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Dogs & Storks CD

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4.73 (Highly recommend) from 9 votes (4142 Visits)

Does my dog know I'm Pregnant?

Anonymous Author (January 2007)

Dogs are connected to their people and their daily routines. They know when they wake up, when and where they do certain chores, if it’s the weekend etc. How? Well, actually it’s quite simple…they are GREAT observers and creatures of habit. Dogs have such

a keen sense of sight and smell that helps them to monitor life around them. It is with this in mind that I believe dogs do notice the changes of pregnancy. Pregnancy creates hormonal changes that affect the scent emotions and routines of their dedicated female human. Some reported changes from “Moms to be” are:

Over clinginess

Protectiveness

Elimination related issues

Aloofness

Excessive attention seeking

Anxiety (pacing, licking etc)

If you notice unwanted changes in your dogs’ behavior here are some things to consider.

1. What has changed?

a. activity level

b. your behavior

c. routines

2. How is this behavior change being reinforced? “Dogs do what works for them.” Why and how is this behavior working for your dog?

3. When did this change begin? Have you ever seen this behavior before? If so, when?

4. Could there be any medical reason.

All pregnancies, and the circumstances surrounding them, are unique and very individual. There are many new experiences with each pregnancy. This can lead to good or sometimes uncomfortable stress. Family pets may react to this along with the other previously mentioned factors. Consistent leadership and obedience help to keep our companions grounded during your pregnancy. There is a great deal to learn and do prior to the arrival of the baby. The good news is there is a great deal of support and information on preparing your dog for life with kids. Here are several resources.

www.familypaws.com Dogs & Storks narrated CD

www.dogsandstorks.com Official site of Dogs & storks

www.legacycanine.com Cd with baby noises

If you notice a change in your dog’s behavior that concerns you contact your vet or a dog behavior consultant in your area.

Jennifer Shryock B.A. CDBC

www.iaabc.org International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants

www.familypaws.com

Any contributed content above is the subjective opinion of that member or external author, and not of Minti.com Pty Ltd. If you are searching for health related advice we strongly suggest you seek professional medical support. View our Terms of Service for more details.

ADVICE RATING

4.73 (Highly recommend) from 9 votes

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	September 2007 \| emmie

Re: Does my dog know I'm Pregnant?

strangethat my dog got real close to me wen i was pregnant

cheers

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	January 2007 \| pfallerj

Sad

Our dog definitely changed, she moped around more and when we did give her attention she went nuts. She was always very gentle with the baby, she liked to lick him, but if he came near her on his own she'd run away.

To get her used to him, I brought home a blanket from the hospital and let her hang out with it for the few days we were away. That way when we brought him home it was a familiar smell.

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	January 2007 \| LaRenae

cats and pregnancy

My Great Dane dog did not show real severe behavior changes until after our boy was born when our pooch became extremely more protective.

However, my kitties knew for sure during the pregnancy ... All wanted to lay on my belly, even when my tummy was still not showing ... all wanted to lay on my belly at one time ! I was like, "fellas, I only have one lap !" Also a major clue for the kitties was the new crib we set up ... which they all wanted to sleep in and be the baby themselves, I guess ! haha ....

Our one kitty, Pete, wanted then and even still now wants everything to do with baby. He kept getting in my bag I was packing for the hospital and even now still wants to get in the bath with baby and be with him all the time. Pete loves to hear me read to baby at bedtime and always comes in the room to listen. ...