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Dogs make incredible pets. They’re loving, loyal, and bring joy to the lives of their owners. They’re also one of the most intuitive animals on the planet. This trait makes them excellent for jobs such as detecting seizures before they happen or alerting their diabetic owners to low blood sugar. They can detect the slightest changes in human biology, including pregnancy.
How Your Dog Can Detect Pregnancy
Changes in Scent
Dogs have an amazing sense of smell. Smelling things is a major part of your dog’s life. It’s how they learn about their environment, identify items and people, and more.
During pregnancy, a woman’s body chemistry changes. These changes cause her scent to change. While you don’t notice, your dog certainly does. Your dog might recognize you by sight and sound, but the change in scent can really throw him for a loop.
Physical Changes
Just like people, dogs can see physical changes in pregnant women over time. Your dog will notice changes in weight, how you walk, and that that you’re having a harder time getting up from the sofa.
Emotional Changes
Your dog doesn’t just notice physical changes. He can also sense emotional changes as well. He already knows when you’ve had a bad day, when you’ve received bad news, and when you’re excited about something.
Many pregnant women experience mood swings during their pregnancy. He’ll be very aware of any shifts in your emotional state during pregnancy. He may even react to those moods, trying to provide comfort when you’re upset or getting excited when you feel excited.
How Pregnancy Can Impact Your Dog
While your dog can sense pregnancy (and may even know you’re pregnant before you do), all dogs react differently. Some may not change all that much. Others, particularly sensitive dogs, may experience a drastic shift in their personality.
Some dogs become much more affectionate to their pregnant owner. Your dog may suddenly start snuggling up at every opportunity. Some dogs become more protective.
Other dogs may have unfavorable reactions to pregnancy. Your dog may become jealous or resentful. He may start doing things that he never did before such as relieving himself in the house, destroying personal items, or becoming more aggressive.
How to Help Your Dog Adjust
Generally, most dogs will return to normal after some time of adjusting to the changes. If your dog is having a particularly hard time, however, you may want to consider contacting a professional trainer.
As a pet parent, there are things you can do to help prepare your dog for a new baby. Start early and go at his pace. Don’t rush him. Get him used to baby things by setting up the crib and bassinet. Introduce him to baby items from friends to get used to the scent and play sounds on your speaker. Introduce these things gradually and make sure to associate them with something your dog enjoys.
Another thing that you can do is to start introducing your dog to changes in his routine. This might include shorter walks or having restricted access to different areas of the house. You can also create a safe space in your home that your dog knows he can go rest if he gets overwhelmed.
Dogs are highly intuitive creatures and can tell when their owner is pregnant. The changes can be scary but he will adjust, and you can help him through the process.