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Is my dog pregnant? Learn the signs and how to confirm with a vet.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female

I am trying to figure out if my dog is pregnant or not.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 23rd, 2017

There are certain physical signs that a dog is pregnant, such as an enlarged belly, enlarged nipples, increased appetite, lethargy, firm abdomen, and nesting behavior among others. The best way to know if Gypsie is pregnant, however, is to have her seen by a vet. The vet can do a blood test, x-rays, and/or ultrasound to confirm if she is pregnant. Veterinary care during a dog's pregnancy is quite important, so she should see a vet as soon as possible. If she is far along enough in her pregnancy, the vet can use x-rays and/or ultrasound to tell you how many puppies she is carrying.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 25th, 2017

    Hello, there are other ways to diagnose pregnancy which can be performed by your veterinarian. Unfortunately, some dogs may show behavior changes and some may not based the change in their mammary glands at the very end of gestation. Your vet can measure Relaxin at days 22-25, perform an ultrasound, or take radiographs around day 40 if you know when she may have been bred, Hope this helps.

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on February 14th, 2020

    If your dog was in heat and near an intact male, there is always a chance of pregnancy, and all signs should be confirmed in person with your vet (as false pregnancy can occur). Pregnancy usually lasts 60-65 days in dogs. Signs can include weight gain, changes in behavior, swelling of the nipples, and then contractions/temperature/appetite changes as labor approaches.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 12th, 2017

    There are a number of physical signs that can indicate a pregnant in dogs, including enlarged nipples, weight gain, lethargy, enlarged belly, clear vaginal discharge, and nesting behavior. The best way to know if Ellie is pregnant, however, is to have her examined by a vet. The vet can do a blood test, ultrasound, and/or x-rays to confirm her pregnancy, give you an idea of how for along she is, and how many she is having.

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