LoveToKnow Dogs:Custom Dog Pregnancy Questions

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Question: Hi, I have a female Beagle that I think may be pregnant. She was not bred on purpose this time, so I don't know an exact date of the breeding. I have neighbors who let their male dog run loose and refuse to neuter him. Since I did not breed my female this time, I think he might have bred with her. Her abdomen is large, and I noticed she was eating a lot of grass a couple of weeks after when I think the neighbors' dog bred with her. I also noticed she is producing milk now. However, no puppy movement can be felt. With our last pregnancy, I can't remember when I felt puppy movement in relation to milk production. I'm having a hard time telling if this is a true pregnancy or a false one. I am hoping so much for a false pregnancy. What do you think? Is this going to be a case of wait and see what happens? - Posted by: starfruit26@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Michelle,

With an enlarged abdomen and milk production under way, there's a better than average chance that your female could actually be pregnant. However, it's not a sure thing. Many people are unable to feel movement from the puppies until the last two weeks of the pregnancy when they are growing rapidly.

You could wait and see what happens, but if it's not cost prohibitive, you might want to ask your vet to perform an ultrasound. This should reveal any embryos in development, plus give you a head count so you know what to expect.

This could still turn out to be a false alarm, so I don't want to discourage you. I'm just trying to be realistic based on the signs you've described. An ultrasound, or at the very least a blood test, should solve the mystery.

Thanks for your question, and I hope things turn out the way you want them to. Good luck. - posted by:Kelly

Question: My dog is on day 63 of her pregnancy. This is her first litter. Her temperature has dropped to 99.5 the last couple of afternoons, but has gone back up to the normal 100.4 later in the evening. Is this something that sometimes happens or should I be worried. The only signs of labor she is showing is some nesting, and she won't eat. She does look very uncomfortable and sleeps most of the time. - Posted by: kdfletch@sbcglobal.net

Answer: Hi Kristi,

You'll see the temperature yo-yo a bit like this, but it is normal. The real drop should hit almost 97 F and stay there for two readings taken 12 hours apart. From that point, your dog will likely go into labor within 24 hours.

Did you happen to breed your dog more than once? If so, it's possible that she took on the second breeding. If this is the case, it could alter her expected due date slightly.

Just keep taking her temperature every twelve hours and you should get a warning of when delivery will happen. So far, things sound like they are going normally.

In case you haven't already read it, you might also find our article on Delivering Puppies quite useful.

Thanks for your question, and good luck! - posted by:Kelly

Question: My dog has started mothering a kitten and letting it nurse. She has never been pregnant. She seems to be producing milk. This started about two weeks after her heat cycle which was five weeks ago. How can we tell if she is really pregnant or if this is a false pregnacy. She is very protective of the kitten, so how can we seperate the two of them? - Posted by: hardinclhardi@aol.com

Answer: Hi Chris,

If you are certain your dog had no opportunity to breed during her season, this is most likely the product of a false pregnancy.

When females go through a false, they do tend to produce milk. Most dogs will use toys and other objects as surrogate puppies, but some will nurse other animals if the opportunity is there. I saw a case on Animal Planet the other day where a dog was nursing a kitten as well as a litter of squirrels the dog's owner had rescued.

My main question is how old is the kitten? Is she young enough to still be dependent on the milk? If so, you should probably wait to wean the kitten before you separate it from your dog. The most that can happen to your dog already has, so there is no rush to put an end to the nursing if the kitten needs the milk and has no mother.

However, if the kitten is old enough to wean, you need to separate the two gradually since they have bonded. Begin by offering the kitten soft food and milk. As she learns to eat on her own, she'll gradually taper off nursing. This will allow your dog's milk production to taper off as well. This way she can avoid becoming congested.

