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Pregnancy is an exciting time, and thanks to modern technology and human pregnancy tests, we can detect it very early on.
But it’s possible our furry friends can sense things even earlier than we can, and dogs may notice pregnancy earlier than our most advanced methods. How do they do this? What are the signs, and is it accurate?
Here, we discuss if dogs can detect pregnancy, how it happens, and if your dog can know before you do.
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How dogs might detect pregnancy
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There are two ways dogs may detect pregnancy: through their sense of smell and advanced emotional sensitivity.
Sense of smell
Pregnancy in humans causes significant hormonal shifts to occur rapidly, including increases in oestrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Now, it can take our pregnancy tests a little while to detect the appropriate hCG levels in urine to provide a positive result.
But a dog may notice these changes much quicker thanks to their amazing nose which is up to 100,000 times more sensitive than ours. That means a dog may be able to “smell” these hormone changes as they happen.
Behavioural and emotional sensitivity
Running alongside detecting pregnancy through scent is a dog’s ability to notice subtle behaviour and emotional changes. A well-bonded dog is very attuned to their pet parent’s routine and behaviour. As their pet parent’s body changes during pregnancy, a dog will notice subtle changes in habits, moods, and routines.
They’ll also notice body language changes and more obvious physical changes later in pregnancy, like a growing belly.
The science behind dogs noticing pregnancy: fact or fiction?
So, can your dog tell when you're pregnant? Is there any actual evidence for it?
The evidence is mostly anecdotal. There’s a lack of conclusive scientific research on the subject, and the difficulties surrounding the ability to set up good, sound studies are a stumbling block.
So, it hasn’t been proven through rigorous studies. But there are plenty of real, tangible experiences people have reported that seem to match up with what we know about biology.
When do dogs notice you're pregnant?
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Potentially very early on. In early pregnancy, hCG levels rise rapidly, and as we mentioned, dogs can detect this almost immediately.
There isn’t an established timeline for this, though. Every dog is different, and some may be more observant than others.
Common signs your dog knows you're pregnant
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Your dog may change their behaviour when they notice you're pregnant. Behavioural changes can include:
Agitation and/or anxiety
Clinginess
Following you around the house
Increased affection, like the need for constant cuddling
Overprotectiveness or aggression towards strangers and other animals
Resource guarding
Resting on your belly
Sniffing, particularly around the belly
Urination changes or peeing indoors due to stress
I'm pretty sure I'm not pregnant - could my dog's behaviour mean I'm dealing with something else?
It's probably nothing to worry about. While there's evidence that dogs can "smell" illnesses from breath and urine, we wouldn’t panic. You should, of course, see a doctor if you have any worrying symptoms, though.
Dogs can be trained to smell certain types of cancer, and there's evidence that they can smell changes in blood sugar and upcoming seizures, too. But it is unlikely for your dog to show this behavior; it's usually trained medical dogs who do this in clinical settings.
So, while increased sniffing may indicate a change in your health, it isn't a strong piece of evidence. Consult a doctor if you're worried or notice any worrying symptoms.
Is it safe to own a dog while pregnant?
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Yes, you normally don't have anything to worry about. The majority of people can happily continue with their pet parenthood through their pregnancy and beyond.
But before we discuss more, please talk to your doctor if you're uncertain, stressed, or suffering from a specific medical condition. Your priority should be feeling safe.
The main issue that could arise during pregnancy is pet behavioural changes. As mentioned, pregnancy can spark anxiety and stress in some dogs, leading to obstructive, unwanted behaviours. This is much more likely to happen if you are not able to give your dog as much attention or exercise opportunities as normal. This is especially common in high risk or complicated pregnancies.
We recommend following positive reinforcement training to help manage this. Make sure you're doing all you can to keep your dog relaxed and enriched. Things like puzzle feeders and interactive toys can help with mental stimulation, as well as leaning on friends, family and dog walkers for support with exercising your pet.
But if you're finding it difficult to manage during pregnancy, chat to your vet or a behaviourist. Sometimes, your dog’s behaviour can be a symptom of a deeper problem, and a professional can help provide more specific, actionable advice.
What this means for you if you’re pregnant
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Most dogs will be absolutely fine during your pregnancy. But sometimes, dogs can encounter behaviour issues due to anxiety or stress. But don't worry - you've got this, and it just takes a bit of preparation and training to get them ready.
It's important to practice stricter hygiene when pregnant, though, so if you're the resident dog poop scooper, take a little more care. It's not as risky as cleaning out a cat's litter box, but since your immune system is compromised, it's important to be extra safe.
You should also take care when handling certain prescribed pet medications. Get a family member or friend to administer your dog’s medication if necessary.
Remember: once your baby has arrived, you must always prioritise their safety. Supervise all interactions between them and your dog, and we're sure your pup will be up to speed with things quickly.
Tips on managing dog behaviour if you're pregnant
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Set boundaries
Get in the habit of setting clear boundaries with your dog before the baby arrives. Separate off parts of the house, like the baby's room, and get your dog used to staying out of areas meant for your baby.
Try not to reward attention-seeking behaviour and instead use positive reinforcement training to reward calmness. It may also help to crate train your dog if they're not as this can create a den-like safe space for them to unwind after the baby's arrival.
Child and dog-proof your home
Before the baby arrives, it's essential to make sure your home is safe for them and your dog. Things will inevitably move in your home as you adapt to your new lifestyle, so it's worth double-checking your home is secure.
Our guide on puppy-proofing and child-proofing your home can help.
Consider desensitisation training
While you're pregnant you should spend time introducing your dog to baby sounds. Dogs have very sensitive hearing and this will minimise stress for them when your baby actually arrives.
Play the sound of a baby crying at very low levels while you are going about your normal routine, and gradually increase the volume over time. This will help to desensitise your dog to the noise before they have to experience it for real!
Keep your dog stimulated and exercised
We know things can get hectic when your baby arrives, but it's still important to make sure your dog is exercised and stimulated. This should help keep them calm too.
Adjust your dog's exercise routine so it works for your new lifestyle. Continue walks, still play with them, and try new enrichment ideas. Now is the time to research dog walkers, or talk to friends and neighbours, just in case you need a little extra help once your baby has arrived.
Stick to your dog's regular feeding schedule, too, to minimise stress. Oh, and make sure your dog has somewhere quiet to retreat to if they're overstimulated. From a young age, children should be taught not to disturb your dog when they are in their bed or crate. This should be your dog’s safe, quiet space.
Ask a vet for advice
Your vet is there to help, even if you have lifestyle questions like parenting a dog during pregnancy. Always talk to a vet trainer or qualified pet behaviourist if you notice significant behaviour changes with your dog, especially if they show aggression or anxiety.
Practice introductions
Our guide on how to introduce pets to children can help with this.
How pet insurance can help
Our Complete Care dog insurance plan gives you behaviour cover up to £20,000 as part of your overall vet fee limit when referred by a vet, meaning you can get issues sorted early.
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