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How do I know if my lactating dog is pregnant? What are the signs?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

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

How can I tell if my dog is pregnant she is Lactating

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Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

Veterinarian

Published on April 26th, 2020

Pregnant dogs have enlarged abdomen from about 5-6 week after the heat. Lactation can start 1-2 days before the labour - this usually does not happen in first pregnancy. If Tweet has normal size abdomen and she has been lactating for a few days now i would suspect phantom pregnancy. However, if you want to be sure if Tweet is pregnant or not, you will need to take her to your local vets for x-ray or ultrasound scan.

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