Pregnancy4 minSources checked: 22.10.2026

Pregnancy needs veterinary confirmation. A change in your dog's shape or behaviour is not enough. Before booking, decide what you need to find out: whether she is pregnant, how the fetuses are doing, or how many puppies to expect.

Veterinarian performing an ultrasound examination on an adult female Pomeranian

Early pregnancy signs: why they are not conclusive

Enlarged nipples, sleepiness, appetite changes and nesting can occur with pregnancy or pseudopregnancy. Hormonal changes after a season also occur in females that were not fertilised. Abdominal shape and behaviour cannot reliably distinguish these conditions.

Progesterone helps with ovulation timing and certain pregnancy-management questions, but an elevated result does not confirm puppies. It also rises after ovulation without pregnancy. Repeating this test instead of an appropriate fetal examination does not resolve the question.

[4] AKC Canine Health Foundation — Pregnancy diagnosis, Autumn Davidson · [6] Merck Veterinary Manual — Pseudopregnancy

When to arrange an ultrasound

A routine confirmation scan is usually planned at about 25–35 days of estimated gestation. Before day 21, a negative finding may simply be too early. When ovulation was not timed, the veterinarian considers all mating dates and may recommend a repeat scan.

Ultrasound assesses fetal structures, heart activity, development and the uterus. An image of one fetus does not establish a singleton litter. Counting becomes difficult when fetuses lie close together or overlap in different views. Ask whether the number reported is provisional.

[3] Merck Veterinary Manual — Pregnancy determination in bitches and queens

What a relaxin test means

Relaxin is produced by the placenta. In many dogs it can be detected around 22–27 days after breeding, although timing depends on fertilisation and the test used. An early negative usually needs reassessment according to the veterinarian’s plan.

A small female carrying one or two puppies can test negative despite being pregnant. A positive test neither counts puppies nor guarantees their subsequent survival. If the question concerns fetal wellbeing, a blood test alone is insufficient.

[2] VCA — Pregnancy Testing in the Dog

Why radiographs are taken later

Fetal skeletons become visible from about day 45 of gestation; radiographs after day 55 are generally more informative for counting. They are selected for a clinical purpose. A late count helps interpret a pause during delivery after several puppies have already been born.

Radiography and ultrasound answer complementary questions: skeletons are easier to count on radiographs, while ultrasound assesses viability. Neither guarantees straightforward delivery. Discuss how the findings will change the monitoring plan for your Pomeranian.

[1] Merck Veterinary Manual — Management of Reproduction in Dogs · [5] UC Davis — Pregnancy diagnosis in the bitch

Why not feel the abdomen yourself?

An experienced veterinarian can sometimes identify uterine changes by palpation during the earlier part of pregnancy. Accuracy depends on timing, abdominal tension and skill. Owners should not press on the abdomen to search for puppies.

An enlarged uterus does not always mean pregnancy. With abnormal discharge, lethargy or pain, the priority is to investigate disease, rather than simply find a fetus. Ultrasound can help distinguish several causes of uterine enlargement.

[4] AKC Canine Health Foundation — Pregnancy diagnosis, Autumn Davidson · [5] UC Davis — Pregnancy diagnosis in the bitch

When results appear inconsistent

Tell the veterinarian when mating, blood sampling and scanning occurred. A negative relaxin test early on and fetal structures on a later scan need not conflict. Ask which conclusion is established now and which question needs another examination.

If pregnancy remains unconfirmed but milk production, toy guarding or pronounced restlessness develops, discuss pseudopregnancy. Do not select hormonal medication because the symptoms resemble a previous season. A familiar pattern still needs the correct interpretation.

[2] VCA — Pregnancy Testing in the Dog · [6] Merck Veterinary Manual — Pseudopregnancy

Changes that need an unscheduled call

Pus-like or bloody discharge, green discharge before the first puppy, marked lethargy, repeated vomiting, pain or refusal of food warrant contacting the clinic. Do not wait for a scheduled routine scan if the dog is becoming unwell.

Bring examination reports, dates and a medication list. Resolve three questions: whether pregnancy is confirmed, what monitoring comes next and when the litter will be counted. This creates a usable plan without repeated tests performed too early.

[7] РКФ — Как ухаживать за беременной собакой