Dogs Can Sense Hormonal Changes
Dogs have an incredibly advanced sense of smell, with up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses compared to only 6 million in humans (American Kennel Club). Their ability to detect scents is actually 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than humans (American Kennel Club). This allows them to pick up on even the subtlest changes in body chemistry and scent.
When a woman becomes pregnant, her body undergoes major hormonal fluctuations, including a rise in estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and hCG or human chorionic gonadotropin (The Bump). With their sensitive noses, dogs are capable of detecting these hormonal changes in pregnant women, even before pregnancy tests can detect the hCG hormone (USA Today).
Some of the earliest studies showing dogs could identify pregnant women by scent were conducted by Austrian animal behaviorist Rupert Sheldrake in the late 1990s. In these studies, dogs were able to pick out a jar containing samples from pregnant women 88% of the time (USA Today). More recent studies have had similar findings as well.
So while there’s no definitive proof, the hormonal changes alone may be enough for a dog to identify that a woman is pregnant just by her smell, even in the very early stages of pregnancy (AKC). Their exceptional sense of smell allows them to detect even minor changes in hormones.
Dogs Respond to Physical Changes
As a woman’s pregnancy progresses, dogs notice the physical changes happening in her body. One of the most obvious changes dogs can detect is the growing belly. According to the AKC, “Your dog is smart enough to pick up on these changes during pregnancy, both in a physical way — which is how your body will be changing, your stomach, your habits, your movement.”
Dogs are highly observant and will notice as a pregnant woman starts moving slower and more carefully. Her habits and routines will likely change as well to accommodate the pregnancy. These types of physical changes are very apparent to dogs.
According to https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/can-dogs-sense-pregnancy/, “You may notice your pet becoming more attentive and protective as you progress through your pregnancy.” So dogs definitely respond to the visible physical changes.
Dogs React to Emotional Changes
Dogs are very intuitive and pick up on emotional cues from their owners and family members. They can sense slight changes in body language, mood, and behavior. Therefore, the emotional changes associated with pregnancy can be detected by dogs.
Pregnancy causes major hormonal shifts that lead to mood swings, anxiety, excitement, and stress. According to the AKC, the changes in emotions during pregnancy may make some dogs more alert or even protective of their pregnant owner (Source). They want to offer comfort and affection during this emotional rollercoaster.
Dogs may also pick up on the emotions of other family members adjusting to the pregnancy. They become very observant of the household dynamic and want to offer support however they can.
Dogs Want to Guard and Protect
Dogs have an instinct to guard their family members. This instinct increases with a vulnerable pregnant owner. According to Smithfield Animials, “It’s common for dogs to go on alert and become overprotective of their expecting owner from the very beginning of her pregnancy.” Dogs can sense hormonal changes in a pregnant woman that make her more vulnerable. As a result, dogs become more protective and want to keep their pregnant owner safe from potential threats.
Healthline explains that “Some dogs become more protective of their owners during pregnancy and will stay close by your side.” The hormonal and physical changes of pregnancy can trigger a dog’s instinct to protect. Wag Walking adds that “Your dog will notice your change in body language, whether you intended your dog to or not.” The altered body language and physical changes of pregnancy signal to a dog that their owner needs special care and protection.
Dogs Are Drawn to Baby Items
As your due date approaches, your dog will start noticing all the new sights, sounds, and smells associated with a baby’s arrival. Dogs are very curious animals, so they will want to thoroughly inspect each new item that enters the home. From nursery furniture and baby clothes to stuffed animals and diaper bags, everything will be intriguing to your pup.
Dogs use their powerful sense of smell to gather information about the world around them. All of the new baby gear and supplies will have unique scents that your dog will be eager to explore. Don’t be surprised if you catch your dog sniffing or licking brand new onesies or nuzzling a stuffed giraffe. Your pup is simply trying to learn about the baby through their nose.
In addition to smell, dogs are also very attuned to sounds. The squeaks and rattles of new baby toys will definitely catch your dog’s attention. They may even touch the toys with their paw or bring them to you as if to say “What’s this new thing?” Rest assured that all of this curiosity is perfectly normal behavior as your dog acquaints themselves with the baby’s things.
