26 Sep 2025
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Health
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If your unspayed female dog has recently been around male dogs, it’s possible that you could end up with a litter of pups - whether it was planned or not!
A pregnant dog will often display a few tell-tale symptoms, but a sure-fire way to find out is with a trip to the vet to test for pregnancy.
Read on to find out the common signs of pregnancy in dogs, and what steps to take after a positive result. This includes how you can care for your dog throughout their pregnancy and how to prepare for the arrival of new puppies!
Dogs are pregnant for around 9 weeks (63 days) on average, so it’s a relatively short time - and the changes come in three stages, similar to human trimesters.
In these early stages, it can be easy to mistake the signs of pregnancy for a simple tummy upset or sickness.
She may be clingier than usual or seem particularly needy, have larger and pinker nipples, and she may be quieter and want to sleep more.
Just like morning sickness in humans, she may have mild sickness or go off her food.
At this stage, it will become more obvious that your pooch is pregnant, and the growing foetuses will now be detectable with an ultrasound.
She will gain weight around her middle, and her belly will be rounder and more accentuated.
Her nipples will be prominent, in preparation to feed her puppies; her vulva swells, and you may notice discharge.
She will also start nesting, collecting blankets and toys in one area to snuggle and sleep with.
Her belly is enlarged and is lower on the abdomen, full of pups ready to be born.
Milk may leak from her nipples as her body prepares to feed.
Behaviour-wise, she could be fidgety and mildly anxious, remaining clingy and needing your affection - or she might slink off for frequent alone time.
If you put your hand to her belly, you can feel the puppies moving, and maybe even see them!
If you suspect your pooch may be expecting, you can take them to the vet for a check-up and tests.
From week 4, the vet will be able to see the growing foetuses in an ultrasound, so you’ll know for sure that there are puppies on the way.
If there isn’t a foetus, your vet will check your dog for other health issues, or perhaps diagnose a phantom pregnancy.
A phantom pregnancy is when a dog experiences symptoms of being pregnant, but isn’t.
Phantom pregnancy in dogs is very common, but it can be an anxious or distressing time for your pooch, so you’ll need to support them through the experience until it passes.
Here are some common signs of phantom pregnancy in dogs.
Vet Linda advises:
If a female is mated when in the Oestrus stage of their heat cycle, a pregnancy is very likely. This is why we want to consider neutering females that we do not want to breed, and we must always have females on leash when in season if you're looking to avoid pregnancy.
Now that you know your dog is expecting, it’s time to give them the special care they need to carry their pups safely through to term.
This means researching the best food for a pregnant dog, exercising safely, and making your home comfortable for a pregnant pooch.
Feeding your dog the right food is key to a healthy pregnancy - whatever they now eat goes to nourishing their pups as well as themselves.
Your dog will likely be hungrier on some days, so be sure to stock up with nutritious, high-quality dog food to keep them energised.
Week 4 - Move your dog onto a nutrient-dense, higher-calorie food. From around week 4, your pregnant dog needs extra nutritious food that will boost her energy.
A high-quality puppy food that contains lots of whole ingredients such as chicken, sweet potato and salmon oil is a great option - this will satisfy your dog’s hunger, boost her energy levels and help her pups grow.
Also, feeding them puppy food during lactation helps to meet calcium and calorie needs.
Pooch & Mutt Dry Puppy Food contains all of these superfoods, as well as cranberries to reduce water infections, chamomile for its natural calming effects, and blackcurrants, which are rich in antioxidants.
But then gradually increase portion size. From week 4, start with just a bit more and increase each week.
During late pregnancy (week 7 onwards), she’ll need increased energy - so don’t be afraid to give around 50% more food than usual across her meals. Be aware that her appetite may fluctuate with hormonal changes, so some days she may be hungrier than others.
Avoid supplements unless advised by a vet, especially any containing calcium, as this can cause issues with the puppies’ development.
A vet can guide you to which supplements are safest for your pregnant dog.
Limit human scraps or fatty treats. If you usually sneak your dog some of your food, you should be more vigilant while she’s pregnant and keep her diet as healthy as possible.
Keep some healthy dog treats on hand for giving your pooch a pick-me-up!
Your dog needs to take care when carrying puppies, and that extends to exercising, playing and going outside.
However, staying active is vital for your pregnant dog to be strong, energised and in a good mood.
Stick to your usual walking routine, but keep the walks relaxed and not too strenuous.
Don’t run or walk for long distances with your dog, especially in the late stages of pregnancy. Playing fetch is still ok, so long as it’s gentle and low-impact.
Keep her mind occupied with easy games in the garden or indoors, as this can prevent boredom and give some distraction from how tired or strange she might be feeling.
Your dog needs a quiet, comfortable space and reduced stress at home while they’re pregnant.
If your dog is giving birth at home, prepare a whelping box (‘whelping’ is a term for when your dog gives birth).
It should be contained so that she feels safe and secure while giving birth to her puppies.
A box, big enough to accommodate her body with space for puppies, should be comfortable enough. Put this box in an area of the house that is quiet and warm - the temperature should be around 22–26°C (72–78°F) with no drafts.
This is such a delicate time for your pooch, so stay vigilant around her care and get in touch with a vet immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms; they can indicate a health issue, an infection, or an emergency.
There are some clear signs your dog is about to give birth. If your dog is in pre-labour, she might:
Many dogs give birth at home with the support of their owners (especially if they’re experienced breeders), and it’s totally safe.
However, if it’s your dog’s first pregnancy, you will need a vet’s guidance as they go into labour.
They can talk you through the birthing process and be on hand for emergencies.
It's important to note that certain breeds like Frenchies and Bulldogs often need scheduled c-sections due to a high rate of birth complications.
The first signs are easy to miss, as they’re subtle and could be mistaken for a mild tummy upset or sickness.
Within the first couple of weeks, your pooch may become quieter and sleep more often, and sometimes may seem clingy and needy.
A tell-tale sign is their nipples might be pinker or enlarged, and they might be off their food.
More obvious signs will show from week 4, and include weight gain around the belly.
Yes, but gently.
Your dog will still need mental stimulation and attention when she’s pregnant, so don’t stop regular routines like playing and going for walks.
Avoid rough play, however, even if that’s what she’s used to - being gentle is safest.
Yes, it’s safe to mix with other dogs so long as it’s calm and safe.
Avoid any situations where unknown dogs are in your dog’s personal space, and keep her away from highly energised dogs who are known to jump on or agitate her.
Read her signals - if she seems to enjoy the company of other pooches, just supervise them together. If she seems uncomfortable or tries to find her own space, make sure she’s able to get that.
Chat to your vet about any medication your dog was already on before getting pregnant - many treatments will need close monitoring or to be stopped while your pooch is expecting.
This usually includes steroids, N-SAIDs and certain antibiotics.
Your vet can give you advice on this.
Additionally, lots of parasite preventatives are not proven safe for pregnant or lactating bitches, so ask your vet about the best options.
Yes! In the late stage of pregnancy (weeks 7-9), you should be able to feel or even see the puppies moving around in your dog’s tummy.
Be sure to touch your dog’s belly gently and carefully, and stop if she seems uncertain.
If you have a pregnant pooch to look after, take a look at our high-quality grain-free puppy food. It’s crammed full of nutrient-dense ingredients such as chicken, sweet potato and salmon oil that will support your dog through their pregnancy and protect their energy, body and mind.
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