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Kelly Roper Kelly has more than 12 years experience as a professional writer and editor. Read More Learn about our Editorial Policy. There's definitely a connection between dog behavior and human pregnancy. If you're pregnant and you've noticed some odd personality changes in your pet, and maybe even some undesirable behaviors, you're not alone. Human pregnancies really seem to affect some dogs. Find out why this happens and if will life ever return to normal. Reaction of Dogs During Human PregnancyAccording to Jennifer Shryock, certified dog behavior consultant, dogs can sense all the subtle, and not so subtle, changes a woman's body goes through during pregnancy. Scent ChangesPregnancy triggers definite changes in a woman's hormone levels. Believe it or not, your dog can actually smell the difference in your body chemistry after you become pregnant. It has even been reported anecdotally that dogs can tell you're pregnant before you're aware of it yourself. The changes in your body's scent can affect your dog in different ways.
Shape ChangesUnless you were full-figured before the pregnancy, your body is going to increase noticeably in size. While some pets don't seem to register any notice of a growing belly, other dogs, especially smaller ones, may actually appear a little apprehensive about your new shape and changes in the way you move as the pregnancy progresses. Your pet may also become flustered the first time they are snuggled up with you and they feel the baby move. If this happens, offer calm, loving reassurance that everything is all right. Behavior ChangesYour dog will also notice changes in your mood, such as when you're more tired than usual or stressed. They will also pick up on differences in body language, and if you begin to walk and move around differently as you gain pregnancy weight and get closer to your due date, your dog will notice. Dogs and Pregnant Women: Strangers vs. OwnerCan your dog sense if a stranger is pregnant? Considering the strength of their senses relative to ours and their reactions to familiar women becoming pregnant, it's definitely possible that they can sense pregnancy in a stranger. It's not yet conclusive, though. A dog is able to determine their owner is pregnant because they are picking up on changes to the norm, whereas a stranger they have just met has no baseline for them to judge against. Signs Your Dog May Know You're PregnantSome behaviors that pregnant women report from dogs after they have become pregnant include:
Behavior Problems That Sometimes OccurThe confusion some pets feel sometimes results in a dog acting up during pregnancy.
At the other end of the spectrum, your dog may not appear to be jealous at all. In fact, many dogs take their cues from their owners and readily welcome the baby into the home. In cases like this, the main concern may actually be protecting the baby from your dog's overly enthusiastic affections. Is It Safe to be Pregnant and Have a Dog?Due to all the behavioral changes you may see in your dog, some expecting mothers become worried that having a dog around is not safe. For most dogs, it's just a matter of helping them to adjust to the changes with behavioral modification and environmental enrichment. If you are truly concerned about dog aggression towards a pregnant owner, contact a qualified behavior professional or veterinary behaviorist to assess the situation. Another concern is the health risks, though there are few current known dangers associated with dogs. Some concern may arise over dog poop being handled by a pregnant woman, which comes from the known risk of toxoplasmosis from cat feces. This issue is restricted to cats, however. Helping Your Dog AdjustThere's no way to predict how your dog will react to your pregnancy. However, there are some ways you can help your pet adjust to the changes to come. Introduce or Refresh Obedience TrainingIf you haven't already put your pet through obedience training, there's no time like the present. You can do this yourself if you're in the beginning stages of pregnancy, or you may want to ask your partner to attend training classes with your dog instead. If your dog has already been trained, it's a good time to start putting them through their paces to respond to the various commands. The extra structure may help them feel more secure knowing you're still in charge. Reinforce House TrainingInappropriate urination has to be dealt with immediately before it gets totally out of hand.
Establish a Flexible ScheduleWhen the baby arrives, you'll all be operating around their schedule, so it's a good idea to accustom your dog to flexibility. Here are some ideas:
Accustom Your Dog to Baby ScentsDogs operate more by smell than by sight. You can help your pet prepare for baby's arrival by accustoming them to the scents of baby products.
Use a "Practice" BabyOne of the most important things you can do for your dog is get them used to the presence of someone else in your lap. Try holding a baby doll in your lap during your dog's usual snuggle time with you. This will begin to move your pet into their new position with the pack, yet reassure them that they can still be close to you as long as they behave calmly around the baby. Take this opportunity to train them to behave the way you need them to without any risk to a real child. Life Eventually Returns to NormalAs the pregnancy progresses, the most important thing you can do for your pet is to remain aware of how the changes in your life may affect them. Try to remain firm but patient and reassuring with them as you both adjust to your new lifestyle. Once the baby arrives and you all settle into your new routines, life will get back to normal. © 2022 LoveToKnow Media. All rights reserved. What signs do dogs give when you're pregnant?Depending on the dog's personality and the physical and emotional shifts of the pregnant woman, a dog may display one or more of these behaviors: Increased affection for — and protection of — the pregnant woman. Agitation, growling, barking and/or being uncooperative. Urinating around the house.
Do dogs act different when you're pregnant?Every dog reacts differently to their pregnant owner, some become protective, others more aloof, and others may even seem apathetic. One thing for sure is your dog notices a difference. Dogs are creatures of habit, trained and comforted by routine.
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