be able to feel small lumps in the dog’s belly, which are the embryos starting to develop and grow larger. As the puppies continue to develop in the womb, their movements will become stronger and more defined.Between days 25-35 of the pregnancy, you may be able to feel the puppies moving inside the belly when you gently press along the abdomen.
The fetal puppies will get more active and move around more as the pregnancy progresses. Between days 45-49, the movements may be quite strong, visible, and constant as the puppies jostle for position in the womb. You may even see the puppies moving inside if you look closely at the pregnant belly. Feeling and seeing the puppies move is a sign that the pregnancy is progressing normally.
Nipples
One of the earliest signs of pregnancy in dogs is changes to the nipples and mammary glands. Usually around 3-4 weeks into pregnancy, the dog’s nipples will become enlarged and the mammary glands will begin to develop. The nipples will darken in color and become more prominent. The darkening is caused by an increase in blood supply to the nipples in preparation for producing milk.
According to [1], the nipples “may look slightly larger, pinker, and deeper in color than usual,” especially the nipples closest to the hind legs. The color change is often noticeable compared to the normally pale nipples of a non-pregnant dog. The nipples will also protrude more than before pregnancy.
As explained by [2], “While a female dog’s nipples are normally small, pregnancy causes her nipples to grow in size during the early stages of pregnancy. The areolas also become darker in color.” The enlarging nipples are one of the most obvious visual indicators of pregnancy in dogs.
By around 4 weeks into pregnancy, the mammary glands will begin developing and enlarging as well. This preparation of the mammary system for milk production is a key sign a dog is pregnant. Monitoring the nipples and mammary glands is an easy way owners can spot the early signs of pregnancy at home.
Appetite
A pregnant dog’s appetite will increase significantly during pregnancy. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, the mother’s energy requirements increase substantially after delivery and during lactation. At her highest energy need around 3-5 weeks after whelping, she requires 1.5 times her normal maintenance requirement.
To meet increased caloric needs, pregnant dogs should be fed a high quality puppy food diet. As noted by Iams, pregnant dogs will need 25-50% more calories than normal. It’s important she maintains ideal body condition during pregnancy and has access to plenty of fresh water.
Owners should consult their veterinarian for specific feeding recommendations based on the dog’s breed, size, and number of puppies expected. Monitoring the mother’s weight and body condition score will help determine if caloric intake is adequate during pregnancy and lactation.
Behavior
You may notice some behavioral changes in your pregnant dog as she gets closer to delivery. Most notably, her energy levels may fluctuate. Early in pregnancy, she may seem more energetic and playful. But as her belly grows, she will likely become less active and prefer to rest (Daily Paws).
Your dog’s nesting instinct will also kick in as she searches for a quiet, comfortable place to give birth, like a closet, crawl space, or under a table. She may collect items like toys, clothes, or papers and arrange them into a nest. She may also retrieve and carry around her puppies’ toys as she prepares for their arrival (evcc.com).
You may notice increased affection from your pregnant dog as she seeks comfort and reassurance from you. She may become more clingy and desire to be near you more often.
Preparing for Delivery
When your pregnant dog is close to her delivery date, you’ll want to start preparing a whelping area for her to give birth comfortably and safely. The whelping area should be a box or enclosed space large enough for the mother dog to lie down and give birth, lined with newspapers, towels or puppy pads to absorb fluids. You’ll need multiple clean towels on hand to dry and stimulate the newborn puppies. Also have a heating pad or heat lamp ready to keep the newborns warm.
Supplies like sterilized scissors, dental floss, a suction bulb, and lubricant may be needed during the delivery to assist if complications arise, so have them ready just in case. Consult with your veterinarian ahead of time so you know what interventions may be needed and when to seek emergency vet care. Your vet can also provide an estimate delivery date and guidance on recognizing signs of labor so you know when the big day is approaching.
When labor begins, take your pregnant dog to the prepped whelping area for the delivery. Be patient, attentive and let the mother dog follow her instincts as much as possible. Provide comfort, encouragement and help stimulate and dry off puppies as they are born. With preparation and support, your dog has the best chance of a safe, smooth whelping.