Whether you’re a new breeder or worried that your unspayed pup had an accidental encounter, confirming a dog pregnancy as soon as possible is essential for her and her puppies’ health. Does detecting a pregnancy need to be done at a vet’s office, or is there a pregnancy test for dogs that you can do at home that’s reliable? I explore everything you need to know about signs of pregnancy in dogs, when and how to test, and more.
| Ultrasound For Breeders | Blood Test For Breeders | Best For First-Timers |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| GOYOJO | Whelply | Bellylabs |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | Visit Website |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
How Soon Can You Tell If A Dog Is Pregnant?
During the first few weeks of pregnancy, it can be hard to tell if a dog is “with child,” particularly for inexperienced breeders or new owners. Early signs of dog pregnancy can be subtle, and not all dogs exhibit early symptoms. Here are some of the most common signs of pregnancy:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting, i.e., morning sickness
- Decreased energy
- Swelling nipples
- Clear vaginal discharge
- More affectionate behavior
Several weeks after conception, pregnancy symptoms in dogs include an increased appetite, weight gain, and behavior changes, such as irritability or nesting behavior. Her nipples will continue to swell, may become darker, and produce a semi-clear discharge. As the pregnancy progresses, you’ll notice an enlarged abdomen and may be able to see puppy movement.
It’s important to note that some of these symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. This is why we always recommend visiting your vet if you notice a change in your dog’s appearance or behavior. Your dog could also be experiencing a pseudopregnancy (a fake pregnancy), so it’s important to distinguish between this and real gestation.
Confirming A Dog Pregnancy At Your Vet’s Office
Call your veterinarian as soon as you suspect your dog may be pregnant. Vets use a few methods to confirm pregnancy, which I explain below. I’ve also included pricing estimates to help you plan your finances. But keep in mind that each vet visit will cost an average of $50-$60, on top of testing costs.
Relaxin Dog Pregnancy Test
Your vet can confirm a pregnancy using a relaxin hormone dog pregnancy test as early as 22 days after conception. This blood test measures relaxin hormone levels, which the developing placenta produces throughout gestation. If the relaxin hormone test is performed too early, you may receive a false negative because the placenta hasn’t started producing the hormone. Each blood test costs around $200-$300.
If a negative result occurs, vets usually recommend testing again a week later to confirm the result. Multiple testing is essential if you don’t know the date of conception.
Ultrasound
Many veterinarians prefer to use ultrasonography vs a relaxin test. An abdominal ultrasound is the most reliable method and can confirm pregnancy as early as the relaxin hormone test. It also provides important information about the viability of the fetuses and litter size. Ultrasound is now considered the gold standard of pregnancy confirmation in veterinary practice. An ultrasound performed by a vet averages $300-$350.
X-rays
Radiography (x-rays) can also confirm pregnancy and give an accurate picture of the litter count. However, it’s best to wait until late in gestation, around 55 days after conception. Exposing younger fetuses to radiation has some risks. It can also be challenging to restrain some dogs enough to get a clear image. An x-ray to determine pregnancy can run anywhere from $150 to $250.
Abdominal Palpation
The old-school method used to detect pregnancy is abdominal palpation. By pressing their fingers on a dog’s abdomen, vets may be able to feel the swellings of developing puppies in the uterus. However, there are some downsides to this technique. First, fetuses may not be detectable until 30 days into a pregnancy. Also, it’s often difficult to feel the uterus in large breeds or nervous dogs because they tense their abdomen. Palpation also isn’t reliable for determining the viability or number of fetuses.
A Vet’s Advice About Dog Pregnancy Tests
I spoke to Dr. Hannah Godfrey BVetMed, MRCVS, a small animal veterinarian at Bridges Veterinary Surgery in Cardiff, Wales, who has this to say about dog pregnancy:
The most commonly used method of diagnosing pregnancy in dogs is an ultrasound scan because it can usually be performed without any sedation or anesthetic, doesn’t pose a risk to the mother or puppies, and allows real-time visualization of the fetuses.
The benefit of seeing the puppies in the uterus on an ultrasound scan is that you can check for heartbeats and assess whether their development is in line with the dates of mating or ovulation given by the owner. Ultrasound scans can also give valuable information about whether a dog is expecting an unusually large litter or just a single puppy.
However, Godfrey says ultrasound and x-rays aren’t entirely reliable in predicting a puppy headcount or potential problems with delivery, and goes on to add:
I have had situations where I have been surprised. I once saw a pregnant Springer Spaniel who was in labor but had an obstruction. Before the cesarean section, I performed an ultrasound scan and saw lots of puppies, some with slow heart rates, meaning we had to proceed to surgery quickly. We delivered twelve healthy puppies, which was wonderful!
– Dr. Hannah Godfrey, BVetMed, MRCVS, Veterinarian
Does Pet Insurance Cover Dog Pregnancy?
Most pet insurance policies exclude pregnancy and conditions related to breeding. However, some insurers cover complications during birth and C-sections as long as the pregnancy takes place after the waiting period for the pet insurance policy. Each situation is handled individually, so you may be surprised by what pet insurance covers for pregnant dogs.
Home Dog Pregnancy Tests
The best dog pregnancy test for inexperienced owners is one that your veterinarian performs. However, experienced breeders may find a home pregnancy test for dogs a more cost-effective option.
GOYOJO Ultrasound Scanner Review
A fantastic investment for dog breeders, this GOYOJO portable veterinary ultrasound scanner can confirm a pregnancy as early as 20 days after mating. This scanner can save you costly repeat vet visits not only to confirm pregnancy but also to check on the viability of fetuses throughout gestation and to determine how many puppies your dog is expecting. It takes a learning curve to use accurately, but experienced breeders say it’s an excellent tool that saves them a lot of expensive vet costs.
