Can You Use a Human Pregnancy Test on a Dog?
When a dog is suspected to be pregnant, many pet owners might wonder if they can confirm the pregnancy with tools they already have at home—like a human pregnancy test. While the idea may sound convenient, human pregnancy tests are not effective or accurate for dogs. Let’s explore why, what signs to look for in a pregnant dog, and how you can properly diagnose and care for a pregnant dog.
Why Human Pregnancy Tests Don't Work on Dogs
Human pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining—but dogs do not produce this hormone at all during pregnancy. Therefore, a human test will not react to any hormones in a dog's body, making the result meaningless.
Reliable Ways to Diagnose Pregnancy in Dogs
Instead of relying on incorrect methods, here are veterinary-approved ways to test for dog pregnancy:
- Abdominal Ultrasound: Performed as early as 21 days after mating, this is a reliable and visual way to confirm pregnancy and see fetal heartbeats.
- Relaxin Blood Test: This test detects relaxin, a hormone secreted by the dog’s placenta, between days 21 and 27 post-mating. However, results can sometimes be less accurate with small litters.
- Abdominal Palpation: A veterinarian may physically check for the presence of fetal sacs between 28–35 days, though this must be done gently and professionally to avoid harming the fetuses.
- Abdominal X-ray: Useful after day 45, X-rays can confirm pregnancy and help estimate the number of puppies.
Signs of Pregnancy in Dogs
Knowing the signs of pregnancy can help you suspect when your dog might be carrying pups:
- Behavioral changes: Increased affection, withdrawal, irritability, or nesting behavior.
- Appetite changes: May include decreased or increased appetite and occasional vomiting.
- Nipple and body changes: Nipples enlarge and darken by week 3 or 4. Some milk leakage may occur near the end of the pregnancy. The abdomen begins to enlarge by week 5 or 6.
- Vulvar Discharge: A slight clear mucus discharge can appear around day 30.
- Lethargy: Often mild but can increase as pregnancy progresses.
Timeline of Pregnancy
Here’s a week-by-week overview of typical changes in a pregnant dog:
- Weeks 1-2: Few, if any, visible signs.
- Week 3-4: Nipples enlarge and become pinker; potential morning sickness.
- Week 5: Abdominal growth begins; behavior changes become more noticeable.
- Week 6: Switch to a more nutrient-dense/puppy diet.
- Week 7-8: Noticeable weight gain and nesting behavior increases. Milk may begin to leak.
- Week 9: Labor could begin at any time; temperature may drop below 100°F within 24 hours of whelping.
How to Care for a Pregnant Dog
Proper care ensures a healthy pregnancy and birth:
- Nutrition: High-quality, nutrient-rich diet with increased caloric intake during the final trimester.
- Exercise: Gentle walks; avoid strenuous activity in late pregnancy.
- Veterinary care: Regular check-ups with attention to signs of complications.
- Nesting area: Provide a quiet, clean, and comfortable space for whelping, away from household noise.
Preparing for Birth
As the due date approaches, your dog may show nesting behavior, dig at bedding, or become restless. Be alert for signs of labor (panting, pacing, decreased appetite, drop in body temperature). The labor process includes:
- Stage One: Restlessness, nesting, and mild contractions.
- Stage Two: Active delivery of puppies. Puppies come head or tail first, and the interval between them is usually 45–60 minutes.
- Stage Three: Expulsion of placentas.
Contact your vet if your dog strains for more than 60 minutes without producing a puppy or if there is excessive bleeding or signs of distress.
Complications Requiring Veterinary Attention
- Unproductive straining for over 60 minutes.
- Foul-smelling or excessive vaginal discharge.
- Visible puppy sac with no delivery shortly after.
- Severe lethargy, vomiting, or fever.
- Refusal to eat or drink, or collapse (possible eclampsia).
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, checking a dog’s pregnancy status with a human pregnancy test is ineffective. Instead, turn to veterinary diagnostics for dependable results. Recognizing early signs and ensuring proper care throughout all trimesters will keep your dog and her puppies healthy and safe. When in doubt, always consult a vet for personalized advice and monitoring.