Granted, it's an unusual situation, but a very sweet one indeed. I would let it play out naturally. Your dog will become less protective of the kitten as the kitten becomes more independent. It will all be over in a matter of weeks.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and best wishes for your "blended" family. :) - posted by:Kelly

Question: My female may be about three weeks pregnant (artificial insemination). She has gone off her food, especially in the morning. This morning when I gave her a cookie, she grabbed it right away, chewed it up and then threw up on the floor. Do dogs get morning sickeness? Thank you. Diane - Posted by: ambro@tbaytel.net

Answer: Hi Diane,

Yes, some females do experience "morning sickness" just like we women do, although morning can virtually mean any time of day. This is usually noted in early pregnancy and then it tapers off. By mid-pregnancy, most females are recovering their appetites and may eat as much as twice their normal rations. Toward the end of the pregnancy, a female may tend to throw up a little if she over eats. There just isn't much room left by then, so it's usually better to offer smaller meals more often to avoid an overload.

Hopefully your dog's nausea is a good sign that a litter is on the way. In the meantime, check out our new article on Dog Pregnancy Symptoms. You'll find a list of signs to watch for. You might also enjoy our article on Delivering Puppies to help prepare you for the big day.

Thanks for your questions, and best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

Question: I am looking after a dog for a few months while my mother-in-law goes out of state. It turns out the dog was pregnant, so she gave birth and had five puppies. However, I cannot afford to take her for medical care. She seems okay except for a fever. I am a "little worried" (actually frantic) because it has been two days since she has had the fever and given birth. Is the fever normal? Please could you help with advice? - Posted by: oneblanca@cox.net

Answer: Hi Carrie,

First, let's talk about what constitutes a fever in dogs so you can be sure whether or not this dog's temperature is normal. A female runs a temperature around 102 degrees F during delivery, but this should lower back to the average temperature of 100 to 101 F. As you can see, dogs naturally run warmer than humans. If your mother-in-law's dog is still running 102 or above, she has a genuine fever.

At this stage, the fever is mostly caused by one of two things. First, the dog may be a bit dehydrated from the delivery and the sudden demands of nursing. Try to coax her to drink more fresh water, and offer some low sodium chicken broth too.

Second, the fever could be the result of a post-partum infection. This sometimes occurs when a dead puppy or a placenta is unknowingly retained in the uterus. If this is the case, this dog will definitely need to see a vet for treatment.

Since it will be difficult for you to determine what is going on, I recommend you reach your mother-in-law and ask her for a credit or debit card number you can use to pay for a vet visit. You might also ask her to wire money directly if she prefers. You can then take the dog and her pups for an examination to make sure everything will be alright.

Thanks for your question, and I hope it all works out. - posted by:Kelly

Question: My dog is heavily pregnant with two puppies. The vet has informed me they are very large. What would your advice be; to let her go through natural birth or go for a C-section? This is her first litter and my first experience too. I'm so confused. She is six years old and only a small mixed breed dog. - Posted by: Sugarxxrush08@hotmail.com

Answer: Hi Claire,

Under the circumstances it may be better to go with a C-section. Let me explain why.

First, your dog is having her first litter at six. This is middle age for a dog. Her pelvic bones will likely not open as easily, and this could make birth more difficult for average size puppies, not to mention large ones.
You've said you have no experience delivering puppies, so it would be difficult for you to help your dog if one of the puppies became stuck. A delay in the birth might cause the death of one or both pups, and it could endanger mom as well.
The vet has most likely made an educated analysis of the puppies' size versus your dog's pelvis. If he is recommending to plan for a C-section, it is probably the right thing to do.

All of that said, canine pregnancies come with risks, and this is so for both natural births and C-sections. My advice is to ask your vet to explain the C-section procedure to you so you know what to expect. Your vet should also explain how much after care your dog will need. Most females recover from a C-section very quickly, although great care should be taken with the anesthesia, especially with smaller dogs.

Thanks for your question, and I hope everything turns out for the best. - posted by:Kelly

Question: Our chihuahua just went into her first heat a month ago. We also have a four-month-old Min Pin that is alone with her all day. Is it possible for him to get her pregnant being that young? She has all of the symptoms of being pregnant, but we didn't think it was possible at his age. Could it be? - Posted by: lynnypoo87@live.com

Answer: Hi Delyn,

Accidents do happen, and you're not the first owner to be caught in this position. There is a possibility that your Min Pin puppy could have impregnated your Chihuahua, although it is only a slight chance. Males become fertile somewhere between four and six months of age, although they shouldn't be used for breeding until they have reached maturity. Most males this age won't be able to figure out how to get the job done, but perhaps your pup has.

