HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR DOG IS PREGNANT?

what are the signs you notice before confirming you dog's pregnancy?

Whether breeding took place accidentally or by choice, how to know if my dog is pregnant is a common question most owners and breeders ask.
. If you have been wondering how to know if a dog is pregnant, the good news is that there are quite a few signs and symptoms that show up gradually.

 However, it is always advisable for dog owners to take their pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible, for confirmation.
 Some of the common signs to watch out for
.1)Changes in appetite: pregnancy brings about a hormonal changes, the bitch might experience a lack of appetite in the first two weeks after gestation and eventually, feel an increased appetite in the later stages of the pregnancy.

 This is a tell-tale sign to know if your bitch is pregnant. Some dogs might also vomit, as a result of which, they might tend to stay away from foods unless it is their favorite. These changes in appetite are usually normal but you can consult your vet if the dog stops eating for 2-3 days in a row.



 2. Changes in size and color of nipples: Take a closer look at her breasts the nipples of an unbred female dog are small with the area beneath them, feeling flat

.However, once your bitch is pregnant, her nipples tend to get enlarged because they prepare for milk production and nursing with the milk glands developing right beneath the nipples.

The color on the other hand, becomes more rosy and pinkish as a result of the increased blood flow around the area. These changes show up approximately two weeks from the conception.

. 3. Weight gain around the mid-section(abdomen): The big abdomen is a hard-to-miss sign and soon, you can know if a bitch is pregnant, as the puppies grow rather fast, the waist area of your dog seems to thicken with her tummy literally filling out. This change in shape begins in the second trimester of her pregnancy.

 4) Strange behavior/unusual disposition: Watch out for changes in her behavior, which are quite common and this is because of the unpredictable hormones making your dog confused about how she is feeling.

 A bitch might tend to cling to you more, remaining around you always while others might get grumpy and prefer to stay in seclusion. These behavioral changes show up fast but fade out eventually.

 5) Mucus discharge:There is a clear mucus or vaginal discharge that is a common sign to verify your bitch is pregnant. Mucus discharge is not an early indicator of pregnancy because its not visible until about four weeks of gestation.
An experienced breeder understands that if such discharge occurs before the bitch is through the second trimester of her pregnancy, there is a need to call a vet without delay.

This discharge is a clear, colorless mucus when the mucus comes in the form of heavy blood discharge and with a bad odor or with a tinge of blood or the discharge is green or yellowish then there is a likelihood of an infection that your bitch may have have been infected during breeding or after the mating.

 6) Nesting behaviors: The bitch prepares psychologically once pregnant and as such find her engaged in activities like shredding the fabric or trying to prepare beddings for the puppies.This is a late sign and it indicates that your dog is pregnant. It is important to have a whelping kit and a whelping box ready.

 7) Reduced activity. If your bitch is generally active, once pregnant, she will tend to be less active and often, get easily tired. The owner tends to think she is lazy . This is an early sign to know if your dog is pregnant.

 During pregnancy, the hormone levels of the bitch change to support the growing embryo,thus you will find your bitch sleeping for a longer time than usual. However, the bitch will get used to these changing hormones towards the latter half of pregnancy.