How Do I Know If My Dog Is Pregnant?

Thursday 5th September 2013 @ 5:23 PM. (NZST)

Dr Megan Alderson

Dr Megan Alderson - Veterinarian

Question: How can I know if my 19 month old beagle is pregnant or not? Thank you...

Ok Nevert,
 
I have to make some assumptions here.
 
So you have an entire female 19 month old beagle who must have come on heat-signs of which would be a bloody discharge (proestrus lasts for approximately 7-10 days) which turns into a clear or yellowy discharge (oestrus which lasts for 3-4 days from approximately 7-20 days) then onto metoestrus (which is where they are coming off heat).
 
At any time during this heat cycle she was mated by an entire male dog, but especially from day 9-14, she could be pregnant.
 
Pregnancy can be diagnosed by palpation of the abdomen by a veterinarian from 21 days post mating, abdominal ultrasound or a blood test measuring relaxin pregnancy test which is most accurate after 28 days.
 
If she is putting on an astounding amount of weight, eating like a horse and growing wider in girth around the abdomen this should give you some clue too. The gestation period is 59-65 days and we have good information on preparing for whelping so make sure you get some professional advice.
 
Let us know if you need some help!
Kind regards,
 
Dr Megan