There's also some concern about the age of your female. You state that this is her first heat cycle, which puts her age between six and twelve months. This is still very young for her to produce a litter, and it will likely be quite taxing on her own resources. My best advice for the situation is to take your female in to be examined by your vet. Chihuahuas are very delicate, and even adult females often have difficulty delivering. You'll want your vet's expert opinion on whether it will be safe to allow a pregnancy to progress if she is indeed pregnant.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I do hope everything works out alright. - posted by:Kelly

Question: Hi Kelly, I posted a question to you a few weeks ago regarding my bichion (tara). I was asking if you thought i may have had a successful tie etc. I was gushing over how excited I was and I found you to be a very nice and helpful person, Thank you. Well, you asked me to keep you upto date with things and I am so delighted to announce that she had a scan today and she is showing a litter of at least 2!!!!!!!! It is a little to early to be 100% sure of only 2 so I may still get a suprise. Both are showing good heartbeats and I am so pround of her. I just cant belive I am going to be a doggy gran! Thank you again and if you dont mind, can I ask any questions I may have over the next few weeks? Take care from one very happy owner. Debbie - Posted by: debbiei@btinternet.com

Answer: Congratulations Debbie! - posted by:Kelly

Question: Hello, this is my first time owning a female dog and a few months ago my dogs got into a fight. At that time I thought that my male was just being a bully, but after that I realized that my female was in heat and figured maybe that had something to do with it. I noticed she was in heat 01/02/2008 and I was told that the cyle should be over, but her nipples seem to be getting very large to me. I can feel small pockets underneath the nipple. Her private vulva is still a little larger than usual, not as big as it was when she was in heat but still bigger. Is it possible that she is pregnant? - Posted by: tpearlhanson@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Tyra,

Yes, there's a possibility that your dog could have been bred during her last heat cycle. Some bitches will fight off an interested male during the early portion of the cycle, but will usually become receptive later on. If a breeding occured, you have a 50/50 chance of your dog getting pregnant. According to the signs you're seeing, I'd say your chances are even higher.

You can find out for sure whether your dog is pregnant by asking your vet to perform a blood test. This way, you'll know for sure what you're dealing with, and you'll have a better idea of how to care for your bitch through a pregnancy. We have plenty of articles on pregnancy topics in our Dog Health category if you find a need for them.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for a happy outcome, no matter what happens. - posted by:Kelly

Question: I have a White German Shepherd. I was wondering about females bleeding during their heat cycle; is that possible? I had dogs when I was younger but they were all male. This is the first female I've had. I just aquired her three months ago. She is still very playfull, energetic and eating just fine, but she's been bleeding and her nipples have gotten larger. Any ideas? Could she possibly be pregnant? Should I take her to the vet? Thank you for listening. - Posted by: tiny1409@hotmail.com

Answer: Hi Tisha,

Yes, bitches do discharge a certain amount of blood from their vulvas during the heat cycle. You can read more about this at our articles Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding and Female Dog Heat Cycle.

Some bitches will develop a little breast tissue after a season. Sometimes this is a sign of a false pregnancy, especially if the bitch was never exposed to a fertile male during her heat cycle.

There's a sligh possibility that your bitch could be pregnant, but since she is still currently cycling, it's too early to tell. Has she been exposed to any unneutered dogs? Has she spent time outdoors by herself. Do you currently own a male dog? If your answers to any of these questions is yes, she could have been bred.

My suggestion is to watch her and see if she begins to show more signs of pregnancy after her heat cycle ends. If you truly begin to suspect she's pregnant, make an appoint with your vet to examine her about one month after her cycle ends.

