As soon as your partner finds out they're pregnant, you may notice a change in your dog's behavior. This can be due to the physical changes your partner is going through, such as weight gain or mood swings, which can affect your dog's emotions and behavior.
Your dog may become more clingy or attached to your partner, sensing that they're going through a significant change. This is because dogs are highly attuned to their owner's emotions and can pick up on subtle cues.
Some dogs may also become more protective of their owner, particularly if they sense that their owner is vulnerable or needs extra care. This is a natural instinct for dogs, but it's essential to address any changes in behavior early on to prevent any issues from arising.
In many cases, your dog's behavior will return to normal once your partner gives birth and their physical changes subside. However, it's crucial to be patient and understanding, as your dog's behavior may take time to adjust to the new dynamic in your household.
Changes in Appetite and Weight
As you're expecting, you might notice changes in your dog's appetite. Your dog may become ravenous or lose interest in food during the early stages of pregnancy.
Some dogs might eat more than usual, while others might have a decrease in appetite. This can be a sign of pregnancy, so keep an eye on your dog's food intake.
Your dog's weight gain is another noticeable change. After about a month, you should start to notice her weight increase.
Behavioral Changes and Fatigue
Your furry friend may undergo some fascinating changes when you're expecting a baby. As your dog prepares for the arrival of her own puppies, she might become more affectionate and seek out your company for connection and cuddles.
You might notice your dog being more clingy, which is actually a common phenomenon. Interestingly, it's been observed that dogs are more affectionate when their owners are pregnant too.
As your dog's pregnancy progresses, she may feel a bit uneasy and restless, needing to readjust her position to get comfortable. This restlessness can be a sign that she's close to giving birth, and it's common for dogs to become restless up to 20 hours before their litter arrives.
Your dog may also start gathering items from around the home to make a cozy nest for her puppies. This nesting behavior can happen at any time during the pregnancy, but it tends to increase close to her labor. Providing your dog with her own space can help her practice this natural behavior.
If your dog is normally full of energy and loves to play, you might notice her wanting to sleep more or take frequent naps. She's under a lot of stress and has many developing puppies in her stomach, making her more tired than usual.
Increased Fatigue and Excessive Sleepiness
If you've recently become pregnant, you may have noticed changes in your dog's behavior. One common symptom is increased fatigue and excessive sleepiness. Your dog may sleep longer or just seem more lethargic, especially during the first few weeks of pregnancy.
This is normal, as growing a litter of puppies is hard work. Your dog's body is working overtime to nourish the developing puppies, leaving her feeling tired and stressed.
Some other signs of pregnancy to look out for include:
- Vomiting (similar to human morning sickness)
- A small amount of discharge from the vaginal area
It's essential to note that these symptoms can vary in severity and may not be present in all pregnant dogs. However, if you suspect your dog is pregnant, it's crucial to take her to the vet for a proper diagnosis and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs get territorial when owner is pregnant?
Yes, some dogs may become territorial or defensive of their owners during pregnancy, perceiving the changes as a need for protection. This behavior can be a natural response to perceived vulnerability.
Sources
- https://www.michigananimalhospital.com/site/blog/2021/11/30/dog-pregnant-signs
- https://www.petsbest.com/blog/dog-pregnancy
- https://amerivet.com/blog/signs-of-phantom-pregnancy-in-dogs/
- https://pennypaws.com/blog/how-can-i-tell-if-my-dog-is-pregnant/
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/reproductive/dog-pregnancy
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