How Dogs Sense Pregnancy and Respond To It

Dogs can indeed sense pregnancy in humans. This ability stems from their evolution as pack animals, where sensing environmental changes was essential for survival. Curious how they do it? Here are 15 surprising reasons why they can whiff your pregnant!
Superhuman Smell

Canines possess an olfactory system 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than humans. They can detect subtle changes in a woman’s scent due to hormonal shifts during pregnancy.
Hormone Detection

Dogs can sense hormone increases such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estrogen, and progesterone, which rise dramatically in early pregnancy. This leads to increased affection or protective behavior.
Behavioral Changes

As pregnancy progresses, women often alter their routines and movements. Dogs are keen observers and quickly notice these changes, adjusting their behavior in response. You might start seeing a calmer, more considerate pup.
Increased Interest in the Belly

Your dog may show heightened curiosity about a growing belly, often resting its head on it or gently pawing at it. When they do this, it shows that they are aware of a developing baby in your belly.
Protective Instincts

Many dogs become more protective when they sense you are expectant. They might start following you closely and positioning themselves between you and any perceived threats—other people and pets.
Emotional Awareness

If you switch moods, they catch it because dogs are highly attuned to human emotions. Your dog will respond with increased affection and protectiveness because mood swings and heightened emotions are rampant during pregnancy.
Routine Disruption

Changes in sleep patterns, eating habits, and daily activities will occur throughout the gestation period. These disruptions will prompt dogs to become more attentive or anxious as they seek reassurance. Having help is vital.
Labor Prediction

Some dogs seem to sense the onset of labor, becoming extra clingy or anxious as delivery approaches. Many women report unusual behavior from their dogs just before contractions begin.
Miscarriage Awareness

Sudden hormonal changes and emotional distress during a miscarriage will affect not only you but also your pup. This will lead to noticeable shifts in their behavior, such as increased defensiveness or attempts to comfort their owner.
Morning Sickness Detection

When you are about to experience a morning sickness episode, your dog might sense it before you even feel it. They do this by detecting subtle changes in body odor caused by nausea, and they become unusually attentive.
Activity Level Adjustments

Since you are pregnant, especially in the later stages, you might be unable to run around or play aggressively with your pup. If it senses fatigue, it could become calmer and reduce playtime intensity.
Sleeping Pattern Shifts

Many dogs might sleep closer to you, indicating their instinct to protect you and the developing baby during this change. During these close cuddle sessions, they hear or see the baby’s movement if it’s in the last pregnancy stages.
Detecting Fetal Heartbeat

While not scientifically proven, some dogs may be able to hear fetal heartbeats due to their superior hearing. This might explain their increased interest in the pregnant belly with an attempt to get closer to you.
Varied Reactions

Everyone’s dog may react differently to a pregnancy based on several factors. While some become more protective, others may exhibit rebellious behaviors, such as inappropriate urination or chewing, stemming from anxiety or jealousy.
Bonding and Connection

Throughout the pregnancy, dogs often form a deeper bond with their owners, providing emotional support and companionship as they navigate the changes together. In case of danger, such as labor or miscarriage, they bark to attract attention to nearby people who can help.