Most female dog owners will at some point wonder if their pet is pregnant. Knowing the signs of canine pregnancy can help owners provide proper care during this important time. Pregnancy places extra nutritional and health demands on a dog, so detecting it early allows an owner to meet those needs. While some signs like nipple changes or milk leakage may indicate pregnancy, they can also result from non-pregnancy conditions. We’ll explore the topic of canine pregnancy signs and how to differentiate between true and false pregnancy.
Most female dog owners will at some point wonder if their pet is pregnant. Knowing the signs of canine pregnancy can help owners provide proper care during this important time. Pregnancy places extra nutritional and health demands on a dog, so detecting it early allows an owner to meet those needs. While some signs like nipple changes or milk leakage may indicate pregnancy, they can also result from non-pregnancy conditions. We’ll explore the topic of canine pregnancy signs and how to differentiate between true and false pregnancy.
Signs of Pregnancy
There are several signs that may indicate a dog is pregnant in the early stages. These changes typically start around 3-4 weeks after breeding and can include both physical and behavioral changes.
Some of the most common physical signs of early pregnancy include weight gain, enlarged or swollen abdomen, increased appetite, and nipple changes or enlargement. The dog’s nipples may become enlarged and redder in color.
In terms of behavior, a pregnant dog may show signs of lethargy or tiredness more easily. She may want to rest more often. Nesting behavior, such as digging and shredding bedding, is also common as hormones shift. Pregnant dogs often become more affectionate and clingy as well.
All of these physical and behavioral changes are due to hormonal fluctuations and preparations for pregnancy and whelping. Tracking signs week-by-week can help identify pregnancy and proper development.
Nipple Changes
One of the most common early signs of pregnancy in dogs is changes to the nipples and mammary glands. According to South Seattle Veterinary Clinic, a change in a dog’s nipples is among the most typical indicators that the animal is pregnant. Usually, two to three weeks after conception, the dog’s nipples will begin to enlarge and redden [1].
As explained by Rex Pets, the nipples will darken in color and become more prominent. This happens because the dog’s body is preparing to produce milk for the coming puppies. The darkening and enlarging nipples signal hormonal changes related to pregnancy and milk production [2].
According to A-Z Animals, the pregnant dog’s nipples will continue to darken and become firmer as her body ramps up milk production in preparation for nursing. The prominent, darkened nipples make it easier for the newborn puppies to locate the milk source and latch on to nurse once they are born [3].
Milk Let Down
The release of milk from the mammary glands is called the milk let down reflex. This reflex is triggered by the release of the hormone oxytocin in response to tactile stimulation of the teats and mammary glands. When oxytocin is released, it causes the cells that line the alveoli in the mammary glands to contract and eject milk down the ducts towards the teats.
This let down reflex can occur whether a female dog is pregnant or not. The tactile stimulation of the nipples and mammary glands associated with nursing pups promotes oxytocin release and milk ejection. However, oxytocin can also be released and milk let down stimulated by other kinds of tactile stimulation of the mammary glands and nipples, even in dogs that are not pregnant. This is why it is possible for non-pregnant dogs to sometimes leak milk if their mammary glands are squeezed.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, “Milk letdown is promoted by oxytocin release, a reflex triggered by nursing; therefore, neonates must spend adequate time suckling. Disruption of the pituitary-adrenal axis by stress may inhibit milk letdown.”[1]
Pseudopregnancy
Pseudopregnancy, also known as false pregnancy, is a condition that occurs after a female dog goes through estrus or experiences an estrus-like cycle without actually being pregnant. The dog’s body behaves as if she is pregnant even though there are no puppies. This is caused by hormonal changes after ovulation that mimic pregnancy. Symptoms of pseudopregnancy can include:
- Nesting behaviors like gathering toys or blankets for a “den”
- Mothering or being protective over toys as if they were puppies
- Enlarged or swollen mammary glands
- Milk production
- Lethargy and lack of appetite
- Abdominal licking or attention to genital area
- Restlessness
According to the AKC, milk production can occur during pseudopregnancy, even without an actual pregnancy. The mammary glands enlarge and secrete milk that can be expressed with gentle pressure. This milk is not healthy for puppies and will quickly dry up as the false pregnancy symptoms decline. Pseudopregnancy usually resolves on its own within 2-3 weeks after the onset of symptoms.
