Introduction
Many pregnant women have noticed their dogs acting differently as the pregnancy progresses. You may have noticed your dog sniffing your belly more than usual or being extra clingy and protective. There is research to suggest that the common claim “dogs sense pregnancy” has some validity to it. While the exact nature of how dogs detect pregnancy is unknown, their evolutionary history as pack animals gives dogs certain instincts for reproduction and caretaking behaviors.
In this article, we will explore the research behind dogs’ ability to sense pregnancy, how your dog’s behavior may change during your pregnancy, and steps you can take to prepare your furry companion for the new addition to your family. Understanding the canine sense of smell, your changing hormones, and your dog’s natural instincts can give insight into this remarkable ability.
Dogs’ Advanced Sense of Smell
Dogs have an incredibly powerful sense of smell thanks to the advanced design of their noses. Dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to only about 6 million in humans (source). The large surface area inside a dog’s nose, made up of complex mazes of scroll-like structures and folds, allows odor molecules in the air to be trapped and detected easily.
Dogs also devote a large area of their brain, around 40 times more than humans, to analyzing smells. Their brain is capable of distinguishing between even minute differences in odor. This advanced olfactory system allows dogs to gather detailed information from the scents around them, informing them about their environment and the other animals within it (source).
In summary, dogs have a highly sophisticated sense of smell that far surpasses humans. Their specialized noses and brain connections for processing scents give them an unparalleled ability to detect and analyze odors.
Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman’s hormone levels change dramatically to support the development of the fetus. Some of the main hormones that increase include human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estrogen, progesterone, oxytocin, and prolactin. hCG levels steadily rise during the first trimester to help maintain the pregnancy, while estrogen and progesterone levels peak in the third trimester.
Progesterone helps relax smooth muscle tissue and inhibits uterine contractions until the pregnancy reaches full term. Estrogen drives fetal growth and development of maternal tissues needed to support the pregnancy. Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions and lactation, while prolactin prepares the breasts for milk production.
These hormonal fluctuations cause many of the physical changes seen during pregnancy, like breast enlargement, increased vaginal discharge, and fatigue. Understanding the hormonal rollercoaster helps explain common symptoms pregnant women experience.
Scent Changes During Pregnancy
Dogs have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell that can detect even the subtlest of scent changes in humans. Their olfactory system is estimated to be anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than humans.
According to the American Kennel Club, dogs are able to detect scent changes caused by hormonal fluctuations that happen very early on in pregnancy. Within days of conception, a pregnant woman’s hormones like estrogen and progesterone rise rapidly. This triggers numerous physical changes, all which lead to altering a woman’s natural scent.
Dogs can pick up on these hormonally-influenced scent changes thanks to their highly evolved olfactory system. Their brain even has a specialized olfactory lobe dedicated to analyzing scents. So while humans may not notice a difference in smell, your dog likely can detect these subtle shifts long before you even realize you’re pregnant.
In addition to hormonal changes, dogs can detect differences in a pregnant woman’s sweat, skin oils, breath, urine, and vaginal discharge. So if your dog suddenly becomes very interested in smelling your body, they are likely just picking up on the natural scent changes that accompany pregnancy.
Your Dog’s Instincts
Dogs have an extremely advanced sense of smell. Their sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than humans. They can detect subtle changes in hormones and scent that signal pregnancy.[1]
As pack animals, dogs have strong instincts to create bonds and protect their pack. When a woman becomes pregnant, her body undergoes many changes, including hormonal shifts and changes in scent. Your dog is likely picking up on these changes and reacting instinctually.
Dogs view their human families as their pack. When a new member is about to join the pack, your dog’s protective and nurturing instincts kick in. Your dog may become more attentive, affectionate and protective of you as the pregnant pack leader. They are getting ready to welcome a new pack member.
Some dogs may even nest along with an expecting mother. They begin gathering blankets, towels or toys and creating a comfortable space to help care for the upcoming puppies. Your dog sees you as its pack, so nesting behavior may translate to you and your pregnancy as well.
What Your Dog is Smelling
Dogs have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell, with up to 300 million scent receptors compared to our 6 million. This allows them to detect subtle changes in smell that we can’t perceive. During pregnancy, a woman experiences dramatic hormonal shifts, which in turn trigger numerous chemical changes throughout the body.
According to the AKC, dogs are able to sniff out these differences, especially the increase in estrogen production. Estrogen levels continue rising during the pregnancy term, so dogs may be able to sense these changes from early on. Dogs also detect increased progesterone, which peaks in the third trimester. Progesterone is linked to increased body temperature, which dogs can pick up on as well.
