Q&A for How to Tell if a Dog Is Pregnant

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Why do they X-ray pregnant dogs?

Jamie Freyer, DVM
Licensed Veterinarian
Dr. Jamie Freyer is a Licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine based in Washington. With over ten years of experience in clinical practice and industry, she specializes in veterinary medicine and surgery, animal behavior, and animal genetics. Dr. Freyer holds a BS in Life Science from The University of Portland and a DVM from Oregon State University.

Jamie Freyer, DVM

Licensed Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Some breeders like to get X-rays so they can check for and count the number of puppies. Not all breeders do this, though.

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Question

How can you tell if your dog is pregnant physically?

Jamie Freyer, DVM
Licensed Veterinarian
Dr. Jamie Freyer is a Licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine based in Washington. With over ten years of experience in clinical practice and industry, she specializes in veterinary medicine and surgery, animal behavior, and animal genetics. Dr. Freyer holds a BS in Life Science from The University of Portland and a DVM from Oregon State University.

Jamie Freyer, DVM

Licensed Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Be on the lookout for signs of vulvar enlargement, nipple enlargement, and hair loss. Your dog may also start nesting.

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Question

How can you tell if your dog is pregnant?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

An ultrasound scan can detect pups from around 21 days, while a blood test from 28 days can confirm pregnancy. Often the earliest physical sign of pregnancy is 'pinking up,' when the dog's nipples become swollen, pink, and more noticeable.

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Question

How many days is a dog pregnant?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

The range is quite wide but, on average, pregnancy in dogs lasts 63 - 65 days. A few days less or more is considered normal.

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Question

Can you use a home pregnancy test on a dog?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

No, sadly not. Human pregnancy tests detect Human Choriogonadotropin (HCG) which is a human hormone not produced by dogs.

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Question

Is it dangerous for a 6-month-old female to be pregnant?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

It is not ideal for a 6-month-old dog to be pregnant as she is still growing and maturing herself. In an ideal world, she should finish growing before being mated.

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Question

Can a dog have a phantom pregnancy?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Yes, this is a common problem. Many female dogs will produce milk and mother toys after the end of their season. However, it's also important to rule out actual pregnancy, since there can be an overlap in the time frame.

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Question

My dog still has a discharge even though she was mated. Does this mean she's not pregnant?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Mating takes place in the middle of the female's heat cycle. After she mates the season will gradually come to an end, which means that she continues to spot blood for seven to 14 days after mating. It's not possible to tell if she's pregnant or not from this sign.

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