My female dog's belly is hard and round. Is she pregnant or sick?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

  Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

  Published on August 7th, 2017

  There are many different causes for a dog's belly to get bigger, including pregnancy, false pregnancy, pyometra (life-threatening infection of the uterus), stomach bloat, free fluid in the abdomen, and cancer, among others. I would recommend that you have Sissy examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible for diagnosis. If she is not pregnant and otherwise healthy, your vet can schedule her for a spay surgery.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 22nd, 2018

  It's possible that Lily could be pregnant, but if she was first mated three and a half weeks ago, it would still be early for her to show signs such as an enlarged belly. If she won't let him mate anymore, then she is out of heat. I would take Lily into the vet. The vet can do a blood test to look for a hormone called relaxin that occurs when a dog is pregnant. If this hormone is found in her blood, then she is pregnant. I do not recommend mating her again after this. Female dogs should never be bred past the age of seven. This is because after this age, pregnancy is very hard on the dog's body and there is an increased risk of complications from it. If she is currently pregnant, I recommend having her spayed after she weans her litter. Should she not be pregnant, I recommend having her spayed as soon as possible. Good luck, I hope this helps!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful