When someone is pregnant, their body chemistry changes and that causes changes in odor. No matter how small of a change has taken place, your dog can smell it.
In the last trimester, our dogs might even be able to smell the amniotic fluid and the milk production, they might also be able to hear the fetal heart beat, although there is not a lot of scientific evidence to prove this, it's still pretty incredible when you think about it.
Again, their ability to detect bodily changes can be credited to their powerful sense of smell. When a woman is pregnant, her body chemistry — and, as a result, her distinct odor — shifts. And in some cases, dogs may feel threatened, or isolated, by the new addition in your home.
Although there is no study (yet) showing that dogs can sense pregnancy in humans, it's really not that much of a stretch to assume that they might be able to sense when an owner has a baby on board.
As she explains, there is not an exact known time when dogs have been proven to perceive hormone-related changes to human pregnancy; however, there are significant hormonal changes that begin the second week after fertilization.
Dr. Rachel Barrack, DVM, owner of Animal Acupuncture in New York City, says many pregnant people report that their dogs are more affectionate and/or protective during their pregnancy. “It's likely due to the scent and your hormones, as well as possible changes in your mood,” she explains.
A lot of people report that dogs will become more clingy or more protective, Alander said. In a sitting setting, which is where most of Bond Vet's clinics are located, clients have reported that after pregnancy, their dog would become difficult to walk, she said, trying to attack nearly every other dog that passed by.
Dogs that have smelled, sensed, and seen changes in their owner may simply feel more protective or attached to their owner, which would explain the increased snuggles. If your fur baby notices those oh-so-pleasant pregnancy mood swings, they may feel compelled to offer their comfort.
Historically, there are plenty of ways dogs have been able to detect pregnancy. Whether it's a change in behavior or downright physiological signs, dogs are way more in tune with you than you think. For example, dogs can smell the changes that your body is undergoing.
If your dog follows you everywhere then it's a sign that they trust and love you and that you make them feel safe.
It is completely possible that your dog can hear an unborn baby's heartbeat in the womb. They may also be able to hear your baby cry in the womb, which can start at about 28 weeks. No matter what they are hearing, it is unavoidable that dogs know that there is something going on in the body of a pregnant woman.
It has even been reported anecdotally that dogs can tell you're pregnant before you're aware of it yourself. The changes in your body's scent can affect your dog in different ways. Your dog may seem confused by the scent change and act a little reluctant to be too close to you.
Tips Once You and Your New Baby Are Home
After your pet becomes accustomed to the baby's smells and sounds, it's okay to let him sniff the baby. Leash your dog during early encounters; you can gradually allow him to sniff off-leash while supervised. A few more pointers: Never leave your pet and baby unsupervised.
Dogs Can Sense, Smell And See Toddlers
There is no scientific justification for this, but researchers say it is because they can smell the distinction between adults and infants. Dogs always wag their tails when they see a newborn or a stroller, regardless of the cause.
“Many people report that their dogs are more affectionate and/or protective during their pregnancies,” says Barrack. “Presumably, these behavioral changes are due to changes in a pregnant owner's mood coupled with hormonal and scent changes.”
Dogs can smell changes in our hormones: if their owner is pregnant or has a miscarriage, they will know something is up. It may affect their behavior.
Growing evidence also suggests that exposure to household pets, particularly dogs, during pregnancy and infancy may increase immunity and help lower the baby's risk of health problems such as allergies and asthma.
Scientists and animal behaviorist claim that dogs sense oncoming labor due to a combination of scent and feeling the changes in human behavior. Although not every dog will show these signs and not everytime they act oddly means you are going into labor soon, be aware that it is a possibility.
'” When a dog has a strong pack drive and is tightly bonded with his family, it's only natural that he becomes protective of a new baby when he or she arrives. Canines are smitten with babies and can form strong connections because of the amount of time spent together.
Researchers in Scotland compared fetal responses when pregnant women spoke to their babies or rubbed their bellies. "Overall results suggest that maternal touch of the abdomen was a powerful stimulus, producing a range of fetal behavioural responses," the researchers write.
Baby may start to know when their father is touching mom's belly. Babies can sense touch from anyone, but they can also sense when touch (and voice) is familiar. And by 24 weeks into pregnancy, dad can usually feel baby kick – but the exact time varies.