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Signs of Pregnancy

What are the signs/symptoms of a pregnant dog? At what point do these symptoms occur? When can a vet confirm pregnancy?
Sharisse

• The number one sign of pregnancy is a girl getting a an increasinlgy larger tummy -- just like us humans. And when the bitch is about two weeks before whelping you can many times feel the puppies moving/kicking if the bitch is lying still on her back.

  Before then -- it's not unusual for the vulva to remain slightly enlarged if a bitch is pregnant. And many times their nipples will stay a little pink. These signes may be more pronounced with a bitch that has previously had a litter. Pregnant girls can have morning sickness or try to throw up by eating grass. Many times they will have a personality change and become extremely lovable.

  As for your vet -- many can palpate puppies around 28 days from conception. This does take some skill and not all vets are good at it. And it is definitely something you should try on your own as it can rupture the uterus. If your vet is equiped with ultrasound or can referyou to someone that has one -- this is usually quite good. Puppies can be seen by ultra sound from around 30 days onward. After about 45 days when the puppies have calicified they can also be picked up by conventioanl X-ray.
  Bobbie Linden - Bhe Jei Maltese