Dogs can detect pregnancy before the owner knows, thanks to their extraordinary sense of smell, according to experts. They notice hormonal changes well before a baby bump emerges, but reactions vary from protective to indifferent.
How Dogs Sense Pregnancy
The American Kennel Club notes it's impossible to pinpoint exactly when a dog first senses pregnancy. However, their acute olfactory abilities allow them to detect hormonal shifts early on. Specialists believe dogs don't understand why their owner smells different, but they recognize that something has changed.
Behaviourist Russell Hartstein said: "Dogs are highly sensitive and intimate in studying behaviour and subtle movements."
Protective and Clingy Reactions
Many owners report their dogs becoming more affectionate or protective during pregnancy. Veterinarian Dr Rachel Barrack said: "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."
One woman shared on Reddit: "Within just a few weeks of my pregnancy, the dog's demeanour changed. If we were playing sports with my siblings, and he sensed things were getting too intense, he'd bark and run over to check on me." Another owner noted her dogs became hyper-vigilant on walks during pregnancy, but behaved well when someone else took the lead.
No Reaction or Indifference
Not all dogs react strongly. Some owners claim their pets barely acknowledged the pregnancy. One Reddit user commented: "Absolutely nothing at all. Thought she was going to react to my belly but nothing. It's kind of annoying considering that there are so many cute reactions from dogs." Another joked: "I am 25 weeks and my Shiba Inu can't care less. Super aloof breed I think?"
Clinginess as a Sign
For others, the most telling sign is sudden clinginess. One owner shared: "My dog has gotten so clingy recently. He's always needed a lot of attention but recently he's just constantly all over me." She added: "The other day I was in the bathroom and instead of going and sitting with my husband on the sofa he leaned against the door and cried until I came out." Another summed it up: "Sentient Velcro," saying both dogs were obsessed with her and the bump even before a positive test.
