Introduction
This article explores how soon dogs can hear an unborn baby’s heartbeat during pregnancy. We’ll examine the stages of fetal development, a dog’s advanced hearing capabilities, and the early onset of a baby’s heartbeat. Understanding the timeline of when dogs may first detect their human companion’s pregnancy can help owners prepare their pet for the new arrival.
With their keen sense of hearing, dogs can pick up on sounds long before their human counterparts. But exactly when during pregnancy does a dog become aware of the baby’s presence? Knowing what to expect as your own pregnancy progresses can allow you to involve your dog in the experience and begin acclimating them to the many changes ahead.
Monitoring your pooch’s behavior provides clues into their perception of the baby. As the due date approaches, creating a tranquil home and taking steps to ensure everyone’s safety will provide peace of mind. While the arrival of a newborn marks a significant milestone, establishing a nurturing bond between dog and baby lays the foundation for a lifelong friendship.
Stages of Pregnancy
Pregnancy typically lasts approximately 40 weeks and is divided into three trimesters. The first trimester spans weeks 1-12, the second trimester spans weeks 13-27, and the third trimester spans weeks 28-40.
During the first trimester, the baby’s major organs and body systems begin developing, often before a woman even knows she’s pregnant. The embryo implants in the uterus around week 4-6 and rapid growth begins soon after. By the end of the first trimester, the baby is fully formed with fingers, toes, facial features, and vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys (NYP.org).
In the second trimester, the baby continues growing rapidly and the mother usually starts showing as the uterus expands. The baby’s limbs become more developed, kicks can be felt, and ultrasounds may reveal the sex. By week 20, the baby is around 6 inches long and weighs 10-12 ounces (KidsHealth.org).
During the third trimester, the baby gains the most weight, packing on body fat. The lungs also fully develop during this time. By week 38-40, the baby has likely dropped lower in the pelvis in preparation for birth, which can occur around 40 weeks.
Dog Hearing Ability
Dogs have an exceptional sense of hearing and can detect frequencies that humans cannot. According to the Louisiana State University[1], dogs can hear sounds between 67-45,000 Hz, while humans only hear between 64-23,000 Hz. This means dogs can hear higher pitched sounds that humans are not capable of detecting.
Dogs also have a wide range of sensitivity, with peak sensitivity between 4,000-12,000 Hz[1], allowing them to hear faint sounds at much higher frequencies. Their sensitivity range aligns well for detecting the high frequency squeaks and rustling sounds made by prey. In comparison, human hearing sensitivity peaks around 2,000-5,000 Hz.
Not only can dogs hear higher frequencies, but they have evolved directional hearing that allows them to accurately locate the source of a sound. A dog’s large movable outer ears help to precisely pinpoint the location of sounds, even at a distance[2].
With this expansive frequency range, sensitivity, and directional hearing, dogs are well adapted at picking up a wide variety of sounds that humans simply cannot detect.
[1] https://www.lsu.edu/deafness/HearingRange.html
[2] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/sounds-only-dogs-can-hear/
Baby Heartbeat Development
A baby’s heart begins beating around 5-6 weeks after conception, usually a couple weeks after a missed period. At this early stage, the heart is just forming and starting to pump blood. According to the National Institutes of Health, the embryonic heart starts beating around day 22 after conception, usually before the mother knows she is pregnant.1
In the first weeks after the heart begins beating, the rate is quite slow – around 80-85 beats per minute (bpm). This is about half the normal adult resting heart rate. As the baby continues to develop during the first trimester, the heart rate increases. By week 9, the baby’s heart rate is up to 170-200 bpm. The heart continues getting stronger and pumping faster to circulate oxygen and nutrients to the rapidly growing fetus.2
The baby’s heart rate typically peaks at around 9-10 weeks gestation. After this peak, the rate slowly decreases until birth, when it is usually around 120-160 bpm. Monitoring the baby’s changing heart rate on ultrasound is one way doctors assess the health and development of the pregnancy.3
Dog Hearing of Baby in Womb
There is some research and anecdotal evidence that suggests dogs may be able to hear a baby’s heartbeat while the baby is still in the womb. One study published in the journal Biology Letters found that dogs were able to distinguish between the heartbeats of their owners and the heartbeats of strangers (source). This indicates that dogs can identify differences in heartbeats and rhythms.
While there is no definitive scientific proof, many pregnant women have reported that their dogs became much more attentive, affectionate, and protective of them during pregnancy. Some have noticed their dogs lying close to or putting their head on the woman’s belly, as if listening for the baby (source). This anecdotal evidence suggests dogs may be able to hear fetal heartbeats.
However, it’s difficult to determine conclusively whether dogs can actually hear the baby’s heartbeat or if they are responding to other cues like hormonal changes in the woman’s body. More research is needed to fully understand dogs’ ability to hear fetal heartbeats in the womb.
