“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.
If your dog senses a pregnancy, you'll likely notice a change in their behavior. Dogs differ, so their reactions can, too. Some dogs become more protective of their owners during pregnancy and will stay close by your side. As your baby bump grows, this protective drive may even increase.
Dogs can sniff out changes in their owner's body chemistry — such as a rise in hormone levels during pregnancy. They may also pick up on changes in their mom's mood or mobility, which can lead them to become more protective.
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.
Dogs have stronger senses than humans. This is particularly true for their sense of smell, which is thousands of times more developed than yours. Hence, your dog is likely to pick up on the scent of the hormones that come to the fore when you get pregnant. Dogs notice the physical changes that pregnancy brings along.
In addition to the heightened sense of smell, your dog's ultrasonic hearing also helps it detect the presence of a fetus. This enables them to even hear the baby crying in the womb, even though the mother cannot! Some breeds of dogs are more adept at sensing even the first few weeks of pregnancy than others.
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.
Your dog will notice your change in body language, whether you intended your dog to or not. If your dog perceives all the changes as vulnerability, they may consider it their personal mission to stay by your side and protect you during your pregnancy. Some may even become territorial or defensive of their owners.
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.
'” 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.