About Dogs and Pregnancy

I think Maltese/Shih Tzu mix is approximately 39 days pregnant. She was bred four times- twice before and twice after ovulation. Her teats have gotten bigger and darker, and her belly has also gotten quite big.

Last night after eating, her tummy was rock hard and she just wanted to sleep. However, this morning her tummy is not quite as big and it is very soft. Why has this happened? Is this normal?

Expert Reply

Hi Matthew,

There's a chance that the pups have adjusted their position and this could account for the change in the size and feel of your bitch's abdomen. At 39 days, there's still enough room to do this. There's also a chance that she was just bloated after dinner and the situation has resolved itself.

As long as she isn't having abnormal discharge or showing any other signs of not feeling well, you can go on as normal. However, if she begins to act sick or you just sense there's something not quite right about her, don't hesitate to ask your vet to take a look. He/She can check on the pups by ultrasound and hopefully set your mind at rest.

Thanks for your question, I hope you wind up with a lovely litter.

~~ Kelly

Dog Pregnancy, False Pregnancy or Something Else?

We have three female dogs in the home. We recently noticed that our eight-year-old dog had enlarged nipples and was wanting to be left alone. She has become quite mean to our younger dog and growls every time she comes near her. Her belly also has grown a bit, but we do not believe that she was around any males. She had her heat cycle a little over a month ago. What could this be if not a pregnancy? Please help.

~~ Jackie

Expert Reply

Hi Jackie,

Unless you can absolutely rule out the possibility that your bitch wasn't exposed to a male while she went outside, we can't rule out a pregnancy. However, a large cyst on her ovary could produce similar symptoms, and is often mistaken for a pregnancy. This would also account for her change in temperament, as she might be in a bit of pain.

That said, I believe that your safest choice would be to ask your vet to examine your bitch. An ultrasound would allow your vet to see any developing embryos. In the event there are truly no pups, it might also reveal a cyst or other abnormalities that might be occurring. From here, your vet can determine the best course of treatment.

Thanks for your question, and let us know how things turn out.

~~ Kelly

How to Care for Pregnant Dog

I have an eight-year-old Miniature Schnauzer, and I think she's pregnant. It was an accident, but I think the father dog is a lot bigger than she is. I'd like to know what problems this may cause, and if there is anything special I should do for her? Please help as soon as possible because I think she has only got about three weeks to go. I never actually saw them mating, but she has put on weight and changed her behavior.

~~ Joanna Chisholm

Expert Reply

Hi Joanna,

There is a strong possibility that your dog is pregnant. A determined male will get the job done no matter what his size. Here's what I recommend at this point.

• Continue to feed your bitch very well, and supplement her diet with some cottage cheese for added calcium.
• Take your bitch to the vet and ask for an ultrasound. This will reveal how many pups, if any, their position and their current head size. Using this info, your vet can calculate how large those heads are likely to be in another week or two. This will help determine if your bitch will need a C-section to deliver her litter.

C-sections are quite common these days, and most bitches come through them just fine. They are even still able to nurse the puppies, so I don't want you too worry to much if this turns out to be the case.

Thanks for your questions, and I hope these suggestions bring you peace of mind. Let us know how things turn out.

~~ Kelly