Yes, dogs can sense pregnancy in humans through their acute senses, detecting subtle hormonal changes via smell, shifts in body odor, changes in voice, gait, and even mood, often leading to increased protectiveness, affection, or anxiety as they notice their owner's physical and emotional differences.
Increased affection for — and protection of — the pregnant woman. Agitation, growling, barking and/or being uncooperative.
The Clingy Dog
Close to two-thirds of dogs show noticeable behavior changes when their owner is pregnant. More than a quarter of dogs begin to show behavior changes before their owner even knows that she is pregnant.
It's common for dogs to go on alert and become overprotective of their expecting owner from the very beginning of her pregnancy. Behaviorists have witnessed dogs growl, bark, or even block doors with their bodies to prevent other family members - even the baby's father - from coming into the same room as the mom-to-be.
At around six weeks of pregnancy, your hormone levels have already changed significantly. Dogs are particularly good at sensing subtle shifts, so they may notice changes in your scent, behaviour, or mood. They may also begin to pick up on changes in how you move and your general body language.
Some dog owners, when they're expecting a baby, think their pet is behaving differently to normal. For example, their pooch might snuggle up to them more than before. The owner may wonder if the dog knows they're pregnant. While dogs don't understand the idea of pregnancy, they can be sensitive to change.
Unusual 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. On the other hand, a pregnant dog may seek isolation and not wish to be bothered; she may seem depressed or even irritable when given attention.
According to Dr. Ostermeier, “There really is no specific indication with scientific proof to say if a dog is 'sensing' a pregnancy.” Some dogs might start acting differently when you're expecting. But since our dogs can't explain themselves to us, we can only observe that behavior and make educated guesses.
For example, dogs can smell the changes that your body is undergoing. Like we said above, dogs smell about 100,000 better than people do. 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.
There's a reason dogs might seem more inseparable from their pregnant owners, as the parents-to-be get further along in their pregnancies. Not only do pups notice growing baby bumps, but some experts believe dogs can pick up on a change in scent from expectant mothers, according to the American Kennel Club.
In the first trimester, avoid alcohol, smoking, illicit drugs, and high-mercury fish; skip hot tubs/saunas and strenuous exercise; steer clear of raw/undercooked foods (meat, eggs, sprouts) and unpasteurized dairy; limit caffeine (under 200mg/day); don't clean litter boxes; and consult your doctor before taking any new medications or supplements.
Any sudden behavioral change, like increased clinginess, can be an indicator of health problems. Pain, discomfort, or feeling unwell can lead your dog to seek comfort from her trusted human. Conditions like arthritis, infections, or even internal issues may not be immediately apparent.
So it's no real surprise that our pups are able to smell things like chemical or hormonal changes in our body. When women become pregnant, these hormonal changes are usually noticeable to them because it's happening to their bodies. However, our furry, little friends are sensing these changes right along with us!
Behavioral changes
Increased affection: Your dog may seek out your company for connection and cuddles during this time. Interestingly, it has also been noted that dogs are more affectionate when their owners are pregnant, too.
When a woman becomes pregnant, her hormones surge, which may change her unique personal scent. Additionally, as her body changes—and her movement changes as a result—dogs can pick up on those changes and they may react to them.
Dr. Rachel Barrack, DVM, owner of Animal Acupuncture in New York City, says many pregnant people report that their dogs are more affectionate 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.
As she explains, there is not an exact known time when dogs have been proven to perceive hormone-related changes in human pregnancy; however, there are significant hormonal changes that begin the second week after fertilization.
Four months before the baby arrives: Gradually introduce your dog to the new experiences, sights, sounds and smells she'll encounter when you bring your baby home, and associate these new things with rewards. This will help your dog learn to love life with the baby.
You might feel like they're giving you the cold shoulder. But don't take it personally—yet. Dogs often disengage when they feel stressed, scared, or unsure. It could also be that they're tired, not feeling well, or simply overstimulated.
“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.”
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.
It's common for dogs to go on alert and become overprotective of their expecting owner from the very beginning of her pregnancy. Behaviorists have witnessed dogs growl, bark, or even block doors with their bodies to prevent other family members - even the baby's father - from coming into the same room as the mom-to-be.
They don't understand that a baby, both in utero and after birth, is extremely fragile. Dogs can, however, feel and see the baby move, and they can hear it make noise in the womb. All of these little things help your dog bond with the baby before it is even born.