For this to work, you need to apply gel to your dog’s skin. Ultrasound gel is the best option, although you can use soybean, castor, or olive oil. You don’t need any needles for this option. This portable scanner can be used on other animals, including cats, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, camels, and cows. It has internal storage to store and playback up to 128 images. The main complaint of this scanner is from farmers who say that the screen could be brighter when used outdoors. However, this shouldn’t be an issue for dog owners who are likely to test in the home.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Professional ultrasound scanner | It is expensive (but can save money in the long run) |
| It can confirm pregnancy in as little as 20 days | Learning curve to use |
| You can use it at home as often as you want | |
| Can save on costly vet visits | |
| It can check the viability of fetuses | |
| Built-in memory for image storage |
Price
- Pregnancy test: $649.00
- Ultrasound gel: $15.69 ($0.46 / Fl Oz)
Whelply Canine Pregnancy Test Review
If an ultrasound scanner is out of your price range, some breeders find this Wheply home dog pregnancy blood test an excellent alternative. You can perform this test as early as 25 days after mating. There are two pack sizes, containing two or ten tests, offering a more cost-effective option for those expecting to do multiple tests. This pregnancy test requires you to collect blood with a needle and spin it in a centrifuge. Although it sounds tricky, it comes with simple step-by-step instructions.
The main criticism of this option is that you need to purchase additional equipment. Although it requires a centrifuge to separate the blood sample you take into serum, the cost is still more manageable than ultrasound equipment. It can also save you money on multiple vet visits to confirm pregnancies when you’re breeding dogs. It also doesn’t come with the needles/syringe, so you must purchase these separately.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It comes with simple instructions | Need to purchase additional equipment |
| Offers results as early as 25 days | Have to extract a blood sample using needles |
| More affordable than an ultrasound machine | |
| Each pack contains 2 or 10 tests |
Price
- Pregnancy tests starts at: $27.99 ($14.00 / Count)
- Centrifuge: $34.99
- Needles start at: $9.90
Bellylabs Pregnancy Test For Dogs Review
This innovative rapid dog pregnancy test measures the presence of the relaxin hormone without the need to draw blood from your pup’s veins with a needle or using a centrifuge. It only requires a drop of blood, which you can obtain from a small lancet prick inside your dog’s upper lip. The kit includes everything you need to test your blood sample at home, and results are available within 10 minutes. Bellylabs is a member of the American Pet Products Association (APPA).
Bellylabs recommends testing no earlier than 28 days post-ovulation for reliable results and says its test is 96% accurate. This test is the easiest one for first-timers, but it’s not the most cost-effective option for breeders who must perform multiple tests over time. It has a long shelf life, so you can buy a test and use it when needed. It also contains all of the equipment you need. Bellylab offers a one-time 90-day money-back guarantee.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This test is 96% accurate | Only contains 1 test |
| No needles – just a prick test | More expensive than other blood pregnancy tests |
| Quick results | |
| Easiest for first-timers | |
| It contains all the equipment you need | |
| Bellylabs offers a one-time 90-day money-back guarantee |
Price
- Pregnancy test: $66
When It’s Time To Give Birth
If your furry friend is a soon-to-be mom and you’re nervous about the birthing (whelping) process, this vet expert video has some fantastic tips about delivering puppies.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’d like more information, here are some of the most frequently asked questions pup parents ask about dog pregnancy. If you don’t see your question below, let us know in the comments, and we’ll find the answer for you.
How Long Are Dogs Pregnant?
The real gestation period for dogs averages about 63 days but can last anywhere from 57 to 65 days. That’s only around two months, so it’s crucial to find out if your female Fido is pregnant as soon as it’s possible to detect it. You’ll need your soon-to-be mommy checked out by your veterinarian to ensure she and her puppies are healthy.
Can You Use A Human Pregnancy Test On A Dog?
No, human pregnancy tests don’t work with canines. Human tests detect the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone, which dogs don’t produce. Dogs produce the relaxin hormone, which can only be tested by blood. Unfortunately, no simple urine tests are available to check a dog’s pregnancy.
What Is A Pseudopregnancy In Dogs?
Some unspayed females exhibit a pseudopregnancy (false pregnancy), which occurs for about two months following their heat cycle due to hormonal changes. These changes cause female dogs to look and behave like they’re pregnant. Nipples may swell and even produce some milk, and the abdomen may enlarge slightly. Since their bodies aren’t making the relaxin hormone, a pregnancy test can confirm whether it’s real gestation or a false pregnancy. The American Kennel Club (AKC) states that 87 percent of bitches show signs of pseudopregnancy two or more times in their lifetime while intact.
What To Expect When Your Dog’s Expecting
If you’ve confirmed that your doggy is indeed pregnant and you’re a first-time puppy grandparent, we’re sure you have many questions. See our ultimate guide on dog pregnancy, including a month-by-month timeline, signs of labor, and much more. It’s important to learn about mastitis in dogs, too. You may also want to learn more about dealing with dogs in heat. If you don’t plan on breeding your furry friend, see the benefits of spaying and neutering your pet.
Have you used any of my dog pregnancy test kits above? Do you suspect your pooch is pregnant, or perhaps you’ve successfully delivered a litter of pups? We’d love to hear your and your dog’s birth story, so let us know in the comments below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a dog mom to two rescue dogs, Bonkers and Chips. Before joining the team at Canine Journal, she was a professional full-time dog walker and sitter. She has cared for many dogs of all sizes and ages, many with medical concerns. Emma is passionate about sharing her canine knowledge and experience with her readers to help them and their pups live their healthiest and happiest lives. She works with a dedicated team to provide the best and most up-to-date canine content.
