Many women believe that their dogs can sense their pregnancy before they do. The dogs might become more protective or show interest in the woman’s belly. However, it’s not that the dogs know a human baby is forming in the womb. Instead, their behavior changes are likely due to their ability to sniff out hormonal changes.
Signs Your Dog Senses Your Pregnancy
There are several signs that indicate your dog can sense your pregnancy. They might bark at your belly, growl, or become more protective and possibly aggressive. Some dogs become more interested in the woman’s belly, sniffing, licking, or pawing at it. These behaviors are usually temporary and the dogs go back to normal after the baby is born.
Body Language
If your dog knows you are pregnant, you might notice cues such as growling, barking, ears back, and raised paw. Other signs include guarding behavior, aggression, and paying attention to the woman’s belly.
History of Dogs Sensing Pregnancy
Dogs have been showing signs of awareness of their owner’s pregnancy since they became our best friends thousands of years ago. Although there are no studies from that time period, word-of-mouth and written stories confirm these accounts. The most common trait found in these stories is that dogs become more protective when they sense a pregnancy, likely because they perceive the woman as being more vulnerable and in need of protection.
Science Behind Dogs Sensing Pregnancies
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, about 1 million times better than humans. They can detect chemical and hormonal changes in our bodies, including during pregnancy. They also notice other changes that come with pregnancy, such as behavioral and mood changes, physical changes, and body odor. Dogs may also be able to hear the fetus in the womb due to their superior hearing abilities.
Getting Your Dog Baby-Ready
Preparing your dog for a new baby involves obedience training and setting boundaries. Teaching them commands like sit, lay down, or wait can be helpful when introducing them to the newborn. Starting boundaries before the baby arrives, such as not jumping on furniture or humans, can prevent accidents. Teaching a “quiet” command can also be useful if the dog is noisy. Establishing a routine that will accommodate the baby’s arrival and avoiding overcompensating with extra attention before the baby is born can help your dog transition smoothly.
“Dog’s innate abilities to sniff out hormonal changes can lead to behavioral changes when their owner is pregnant.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Dogs have the ability to sense hormonal changes in pregnant women, which can result in changes in their behavior. Pay attention to signs such as barking, growling, and increased protectiveness.
2️⃣ Dogs have a strong sense of smell and hearing, which allows them to detect hormonal and physical changes in pregnant women. They may also be able to hear the sounds of the fetus in the womb. Be aware of your dog’s reactions to your pregnancy and provide them with appropriate training and boundaries.
3️⃣ Prepare your dog for the arrival of a new baby by establishing a routine, practicing obedience training, and setting boundaries. Avoid giving your dog extra attention before the baby arrives, as this can make it harder for them to adjust to the changes in attention and routine.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. How do dogs sense pregnancy?
– Dogs are able to sense pregnancy through their heightened sense of smell, detecting hormonal changes in the woman’s body.
2. What are some common signs that a dog can sense a baby in the womb?
– Common signs include barking or growling at the woman’s belly, increased protectiveness, and showing more interest in the belly through sniffing, licking, or pawing.
3. Are these behavioral changes temporary?
– Yes, in most cases, the behaviors are temporary and the doggo goes back to normal after the baby is born.
4. Is there any scientific evidence behind dogs sensing pregnancies?
– Although there are no specific studies, dogs’ exceptional sense of smell and their ability to detect hormonal and other changes in the body suggest that they can indeed sense pregnancies.
5. How can dog owners prepare their dogs for the arrival of a new baby?
– Owners can prepare their dogs by familiarizing them with obedience training, setting boundaries, establishing routines, and avoiding overcompensating with extra attention before the baby arrives.