Other Causes of Nipple Discharge
While pregnancy is a common cause of nipple discharge in unspayed female dogs, there are several other potential causes as well:
Some medications like progestin, anti-seizure drugs, and corticosteroids can cause nipple discharge as a side effect. Consult with your veterinarian if you notice nipple discharge after starting a new medication. [1]
False pregnancy, also known as pseudopregnancy, can occur in female dogs. Their bodies behave as if they are pregnant, even though they are not. This can stimulate mammary gland development and milk production, leading to nipple discharge. [2]
Maternal behavior and nipple stimulation can also cause nipple discharge in some dogs as their maternal instincts kick in. This is more common in dogs who were recently pregnant or have had litters in the past. [3]
Rarely, a pituitary tumor can secrete hormones that stimulate mammary glands, resulting in nipple discharge. Your veterinarian can run tests to check for this possibility if other causes are ruled out.
Confirming Pregnancy
There are several methods vets use to confirm dog pregnancy after initial signs appear:
Abdominal palpation: Around day 20-30 of pregnancy, the vet will feel your dog’s abdomen to detect small lumps in the uterus to confirm pregnancy. This method is most accurate from days 28-35 of pregnancy.
Ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the puppies in the uterus. It can detect heartbeats starting around day 20-25 of pregnancy, providing an accurate pregnancy diagnosis and estimate of litter size.
Blood test: A blood test detects the hormone relaxin, which is only present during pregnancy. The test can confirm pregnancy as early as days 21-35 with over 99% accuracy (1). It’s more reliable than palpation early in pregnancy.
X-rays: X-rays can determine pregnancy after around day 45. The puppies’ bones will show up on the radiograph. X-rays carry some minimal risk and are not the preferred method.
For the most accurate diagnosis, vets may use a combination of these techniques. Once pregnancy is confirmed, ultrasounds can also monitor the puppies’ health.
Next Steps if Pregnant
If you suspect your dog is pregnant, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to confirm the pregnancy and determine how far along she is. An ultrasound can detect fetal heartbeats starting around 3-4 weeks into the pregnancy.
Once pregnancy is confirmed, you’ll need to start making preparations to help support your dog and the developing puppies. Make sure your dog is eating a high-quality puppy food to provide sufficient nutrition. Her calorie needs will increase significantly in the final 3 weeks of pregnancy as the puppies grow rapidly. Provide plenty of fresh water at all times as well.
Prepare a quiet, comfortable space for your dog to whelp the puppies. This whelping area should be in a low-traffic area of your home and lined with washable surfaces. Gather extra bedding, heating pads, and other supplies you may need during labor and for caring for the newborn puppies.
Make sure your dog gets moderate exercise throughout her pregnancy, but avoid strenuous activity, especially in the final weeks. Provide plenty of affection and speak with your vet about giving nutritional supplements or medications that may help support a healthy pregnancy.
Next Steps if Not Pregnant
If you’ve determined your dog is not actually pregnant, the next step is to address the underlying cause of her symptoms. According to the Your Family Vet handout on unwanted pregnancy, having information on when she was in heat or mated can help determine why she did not become pregnant.[1] There are several medical reasons a dog may show signs of pregnancy but not actually be pregnant:
- Infertility – This could be due to poor breeding timing, poor semen quality in the male dog, or health conditions in the female dog impacting fertility. Consider consulting with your veterinarian to diagnose and treat any underlying issues.[2]
- False pregnancy – Also known as pseudopregnancy, this is when a female dog shows pregnancy signs without being pregnant. Hormones cause her body to mimic pregnancy. Do not massage or milk teats as this can worsen symptoms. Seek veterinary advice if symptoms persist.[3]
In some cases, the best course of action is spaying your dog if you do not plan to breed her. This will prevent future unwanted pseudopregnancies and eliminate the risk of certain cancers. Discuss the pros and cons of spaying with your veterinarian.
Conclusion
In summary, while changes like swelling nipples and milk discharge may indicate pregnancy, they are not definitive on their own. Some key takeaways:
- Nipple swelling happens early in pregnancy as the mammary glands prepare.
- Milk letdown can occur in both pregnant and pseudopregnant dogs.
- Pseudopregnancy can mimic signs of real pregnancy.
- Nipple discharge may also result from medication, tumors, or infection.
- To confirm pregnancy, an ultrasound, x-ray, blood test, or palpation by a vet is required.
While nipple changes may raise suspicion, only a veterinary examination can reliably determine if a dog is truly expecting puppies. Monitoring the dog’s symptoms and contacting a vet is advised.