Thanks for your questions, and I hope you find this info helpful. :) - posted by:Kelly

Question: I am a first time dog owner, and when my dog was in heat we watched her very closely while outside. However, we have noticed weight gain, milk in her nipples, she wont eat her dog food, she sits on my lap constantly and she snipped at my dad, brother and boyfriend. She has also been peeing in the house. Is she pregnant and does she need vitamins? - Posted by: wildsexyncrazy@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Sara,

While many of the behaviors and signs you're describing are often associated with pregnancy, they are not a guarantee your bitch is actually pregnant. This is especially so if you are sure she wasn't exposed to an unneutered male.

Your bitch may be going through a false pregnancy. This mimics many of the signs of a true pregnancy, but the symptoms eventually go away after several weeks. I have a Terrier bitch that has a false after every season.

That said, some of your bitch's behaviors are a bit extreme, the nipping and house soiling in particular. All things considered, it might be worth it to let your vet examine her. An ultrasound can detect embryos around three weeks. If your vet is able to rule out a pregnancy, you'll have a better idea of what you're dealing with. Your vet may decide this is indeed a false pregnancy, or may want to test for something else such as a urinary tract infection.

If your bitch does happen to be pregnant, she will need good nutrition to support her growing pups. She won't necessarily need vitamins as long as you're feeding her a high quality kibble, because this can actually throw the balance off. Usually it's enough to simply offer larger portions of the kibble. I also like to add a dollop of cottage cheese to the dinner for the added calcium the pups will need to make strong bones. Many pregnant bitches go through a period where they don't want to eat, but this usually passes and then they make up for it with ravenous appetites.

Thanks for your question, and I hope that everything turns out alright.

- posted by:Kelly

Question: My female Cocker Spaniel is just ten-months-old and we know that there was an encounter with a male Cockapoo while under someone else's supervision. The details we were given were short but we know they were very difficult to separate (guessing this is what you would term "tying") and it took about a minute to get them apart. We believe she is about 30 days along now, her appetite has been poor over the past few days; she vomitted for the first (and second) time ever recently, and she wants to snuggle and sleep all the time. This is very out of character for her. We are concerned (and hoping) that by some slim chance this is a false pregnancy, and, if not, what are the chances she will need a C-section given the male and she are very close to the same size? Thank you! Melissa - Posted by: melissamgoodman@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Melissa,

It does sound like the dogs were tied, and pulling them apart was a dangerous thing for those people to do, as it could have caused internal injury to one or both dogs.

It sounds as though your bitch has a very good chance of being pregnant. Her risk for a C-section is only slightly higher because of her young age, not really due to the size of the stud. If the bitch were fully grown, I wouldn't expect puppy size to create any special problem in this particular breeding. That said, many bitches wind up having C-sections because they can't fully dilate. It's just something that you have to watch for during delivery, and take the bitch to the vet if she can't push out her pups.

Thanks for your question, and I do hope that everything works out alright whether your bitch is pregnant or not. - posted by:Kelly

Question: Hi, I own a Border Collie, and two weeks ago I noticed she had begun to gain weight, just as she had come of heat. She is also more attentive to others, and has been sick a few times now. I'm confused about whether she is just over eating or if she could be pregnant. - Posted by: beththomas2k8@yahoo.co.uk

Answer: Hi Beth,

Do you suspect your dog was actually bred? Was there a time when she was outside unsupervised during her season? Do you own an intact male dog? If the answers to these questions are yes, there is a possibility your dog is pregnant. There's also a possibility that she is going through a false pregnancy, especially if there wasn't any chance she was around a male. If this happens to be the case, the pregnancy signs will eventually fade away.

The only sure way to know what's going on would be to have your vet examine your bitch in a couple more weeks to check for embryos. I normally recommend having the bitch palpated on the 28th day from the breeding, but this isn't really possible if the breeding date isn't known. Vets can also perform and ultrasound to detect the embryos from 21 days on, so this would be the best route to take in your situation.

