Even if your dog may be able to sense that you're pregnant, it doesn't necessarily mean his behavior will change. While some dogs might become more protective and clingy, yours might seem more fearful around you or simply indifferent.
Every dog reacts differently to their pregnant owner, some become protective, others more aloof, and others may even seem apathetic. One thing for sure is your dog notices a difference. Dogs are creatures of habit, trained and comforted by routine.
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.
They No Longer Want To Be Near You
For example, if a dog who is normally always by your side is suddenly avoiding you, they might be adjusting to your pregnancy. Whether it's in response to your change in scent or shape, acknowledge your dog's apprehension and give them a little more attention.
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.
Put a dog bed in an out-of-the-way spot in the baby's room, and keep a container of dog treats in the room. Every once in a while, leave a few treats on your dog's bed when she's not looking. Later on, she can discover them on her own. She'll learn to love her new spot in the baby's room!
Depending on the dog's personality and the physical and emotional shifts of the pregnant woman, a dog may display one or more of these behaviors: Increased affection for — and protection of — the pregnant woman. Agitation, growling, barking and/or being uncooperative. Urinating around the house.
Anxiety and Stress
Dogs who have anxiety issues often develop clingy dog behaviors. Interestingly, dogs can also become clingy if they sense our stress or anxiety. Dogs can also become clingy if you change their daily routine or make changes in the home or household that cause them stress.
Dogs tend to be more protective of babies and small children as well, but that doesn't mean that dogs really understand what babies are or what we call them. Dogs can tell a difference, but they probably don't know just what a baby is.
Can Dogs Sense Miscarriage? Dogs can most likely sense miscarriage as well as pregnancy. There are many changes in a pregnant person's body, including hormones, scents, and the way someone looks and moves while pregnant. Of course, their body also changes after a miscarriage in these same ways.
Wag! pointed out that, while a dog might not be able to sense gender when your little one is still in the womb, there is a chance they will be able to do so once your baby is born. That's because dogs are actually pretty good at being able to tell the difference between male and female voices.
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.
If she is doing things like growling, snarling or even snapping, she's giving signals. She's telling you that she isn't comfortable. You have to listen and never punish her for her behaviour.
Dogs are extremely loyal members of the family and just like humans they can experience a variety of different emotions - including jealousy. This can especially be the case when someone new becomes a member of the family, such as a newborn baby and seems to get all the attention and affection.
They instinctively want to protect the youngest family member. For years, dogs have been pack animals, which is one of their wired responses to hierarchy. A dog releases dopamine in the presence of a child, so you know that even their biology makes it enjoyable to play with babies.
Separation anxiety is a common problem in dogs and is likely to become more common due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dogs with separation anxiety tend to follow their owners around the house and become more anxious just before their owner leaves and especially once they've left, often showing the following signs: Barking.
While generalized anxiety can develop from regular exposure to something your dog has a phobia of, it can also be caused by something as simple as the upsetting of routines or environment like a family member moving out, being left home alone for a long period of time or moving to a new home.
Out of the ordinary, restless behavior in your dog may indicate some levels of pain, health issues, or anxiety. Most people can determine if the nature of the problem is behavioral or medical. Dogs sometimes develop overly attached bonds to their people, and when you leave your dog, he may become restless.
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.
So, dogs know a person's individual smell and when illness changes that smell, dogs can notice that, too. Even humans can observe the scent of sickness with some health problems. For example, diabetic ketoacidosis can cause fruity or acetone-smelling breath.
A dog's mouth carries a lot of germs, which can easily be passed to people. This is especially problematic for babies and immune suppressed adults. Both are at an increased risk of contracting infections and parasites from dogs. So, even though it may look cute, a dog licking a baby's face should not be allowed.
Dogs. It is generally safe for pregnant moms and newborn babies to be around dogs. If your pet dog is healthy and up-to-date on his vaccinations, caring for your dog should not cause any problems for you during your pregnancy.
Associate your baby's presence with positive, enjoyable experiences for your pet. When they are behaving well around the baby, give lots of gentle praise and tasty titbits. The first interaction should be under control with the baby being held in a parent's arms and the dog allowed to sniff the child.
For example, they can sense that a baby is vulnerable and harmless. You might see a dog sniff or lick a baby's face or rear end; don't let this behavior scare you as it's their way of checking the baby's health.
Fortunately, most dogs look upon a baby with curiosity and interest and will show no signs of aggression or other negative behavior. However, some dogs may perceive an infant as a strange mammal or even a potential item of prey. "Dogs that have never seen a baby may not view them as human beings."