Dog Pregnancy Symptoms and Care Guide (2025)

When a friend’s Golden Retriever, Luna, started napping more and seeking extra cuddles in our Texas community, I suspected pregnancy. My vet, Dr. Carter, confirmed it with an ultrasound and guided Luna’s owner through prenatal care. This guide blends my observations of Luna and Dr. Carter’s expertise to help dog owners recognize and manage pregnancy, whether you’re in a bustling New York apartment or a spacious Texas ranch.

What Is Dog Pregnancy?

Dog pregnancy (gestation) lasts approximately 62–64 days, during which a dog carries developing puppies [1]. Dr. Carter explains that early detection and proper care ensure a healthy pregnancy for the mother and litter, reducing risks like dystocia [2].

Symptoms of Dog Pregnancy

Dr. Carter says to watch for:

• Decreased Activity: Increased napping or tiring quickly during walks, as Luna showed [1].
• Appetite Changes: Morning sickness (vomiting) early on or increased hunger later [2].
• Weight Gain: Noticeable by 5–7 weeks, especially in the abdomen [1].
• Swollen Nipples: Larger, darker, or leaking milk by mid-pregnancy [2].
• Behavioral Changes: Clinginess, nesting (e.g., tearing bedding), or occasional irritability [1].
• Enlarged Abdomen: Visible by 6–7 weeks, with puppy movement in late stages [2].

How to Check for Pregnancy

Dr. Carter recommends:

1. Observe Behavior: Note lethargy, clinginess, or nesting. Luna loved extra cuddles [1].
2. Check Physical Signs: Look for swollen nipples or a growing abdomen [2].
3. Veterinary Confirmation: Use professional tests (below) for accuracy [1].

Never attempt home palpation, as it risks harming the puppies [2].

Veterinary Diagnosis

Dr. Carter outlines diagnostic methods:

• Palpation: Performed by vets at 21–28 days to feel fluid-filled sacs (not “grapes”) [1].
• Ultrasound: Detects heartbeats at 25–35 days, estimating litter size [2].
• Hormone Test: Blood test for relaxin after 28 days confirms pregnancy [1].
• X-Ray: At 45–55 days, shows puppy skeletons for size and count [2].

Causes of Pregnancy

Pregnancy results from successful mating, either planned or accidental (per your prior mating query [1]). Dr. Carter notes:

• Unspayed females in heat are at risk if exposed to intact males [1].
• Breeds with large litters (e.g., Golden Retrievers) may show more pronounced symptoms [2].

Breeds and Pregnancy Considerations

Dr. Carter notes breed-specific factors:

• French Bulldogs, Pugs (brachycephalic breeds prone to dystocia) [1].
• Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers (larger litters, more weight gain) [2].
• Cane Corsos, German Shepherds (strong maternal instincts but need monitoring) [1].

Caring for a Pregnant Dog

Dr. Carter’s care tips:

1. Nutritious Diet: Feed high-quality puppy food (e.g., Purina Pro Plan Puppy) to support calorie needs. Increase portions by 20–25% weekly from week 4 [1].
2. Light Exercise: Short, gentle walks (10–15 minutes) maintain fitness without stress. Luna enjoyed slow park strolls [2].
3. Regular Vet Visits: Schedule checkups at 21, 35, and 50 days for ultrasounds or X-rays [1].
4. Prepare a Whelping Box: Use a PetSafe Whelping Box with blankets for a cozy birthing space [2].
5. Monitor Health: Watch for vaginal discharge or lethargy; contact a vet immediately [1].

Avoid vaccinations during pregnancy unless advised by a vet, as some are safe [2].

Preparing for Whelping

Dr. Carter advises preparing for labor (whelping) at 60–64 days:

• Supplies: Whelping box, clean towels, digital thermometer (to monitor temperature drop to 98–99°F before labor), heat lamp, and puppy scale [1].
• Nesting: Provide blankets for nesting; Luna loved soft towels [2].
• Emergency Kit: Keep vet contact info and scissors (sterilized) for umbilical cords if needed [1].

Potential Labor Complications

Dr. Carter warns of:

• Dystocia: Difficulty birthing due to puppy size, position, or maternal issues (e.g., narrow pelvis in French Bulldogs) [1].
• Amniotic Sac Issues: If the mother doesn’t break the sac, intervene carefully to free puppies [2].
• Uterine Inertia: Weak contractions requiring vet intervention [1].

Seek immediate vet care if labor exceeds 24 hours, discharge is discolored, or the dog strains excessively [2].

Breed-Specific Pregnancy Considerations

This table compares pregnancy considerations across breeds, based on veterinary data [1][2].

Note: Dystocia risk (1–10) reflects pelvic size and breed traits; litter size shows typical range.

FAQs

• How can I tell if my dog is pregnant? Look for lethargy, swollen nipples, or nesting; confirm with a vet test [1].
• How long is dog pregnancy? Approximately 62–64 days [2].
• What should I feed a pregnant dog? High-quality puppy food like Purina Pro Plan Puppy [1].

Key Takeaways

• Pregnancy Symptoms: Lethargy, appetite changes, swollen nipples, or nesting.
• Diagnosis: Vet tests (palpation, ultrasound, hormone test) confirm pregnancy.
• Vet Advice: Consult Dr. Carter for prenatal care and labor preparation.
• Care: Provide nutritious food, light exercise, and a safe whelping space.

Final Thoughts

Luna’s pregnancy was a journey, but Dr. Carter’s guidance ensured a healthy delivery. These steps work for any dog, from a delicate French Bulldog to a robust Cane Corso like Titan. Shop Purina Pro Plan Puppy or PetSafe whelping supplies at PetSmart or local pet stores, and consult your vet for safe pregnancy care!

References:

1. VCA Hospitals, “Pregnancy in Dogs”.
2. Rover, “Dog Health and Reproduction”.
3. ASPCA, “Pet Health and Safety”.