Besides hormones, dogs notice changes in a pregnant woman’s metabolism and smell compounds like ghrelin and sulfides excreted through sweat and breath. As reported by The Bump, some smells that grab a dog’s attention include the pregnancy hormone hCG, which has a vinegar-like odor, as well as changes in skin secretions and odor down there due to increased vaginal discharge.
So while we may not observe anything different, your dog detects a whole array of new scents signaling your pregnancy. Their advanced olfactory abilities allow them to gather far more information than we can imagine just through their nose.
Your Dog’s Emotions
Many pregnant women report that their dogs become more affectionate and attentive as the pregnancy progresses. Dogs have a strong sense of smell and they may detect hormonal changes in your body that indicate you are pregnant before you even know it yourself. This can cause your dog to be more excited and affectionate as they sense the changes in your hormones and scent (Healthline).
Dogs also seem to be able to pick up on the emotional changes that happen during pregnancy. They can sense your increased anxiety, tension, or changes in mood. In response, dogs often become more doting and comforting. They pick up on the fact that something is changing with your emotions and energy levels and want to offer support and affection (AKC). Your dog’s increased attention and affection during pregnancy is their instinctive way of providing comfort and reassurance as you go through changes in your body and emotions.
Bonding With Your Unborn Baby
Many expecting mothers notice that their dog becomes more affectionate and protective during pregnancy. This is likely because dogs can sense hormonal changes and scent differences that indicate a baby is on the way. According to research from the University of Lincoln, dogs are even able to detect subtle differences between mothers who are pregnant with girls versus boys.
Some signs your dog is bonding with your unborn baby include:
- Following you around more than usual
- Snuggling up against or rubbing your belly
- Becoming anxious or agitated when away from you
- Displaying protective or guarding behaviors
Dogs often see their owners as part of their pack. When you become pregnant, they may view the unborn baby as a new member of that pack. By frequently sniffing and nuzzling your belly, your dog is familiarizing itself with this new pack member’s scent.
According to The Bump, allowing your dog to bond with your belly can make the initial adjustment period after birth go much smoother. Your dog will already recognize your baby’s smell and be accustomed to the new sounds and movements coming from you.
Preparing Your Dog
Preparing your dog for the arrival of a new baby takes time and patience, but it is an important step to ensure both your pet and baby’s safety. Here are some tips to get your dog ready:
Start early. Begin introducing changes in routine, sounds, and smells associated with a baby during your pregnancy. This gives your dog lots of time to slowly get used to the idea of a new family member.
Incorporate baby sounds into your home. Let your dog listen to recordings of a baby crying, cooing and making other noises so these sounds will be familiar. Start with low volume and reward calm behavior, gradually increasing the volume.
Have your dog smell baby items. Let your dog smell blankets, clothes and toys that will be used by the baby, associating your baby’s scent with rewards and praise. You can also use baby lotions and powders to help your dog get used to typical baby smells.
Invest in some interactive toys. Items like food puzzle toys will give your dog an activity to focus on, discharging energy and preventing anxiety before your baby arrives.
Stick to your dog’s routine. Try to keep schedules for feeding, walking and playing as consistent as possible. Routine is calming for dogs dealing with big life changes.
Socialize your dog. Ensure your dog is comfortable around adults, children and babies so they don’t see your newborn as a stranger to be afraid of or guarded against.
Consider specialized training. Some new parents enroll their dogs in special classes meant to teach safe behaviors and manners around babies. This can help if your dog needs to learn impulse control.
Update house rules. Dogs must know basic commands and house rules before baby arrives, like not jumping on beds or climbing on furniture. Reinforce boundaries and obedience.
Gradually decrease attention. Slowly get your dog used to having less constant attention as you’ll have less time to spend exclusively with them once your baby is born. Just be sure to still give them affection!
Conclusion
Your dog may seem overly interested in smelling your belly while you are pregnant due to a combination of factors. The hormonal changes of pregnancy alter your natural scent in ways your dog can detect. Your dog may be exhibiting nesting instincts and attempting to bond with your unborn child by investigating this new and intriguing scent. Do not be alarmed by this behavior, as it is simply a natural reaction based in your dog’s innate senses and rooting instincts. Allow your dog to become familiar with your changing scent while also maintaining gentle boundaries if the interest becomes excessive. With some preparation and training, you can help your dog calmly adjust to your pregnancy and the new addition to your family.
Remember, your dog’s strong sense of smell allows them to gather information you cannot perceive. Their interest comes from a place of care and curiosity. With patience and care on your part, your dog can take on the role of protective companion as you go through this profound life change. Reward good behavior, but be firm and consistent with boundaries. By understanding the motivations behind your dog’s interest in your changing scent, you can prepare them to lovingly welcome the new member of the pack.