Early signs of dog pregnancy
Bringing new puppies into the world is exciting, but it can also leave dog owners with a lot of questions. One of the most common is: how do I know if my dog is pregnant?
Pregnancy in dogs lasts about 63 days. The earliest signs can be subtle, but common changes include:
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changes in behavior, such as increased rest or nesting
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physical changes, including enlarged or darker nipples and mild weight gain
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appetite changes, ranging from reduced appetite to increased hunger
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occasional mild nausea
It is important to note that these signs can also appear in false pregnancies, so they should not be considered definitive.
How veterinarians confirm pregnancy
Veterinarians use several methods to confirm whether a dog is pregnant:
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Palpation (day 28 and later) – feeling for developing puppies through the abdomen
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Ultrasound (day 25 and later) – safe, accurate, and allows visualization of embryos at the time of scanning
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X-ray (day 55 and later) – confirms the number of puppies once skeletons are visible
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Blood test (day 24 and later) – measures the pregnancy hormone relaxin
At-home pregnancy testing
For owners who want clarity without waiting weeks for a veterinary appointment, there is an at-home option.
The Bellylabs Dog Pregnancy Test is designed specifically for use at home:
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based on the same principle as veterinary lab tests, detecting the pregnancy hormone relaxin
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validated at 96% accuracy in studies
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requires only a small blood sample from the dog’s gum
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Suitable for use from day 24 post-ovulation, with any positive result considered reliable. The test reaches its validated 96% accuracy from day 28 onwards, when relaxin is most consistently detectable.
This makes Bellylabs the world’s first dog pregnancy test for home use, providing a convenient and science-backed solution for breeders and dog owners alike.
Frequently asked questions
How does the Bellylabs test compare to a veterinary test?
The Bellylabs test uses the same biological marker as a veterinary lab test—relaxin. The difference is that it can be performed easily at home, giving owners flexibility and fast results.
Can the test be used before day 28?
Yes, the test can be used from day 24 post-ovulation. A positive result at this stage is already reliable. However, the test reaches its validated 96% accuracy from day 28 onwards, so if the result is negative but pregnancy is still suspected, we recommend retesting after a few days.
Will the test work for all dog breeds and sizes?
Yes, the test has been validated across multiple breeds and sizes.
Key takeaway
If you are wondering whether your dog is expecting puppies:
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watch for early physical and behavioral signs
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confirm through veterinary testing if needed
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use the Bellylabs Dog Pregnancy Test for a reliable, convenient answer at home
Buy the Bellylabs Pregnancy Test here: https://belly-labs.com/products/bellylabs-pregnancy-test-for-dogs