Dogs Provide Comfort and Support
Many pregnant women find that their dogs become especially attentive and affectionate during pregnancy. Dogs seem to have an innate ability to sense when their owner is stressed or anxious. According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the presence of dogs helps to reduce stress and provide comfort during pregnancy (https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/13/2353).
A dog’s soft fur, gentle kisses, and calming energy can help pregnant women relax. The companionship of a devoted dog eases loneliness and worry during this transformative time. Dogs offer non-judgmental affection and are always ready to lend an ear or curl up for cuddles. Their steady presence brings reassurance when hormones fluctuate or emotions run high.
Many pregnant women consider their dogs part of the family, so it makes sense that their furry companions want to be there for them during pregnancy. Dogs seem able to pick up on the changes happening inside the body and energy of an expecting mother. Their natural instincts tell them to provide nurturing support and loyalty when their human needs it most.
Dogs Sense Routine Changes
As a woman’s pregnancy progresses, her daily routine often changes dramatically as she and her family prepare for the new baby. Dogs are very observant creatures who thrive on consistency, so they are bound to notice these routine shifts (1). For example, dogs may see their owners focusing more time and attention on preparing the nursery, buying baby supplies, and attending doctor’s appointments. The expecting mother herself may be more tired than usual or experiencing morning sickness, disrupting the dog’s feeding and walk schedule.
Pregnancy also involves bringing new objects into the home, like a crib, stroller, and changing table. The dog knows something is up when their environment is altered and adapt to new schedules and changes. A study suggests dogs can pick up on even minor deviations from ordinary household activities (2). So dogs definitely recognize and react to the gradual but noticeable changes taking place in the household as the pregnancy progresses.
Sources:
(1) https://www.thebump.com/a/can-dogs-sense-pregnancy
(2) https://www.verywellfamily.com/can-my-dog-sense-my-pregnancy-7092541
Dogs Want to Meet the Baby
Dogs are very social creatures that view their human families as their pack. When they learn a new baby is on the way, they recognize this means their pack is growing. Dogs are eager to meet a new family member. They want to smell, lick, and observe the new baby in order to accept them into the pack.
Dogs also want to bond with the baby and build a relationship. Their instincts drive them to protect new pack members. By spending time around the baby before and after birth, dogs begin establishing their role as guardian and caretaker.
Dogs Display Instinctive Behavior
Dogs have an innate nurturing instinct that emerges during pregnancy and motherhood. This instinctive behavior is driven by hormones and emotions. Female dogs experience a surge in oxytocin, estrogen, and prolactin when pregnant or nursing puppies, which stimulates their maternal drive to care for and protect their young.
Mothering behavior can also emerge in female dogs when they sense a pregnant owner. The dog may begin shadowing the pregnant woman, acting more alert and protective, and seeking physical contact and bonding through cuddling. Some dogs even try to mother the pregnant woman by nudging her belly, laying next to her, or bringing toys and blankets. This nurturing display arises from the dog’s innate maternal instincts.
:
According to pethelpful.com, female dogs experience a surge in hormones like oxytocin when pregnant or nursing that drives their maternal behavior. Additionally, AKC.org notes that mothering behavior can emerge around a pregnant owner as the dog’s innate instincts kick in.
Dogs Need Reassurance
Dogs can feel anxious and insecure about being replaced by the new baby in the home. According to the ASPCA, dogs that are not prepared properly can perceive the newborn as a threat and react negatively[1]. They may exhibit signs of anxiety, stress, or jealousy when the baby receives more attention.
It’s important for owners to provide plenty of reassurance to their dogs during this transition period. The Spruce Pets recommends giving dogs extra love, pets, treats, and praise when they behave calmly around the baby[2]. This positive reinforcement helps assure them they are still loved and valued members of the family.
Owners should maintain their dog’s normal routine as much as possible and spend one-on-one time with them daily. This helps alleviate their worries about being replaced. With preparation and training, owners can help dogs feel comfortable with the new family dynamic.