Dogs Sensing Pregnancy – A Fact Or A Myth?

Dogs are not only exceptional because they are super observant and sensitive but they are very affectionate, smart and just simply amazing! Dogs are great for different purposes including for security, pets, as a guide, and much more. Because dogs are incredible at reading human body language, they can observe some of the changes that occur during pregnancy and can respond to them either positively or negatively. This reaction depends on the type of dog, its closeness to the owner, and the physical and emotional changes it senses on the soon-to-be mom.

How dogs sense pregnancy

There are different ways dogs can sense their owners’ pregnancy, some of these are brought about by the changes (hormonal) that occur during pregnancy or by merely observing the woman’s behavior during this period. These changes include the following:

Hormonal changes: A lot of pregnancy changes we love and do not love are a result of pregnancy hormones (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin, progesterone, estrogen, relaxin, prolactin, etc.). This can change the body scent which dogs can easily perceive even if you don’t. According to research, the smelling ability of dogs is about 10,000-100,000 times that of humans – depending on the breed of dog. They possess up to 300 million olfactory receptors which are higher compared to about 6 million in human, that is 40-60 times higher (these figures may slightly vary in other articles). Some of the changes brought about by these hormones such as morning sickness, nausea, vomiting or fatigue are easily sensed by dogs as they may affect your daily activity or change your lifestyle in some ways. Additionally, changes in body shape and body language can also cause the dog’s reaction.

By observing your behavior: Pregnancy may come with fear, anxiety, moodiness, fatigue, and a long list of others. These can change your behavior or your reaction to things and this can be sensed by your pet dog. Also, your dog may notice new changes in the home, such as organizing a nursery for your baby, buying toys, etc. which can trigger reactions.

Dogs might hear fetal heartbeat: At a point during pregnancy – usually second or third trimester, fetal heartbeat can be heard even without instruments like stethoscopes. It is very common that your partner may put his head on the bump to hear the heartbeat. Dogs have higher hearing capacity than humans (no scientific proofs yet), so your dog will likely hear your baby’s heartbeat if he comes close enough.

Can Dogs sense labor?

There is no evidence that dogs can sense labor, but they can sense how you react or how your body changes as you get closer to your due date. During this period, dogs become more protective, affectionate, and cuddly.

Different ways dogs behave after sensing pregnancy

How dogs react to pregnancy varies, here are some behaviors dogs exhibit when they sense your pregnancy.

Your dog may become overprotective by not leaving your side at all.
Your dog may become more affectionate and give plenty of cuddles
Your dog may act weird due to the changes – some dogs urinate around the house, throw tantrums, or become rebellious or even begin to destroy new things bought for the baby – these attitudes may be as a result of jealousy.
However, some dogs may act indifferently to the situation.