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. While not every dog is attuned to these changes, Diogee and Rocky clearly are.
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.
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.
Changes in your pregnancy hormones
And research suggests that the hormones emitted by your body can lead to a change in body odor that's detectable even by other humans. Therefore, it stands to reason dogs might also pick up on the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy — in essence, smell that you're pregnant.
Dogs can hear, smell, and see babies, but they don't really know what a baby is, so it is shocking when dogs treat babies differently than adults. While your dog may not care much about adults, you might notice that your dog seems especially interested in babies.
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.
Change in Scent
A mother's body chemistry and hormones alter during pregnancy, which can also cause her unique scent (an odor her dog knows intimately) to change. And it doesn't stop at sniffing out pregnancy; there's even some evidence that dogs can detect when a person has cancer or is about to have a seizure.
When you get pregnant, your hormones will alter your scent and your dog will pick up on it. In the event of a miscarriage, the scent will again be altered which your dog will quickly pick up and know something is wrong. So, it suffices to say that yes, dogs can sense miscarriage in humans.
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.
Behavioral Changes
Pregnant dogs may, on the other hand, become much more affectionate than normal. This usually happens because your dog is looking to you for some comfort and protection during this time in her life.
Is a Dog More Protective of Female Keepers? This isn't a general rule, but some pets are more likely to exhibit protective behavior with female keepers. This is because women generally have a softer voice and are gentler whenever they care for the dog.
Canine mothers are the first sign of love and protection for newborn puppies. For the first three weeks after the puppies are born, the mother dog gives them her undivided attention and care. “What you'll see on day one is a mother who doesn't want to be away from her pups for more than a second,” says Dr.
Your dog can detect pregnancy from as early as the first month. It's because pregnancy hormones begin working your body early. Even at week 2, you already have hormones flooding your body. These hormones change your scent, and your dog smells it.
They may become more clingy toward the pregnant owner.
There's a reason for that. Since dogs observe both the physical and emotional states of owners, Olsen says these changes are also noticeable and may lead some dogs to want to comfort their owners as they might seem in need of a little extra TLC.
Other signs your pup can sense a baby in your belly might include them just showing much more interest in your belly. They might sniff around it, lick it, or paw at it when they sense the changes in your womb. Most of the time, these behaviors are temporary.
'” 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.
The takeaway
While it's true your baby can cry in the womb, it doesn't make a sound, and it's not something to worry about. The baby's practice cries include imitating the breathing pattern, facial expression, and mouth movements of a baby crying outside of the womb. You shouldn't worry that your baby is in pain.
Since dogs consider their owners a part of their family and pack, they want to lay on top of them to show them that and to provide them with comfort and security as well as receive it in the process. Laying close to their owner is also their way of protecting what they love, even if there is no real threat or danger.
If your dog follows you everywhere then it's a sign that they trust and love you and that you make them feel safe. Following you very closely can be a sign that they're bored, they want something, they're feeling scared or are just being nosy.
Your pets probably don't understand that in nine months a new baby will be joining your family, but dogs and cats do detect differences in your mood, posture, behavior, and body chemistry that clue them in to the enormous changes you're going through.
The results of these two experiments clearly show that young puppies recognize their own mother and littermates, and it also shows that this recognition is based upon scent cues.
It is their way of showing how comfortable they feel around you and how much trust goes into your relationship. It could also be that the momma is extremely proud of her puppies and she simply wants to show them off.
Familial Ties, Canine Style
Lindsay, who is a dog behavior consultant and trainer in Philadelphia, dogs are capable of recognizing their mother and siblings later in life if they are exposed to them during the crucial period between 2 and 16 weeks, and especially at 8 weeks.