“Your dog is smart enough to pick up on these changes during pregnancy, both in a physical way — which is how your body will be changing, your stomach, your smell — and in an emotional way, such as your feelings and your mood,” she says.
Below are some common behaviors that dogs exhibit when their owner is pregnant: Being more affectionate than usual — following their owner around or looking for attention. Being more alert or protective — showing a heightened sensitivity to otherwise familiar people and environments.
Changes in your pregnancy hormones
And research suggests that the hormones emitted by your body can lead to a change in body odor that's detectable even by other humans. Therefore, it stands to reason dogs might also pick up on the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy — in essence, smell that you're pregnant.
Have you ever wondered why your pet loves snuggling up to your bump so much? Experts at Animal Planet have revealed that your canine friend is probably responding to a change in your scent caused by all the pregnancy hormones flooding through your body.
Your dog can detect pregnancy from as early as the first month. It's because pregnancy hormones begin working your body early. Even at week 2, you already have hormones flooding your body. These hormones change your scent, and your dog smells it.
When does a pregnant dog start to show? A pregnant dog doesn't typically show physical signs of pregnancy until about day 40 of pregnancy. Around this time, the belly will begin to noticeably expand, continuing to do so for around three weeks.
Unusual Behavior
If your dog is pregnant, you may notice certain changes in her behavior. For instance, she may seek the comfort of her owner more often. A pregnant dog might spend more time at your side, looking for extra attention.
Other signs your pup can sense a baby in your belly might include them just showing much more interest in your belly. They might sniff around it, lick it, or paw at it when they sense the changes in your womb. Most of the time, these behaviors are temporary.
Key takeaway. Dogs sniff people's crotches because of the sweat glands, also known as apocrine glands, that are located there. Sniffing these glands gives a dog information about a person such as their age, sex, mood, and mating probability.
It cools body temperature:
If dogs feel overheated, they may attempt to cool down by pressing their belly to the ground. Splooting gives them the ideal way to get full-body contact with the ground.
So, if you've never had to ask yourself, “Why does my dog rest their head on me?” don't worry. They likely just have another way to show you that they love.
When your pup is laying on their stomach with their back legs out, this may give the illusion of flying in the air. This may be comfortable for dogs who get overheated easily as it gives them an opportunity to cool down their stomach. In addition, where they are facing has a lot to do with how they are feeling.
According to Jill MacKay, an animal expert from the Royal School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh, dogs expose their stomachs in submission while playing with other dogs or their owners, as rolling over and showing its belly is a sign of trust.