Thanks for your question, and best of luck. - posted by:Kelly

Question: I have a three-year-old Shih Tzu. She has never been pregnant. She was diagnosed with lyme disease, however, before I started her 21 day treatment, she and my Pomeranian mated twice. This happened on Christmas day and two days later respectively. I'm not sure if she is pregnant. If so, what are the risks. She is scheduled to be spayed, however, I would not spay her if she is already pregnant. - Posted by: Dailymine@aol.com

Answer: Hi Yvette,

Miscarriages are common in bitches that have lyme disease. The disease can also put a strain on your bitch's heart, something the increased blood supply during pregnancy can do too.

I think the best thing you can do is call your vet, explain the situation and get a qualified medical opinion about what is best for your bitch at this time, if indeed she is pregnant.

Best wishes for a happy outcome to the entire situation. - posted by:Kelly

Question: We have an Anatolian shepherd who we believe is pregnant. She was mated first on November 3rd. It is January 13 and no puppies. Now she is bleeding a bit, similar to when she is in heat. Is this common before birth, or an indicator that she is not pregnant. - Posted by: bobbie_l_russell@mcpsmd.org

Answer: Hi Bobbie,

If your bitch was truly pregnant and due to deliver according to your breeding date, then the bleeding isn't normal. If there is any chance that you figured the due date wrong (63-67 days from the mating), there's still a possibility that she is about to deliver. There's also a possibility that this is a sign of a developing uterine infection from the breeding.

To be on the safe side, I would call your vet and run the scenario by him/her. The vet may want you to bring your bitch in for an examination just to make sure of what's going on, and if any intervention is necessary.

Thanks for your question, and I hope that everything turns out alright. - posted by:Kelly

Question: Hi, My dog may be pregnant, but her due date was about a week ago. She has also started to bleed as though she is in heat. Any suggestions on what I should do, or what may be wrong? Thanks - Posted by: galzradragon497@aim.com

Answer: Hi Sera,

This is a tricky situation. First, there's the question of whether your dog was ever really pregnant. Some dogs have false pregnancies following a season that seems like the real thing. Did you ever have your vet confirm the pregnancy?

Second, dogs are pregnant for approxiamtely 63 days from the date of the breeding. Are you sure you counted correctly? Is there any possibility that your dog could have been bred a final time without you knowing about it?

It's difficult to say what's going on here because of all the variables. If your dog was bred later than you thought, that would throw off her due date. If she was truly pregnant and is now overdue, the bleeding could be a sign of a problem or an infection. Our third option is that your dog really is coming back in season, which could signal some sort of hormonal problem considering her last heat cycle was just two months ago.

I'd say that a trip to the vet is definitely in order. This way you can be sure of exactly what is going on, and get your dog the treatment she may need.

I do hope that everything works out, and thank you for your question. - posted by:Kelly

Question: Thanks for your response.Yes I did mean breasts. The one that seems very swollen today is the one that I cleaned last night because it had a bunch of black dots on the nipple of what looked like dirt ,so I tried to clean them off. Do you think this cause that gland to fill? If so ,do you think if I leave it alone it will go back down until they are born? I am absolutly sure she is due in 2 wks. . I just don't want her to be in pain for the last 2 wks. I was thinking of taking her to the vet tomorrow but I don't know what he could due for that. Thank you again for your time. - Posted by: kc4hh@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi KC,

Thanks for the extra details. Yes, I do think it would be beneficial to let your vet examine that one significantly enlarged breast. She may be developing an infection that needs to be addressed.

Best of luck.

- posted by:Kelly

Question: How soon do a pregnant bitch's glands swell before delivery? Is it normal to see significant swelling two weeks before birth? - Posted by: kc4hh@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi KC,

By "glands" do you mean your bitch's breasts? If so, you likely observe some increas in size as the breast tissue devops inpreparation for milk production. Some bitches even ebgin making milk, but I wouldn't expect to see a big difference until right before or after birth. Is there a possibility that you might have miscalculated her due date? I'd like you to read the following articles because I think you'll find the information helpful.

I would advise against checking your bitch for milk. Squeezing the nipples may only stimulate production, and this is not needed until the pups arrive.

Thanks for your question, and I hope all goes well with the delivery.

