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Pregnant Dog Symptoms

When it comes to canine pregnancy, the pregnant dog symptoms are very easy to spot, and bear striking similarities to the symptoms being exhibited by human females. If you see the following symptoms being exhibited by your dog, it would be advisable to take her to a veterinarian in order to get a proper diagnosis:

1. Lack of appetite. This simple early sign may not happen with your dog, but a certain percentage of female dogs tend to eat less within the first few weeks of gestation, but will more than make up for it during the later stages of pregnancy.
2. Loss of interest in physical activities. Similar to a lot of women, dogs may experience tiredness and exhaustion due to changes in hormone levels.
3. Enlargement of the nipples. This is a normal body change brought on by pregnancy, as the dog's body starts preparing for eventual milk production and nursing.
4. Changes in behavior and attitude. Like most women, pregnant canines tend to exhibit antisocial behavior and mood swings during the pregnancy stage.
5. Increased appetite. During the mid to late stage of pregnancy, the dog will make up for the loss of appetite during the onset, and will start eating enough food for her and her pups.
6. Weight Gain. This is the point where the increase in appetite and the gestation of the pup will start to show its effects.
7. Increase in abdomen size. A marked increase in the thickness of the belly is pretty much a given at this point, and will not require an expert to conclude that your dog is pregnant and soon to give birth.

These are the main pregnant dog symptoms that you should look out for. Bear in mind that dogs are mammals, like humans, and as such they share some symptoms with humans. It doesn't take a guidebook to work out that when a dog's abdomen increases in size, she is pregnant. Remember not to overlook simple things, and to do everything you can to keep your dog in comfort.