Can dogs sense pregnancy?

Discover how dogs sense pregnancy and what changes you might notice in their behaviour.

Dogs are naturally intuitive. With their extraordinary sense of smell, keen hearing, and ability to read body language, even the smallest changes in their owners rarely go unnoticed. So, if you're pregnant, you might be wondering – does my dog know?

Can dogs sense pregnancy?

The short answer… Yes, it’s likely that dogs sense pregnancy, though the evidence behind it is still mostly anecdotal. Their sharp senses mean they’re aware of changes in their environment, including those that happen when a woman becomes pregnant.

How can dogs sense pregnancy?

There aren’t any hard scientific studies that prove dogs can detect pregnancy, but their amazing senses make it seem possible. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell—while humans have about 6 million scent receptors in their noses, dogs have around 300 million. This lets them detect tiny differences in their owners.

For example, some dogs can detect changes in their owner’s blood sugar levels by sniffing out a person’s saliva, sweat and breath. So, it’s not too far-fetched to think they might notice changes to your body during pregnancy. They might not understand what’s going on, but they definitely sense that something is different.

When can dogs sense pregnancy?

So, how early can a dog sense pregnancy? Anecdotally, some owners believe their dogs can detect it even before they know themselves. Since a dog’s sense of smell is so strong, it’s possible they pick up on the hormonal changes early on. And some dog owners believe their dogs behaved differently before they even took a pregnancy test.

If your dog is acting more protective or unusually affectionate, it could be due to your changing hormone levels. While there’s no concrete proof, it makes sense that they could detect these shifts early in pregnancy.

Can dogs sense pregnancy at 6 weeks?

At around six weeks of pregnancy, your hormone levels have already changed significantly. Dogs are particularly good at sensing subtle shifts, so they may notice changes in your scent, behaviour, or mood. They may also begin to pick up on changes in how you move and your general body language.

How dogs react to pregnancy

Every dog reacts differently to pregnancy. Some dogs become more protective, sticking close to their pregnant owner. Others become extra affectionate, sensing that their human needs comfort. It’s not uncommon to hear that dogs can sense pregnancy and become protective as they pick up on the change in your mood or body.

If your dog tends to be anxious, they might become more fearful or clingy. Some dogs however may act indifferent, continuing their usual behaviour as if nothing has changed. While most dogs are aware that something is different, how they react depends on their personality and bond with their owner.

Can dogs sense pregnancy gender?

There’s no evidence to suggest that dogs can tell the difference between a boy and a girl during pregnancy. Although some mother’s claim they knew themselves. And you’ll find plenty of old wives’ tales relating to this. So, you never know…

Can dogs sense pregnancy in strangers?

Dogs don’t just sense pregnancy in their owners - they may also pick up on it in others. You might have noticed your dog behaving differently around pregnant friends or family members. It’s possible that dogs can sense pregnancy in strangers through the same changes in scent and body language. This behaviour shows just how finely tuned their senses are.

Preparing your dog for a new baby

Dogs can be sensitive animals, but they’re adaptable too. They can get used to having a pregnant owner and a new baby around, though it might take a bit of time. Here are some tips to help your dog adjust to your new arrival:

Introduce new routines early – Gradually start changing your dog’s daily schedule to match the routine you’ll have once the baby arrives.
Create safe spaces – Set up a quiet, baby-free zone where your dog can retreat if they feel overwhelmed by the new addition.
Familiarise them with baby sounds – Play recordings of baby noises to help your dog get used to the new sounds they’ll soon hear regularly.
Practice calm behaviour – Teach your dog to stay calm and settle down in areas where you’ll spend time with the baby, like the nursery or living room.
Introduce baby items – Let your dog sniff and explore baby items like clothes and toys so they become accustomed to the new smells.
Positive reinforcement – Reward your dog with treats and praise when they show calm and good behaviour around baby-related changes.