Bonding While Pregnant
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful for both parent and pet. Bonding with your dog during pregnancy can have many benefits for you, your dog, and the future baby. There are several ways to foster a connection during this transitional period:
Take your dog on regular outings like walks, hikes, or trips to a dog park or dog-friendly stores. According to research published in the Journal of Human-Animal Interaction, moderate exercise can reduce depression and anxiety during pregnancy. Your dog will appreciate the exercise and one-on-one time.
Set aside 10-15 minutes per day for focused playtime or dog training. Working on obedience skills helps reinforce the dog-owner relationship and provides mental stimulation. Your dog will view training time as a special bonding activity.
Gently massage your dog and offer soothing praise, especially if your dog seems anxious about changes in routine. The physical contact can be comforting for both of you.
Give your dog affection when the baby moves or kicks. This helps the dog understand the baby’s presence in a positive way. Discuss the baby verbally as well to familiarize your dog with the new family member.
Involve your dog in preparing for the baby, like sniffing new baby products. This helps integrate them into the transition process.
Keep your dog’s routine consistent with regular feeding schedules, walks, play times, etc. Maintaining structure and normalcy is reassuring during this transitional period.
Following these tips can strengthen your bond with your furry companion while also mentally preparing them for baby’s arrival.
Preparing Dogs for Baby
There are several tips for acclimating dogs to the arrival of a new baby. Dogs are creatures of habit, so the more their routine and environment can stay consistent, the smoother the transition will likely be when baby comes home.
Some things you can do in advance to prepare your dog include:
- Gradually start exposing your dog to baby items like powder, lotion, blankets, toys, and recorded cries so they become familiar smells and sounds. Pair introductions with treats so your dog develops positive associations.
- Stick to your dog’s normal feeding, walking, play and training schedule as much as possible. This consistency and routine will be comforting.
- Designate areas in your home that will be off-limits to your dog when baby arrives, and start reinforcing those boundaries. For example, keep your dog out of the nursery so they don’t get territorial.
- Spend one-on-one time with your dog each day before the baby arrives so they don’t feel displaced by attention shifting.
- Ask friends with babies to bring over used blankets and clothing so your dog can become accustomed to the smell.
- Consider a test-run where you have a friend’s baby come to your home while you are present so you can observe your dog’s reaction and behavior.
Taking these proactive steps will help your dog gradually acclimate to the major life change ahead. Be patient, move at your dog’s pace, and offer ample praise and treats for calm behavior around baby items.
(Source: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dogs-and-babies)
Introducing Baby & Dog
When introducing your dog to your new baby, it’s important to take things slow and be safe. According to the AKC, you’ll want to plan out your initial encounters between dog and baby and start simple https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/introducing-dog-to-baby/. Keep dogs on a leash and allow them to sniff the baby’s items first before meeting the baby. Parents magazine also recommends including your dog in baby-related activities like diaper changes while talking to both “babies” https://www.parents.com/parenting/pets/babies/how-to-introduce-dogs-and-babies/. This allows the dog to get used to the new sights and sounds of the baby in a controlled way.
When it’s time for that first meeting, have another family member hold the baby while you interact with your dog so you can read your dog’s body language. Give your dog treats and praise so they associate the baby with good things. Go slowly and end the interaction if the dog seems anxious or unsure. Building up positive associations over multiple brief introductions is key to long-term success.
Ensuring Dog-Baby Safety
Introducing a new baby into the home can be an adjustment for dogs. While most dogs bond with babies, it’s important to take precautions to prevent injuries and build positive relationships between babies and dogs.
Here are some tips for keeping babies safe around dogs:
- Never leave a baby alone with a dog, even for a second. Always supervise interactions.
- Teach children safe behavior around dogs, like being gentle and not pulling on ears or tail. Model gentle touch and praise gentle interactions.
- Make sure dogs have a quiet space they can retreat to when overwhelmed. Provide activities to relieve stress like chew toys.
- Exercise dogs regularly so they have an outlet for energy. Take on more walks or play more fetch.
- Clean up food spills that could attract dogs. Don’t let dogs lick baby’s face or hands which may have food residue.
- Consider keeping dogs on a leash when first introducing baby. This allows control of interactions.
With preparation and training, dogs and babies can become best friends. Always supervise closely, especially with young babies who can’t recognize dog cues. Prevention is key to avoiding tragic accidents and creating safe, loving bonds.
Fostering a Bond
There are several ways to encourage bonding between your dog and new baby. One tip is to let your dog be nearby when you hold or feed the baby so they can get used to each other’s smells. You can place a worn baby item like a blanket in your dog’s bed so they associate the baby’s scent with comfort and rest [1]. Give your dog praise and treats for calm behavior around the baby to reinforce it. Take your dog on walks with the stroller so they learn to walk nicely near it with the baby. Allow supervised interaction when the baby is older – let them giggle and touch the dog gently under your watch. Keep your dog’s routine consistent with walks, playtime and affection so they don’t feel replaced.
It’s also important that your dog has a safe space away from the baby if they need some alone time. Provide activities like chew toys in their crate or bed to help them relax. Be patient and understanding if your dog seems curious, confused or uncertain around the new family member at first. With time and positive reinforcement, they can form a close companionship.