- posted by:Kelly

Question: My dog is leaking milk from her nipples when squeezed gently. Does this mean she is pregnant for sure, and possibly how far along could she be if this is happening? - Posted by: awestbrooks@msn.com

Answer: Hi Angel,

It's not a sure sign of pregnancy. Some dogs come into milk when they go through a false pregnancy.

You need to check your calendar and try to figure out when your dog was last in season. This will help you figure out how far along she might be if she is truly pregnant. Most breedings take place during the second week of the three week heat cycle. To get an approximate due date, count forward 63 days from the middle day of that week.

That said, you'll have to wait to see if she begins to show more Signs Of Dog Pregnancy. If she does, you may then want to ask your vet to try to confirm the pregnancy by ultrasound. If there are embryos, your vet should be able to give you an approximate due date based on their size.

Thanks for your question, and I hope things work out the way you want them to.

- posted by:Kelly

Question: I believe my dog to be pregnant. She is a small Cocker Spaniel that weighs 10-14 pounds. If my calculations are correct, she should be about four weeks into the pregnancy. I have noticed a change in her nipples, a bit of decrease in her appetite, and she tends to be more clingy. Is there a definite way to tell if she is pregnant? Would a home pregnancy test for humans work? - Posted by: tmkissling@aol.com

Answer: Hi Tina,

A home pregnancy test for women work work on dogs, but your vet can perform and ultrasound to detect the embryos. This test is especially useful because then you'll know how many pups to expect. This is good to know not only because you'll have a better idea of when the whelping is finished, but also in case of an emergency.

If this happens to be the first litter you've ever bred, you may find our article on Delivering Puppies quite useful.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for a healthy litter. - posted by:Kelly

Question: My daughter has a Rottweiler, and she was breed by a Great Dane on December 18. She was showing the next week. Is it possible for her to be showing already? We are hoping that the male Rottweiler got to her first since she is showing already. Thanks for your time. - Posted by: k_jenkins@hotmail.com

Answer: Hi Kay,

Even if the male Rottie had bred the bitch earlier, it would only have made a few days difference. I don't think the bitch would have been showing and increased abdomin after just one week. Even at 28 days gestation, the embryos are only the size of peas. What you may have noticed is an increase in breast tissue. This could make the belly area appear a bit fuller.

To be on the safe side, you might even want to have your vet take a look at your dog. If she truly looks like her belly has enlarged significantly, there's a possibility that she may have a bladder infection developed from the breeding.

Best wishes, and I hope all goes well. - posted by:Kelly

Question: Hello, we have two Great Danes and plan to breed them next year after they are two years old. How many months will our female be pregnant before she begins to have her litter? - Posted by: tierra_cumpton@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Donald and Tierra,

The average dog pregnancy lasts about 63 days. Since you have a full year before you breed these dogs, you'll want to use the time wisely to learn everything you can about this subject. I'm going to suggest you read our following articles. They will really help you prepare.

Best of luck, and don't hesitate to come back if you have more questions. - posted by:Kelly

Question: Hi, I have a three-year-old Lab that is currently pregnant and due at any moment. I am not exactly sure of her breeding date, but I think it was the last week in October or the first week in November. She had an ultrasound two weeks ago, and the vet thought she would deliver in one to two weeks. She has had milk for three weeks, starting losing her mucus plug over one week ago, and her puppies "dropped" eight to nine days ago and are moving like crazy. She is showing no signs of impending labor. There's been no temperature change, no nesting, no loss of appetite, and she is acting normal. How can I tell if she is overdue? Her temperature has been consistantly 99.5-100.9 for one week. She had a temp drop to 98.1 over one week ago, but her temperature only stayed there for a few hours. Thanks! - Posted by: Adburnside@aol.com

Answer: Hi Angie,

The temperature drop will typically go as low as 97 degrees F., and needs to stay that low for at least 12 hours for it to signal impending labor.

At this point, everything you're telling me sounds normal, so it's really just a waiting game. As long as your dog doesn't seem to be in distress there's no need for worry. Believe me, you'll be able to tell when she goes into the early stages of labor.

Good luck, and let us know how things turn out! - posted by:Kelly