Dogs are more observant than we give them credit for. They can pick up on our behaviors and body language, sometimes even before we are aware of them ourselves. Dogs have been trained to assist humans with various physiological conditions, but there are some things you just can’t train for. In this article, we explore the idea of dogs sensing human pregnancies. Do dogs understand the concept of a new life coming, or are they just as confused as the rest of us?
Signs Your Dog Knows You are Pregnant
Dogs may be able to sense pregnancies through behavioral observations, changes in the household, and biological triggers. While this can vary depending on the dog and their sensitivity to change, here are some signs to look for when your dog is trying to tell you they know about the bun in the oven.
Dogs may become more aggressive and territorial about the woman’s personal space, growling or positioning themselves in a guarding manner. On the other hand, dogs may also become more wary or confused about the expecting woman, displaying perked ears or becoming more reclusive. These signs are usually a manifestation of overall changes in demeanor, such as sudden neediness or standoffishness.
One consistent sign is a sudden interest in the belly, with some dogs even pawing at it. It’s important to read a dog’s body language during pregnancy, as it can provide insight into what is to come. These signs may vary in intensity as the pregnancy progresses, and they may not continue once the baby is born. It has been reported that a dog’s body language returns to normal once the mother’s physical form returns to normal after birth.
Body Language
Some signs to watch for to see if your dog has sensed your pregnancy include:
– Being alert
– Whining
– Guarding
– Ears up
Other Signs
Other signs that indicate your dog knows you’re expecting include:
– Pawing at your belly
– Following you around
– Acting differently
– Becoming territorial
History of Dogs Sensing Pregnancy
Throughout history, pregnancy has been met with behavioral and physical changes that dogs have been able to sense. As dogs have become more integrated into household dynamics, they have become more sensitive to these changes. Dogs have a history of being protective of pregnant women, suggesting that they have the capacity to comprehend why a pregnant woman is vulnerable.
There is a lack of research on a dog’s ability to sense pregnancy, but countless accounts from women worldwide seem to confirm that dogs can and do sense pregnancy. Many stories exist of women finding out they are pregnant after noticing their dog acting differently.
Science of Dogs Sensing Pregnancy
The science behind a dog’s ability to detect pregnancy revolves around their highly sensitive sense of smell. Dogs can detect changes in hormones, which are believed to be the source of their ability to sense pregnancy. The spike in hormones caused by pregnancy, as well as morning sickness, changes in blood pressure, and occasional fevers, may all be signals to a dog’s nose that something is different with their human.
Training Your Dog When a Baby is Coming
Training a dog to sense pregnancy is difficult due to the frequency of pregnancy in families. However, there are some training tips to keep in mind when dealing with the behaviors some dogs may exhibit in response to a new baby.
The lifestyle changes triggered by pregnancy can be overwhelming for dogs, leading to negative behaviors that need correcting. Some dogs may mark their territory, whine, or paw incessantly as a response to the shift in the pack dynamic or rearrangement of the physical space. The addition of nursery items can also trigger chewing habits. When a dog exhibits inappropriate behavior, it’s important to go back to basic housebreaking techniques with stern commands and rewards.
If a dog becomes aggressive towards others in an effort to protect the pregnant woman, it’s crucial for the woman to assert dominance over the situation. Ignoring this protectiveness can give the dog the impression that aggression is acceptable. The woman should correct this behavior through vocal commands and physical positioning.
It is also recommended to slowly introduce dogs to baby items and new boundaries that will be in place when the baby arrives. Throughout the nine-month process, it’s important to encourage your dog through the changes and reward them for positive behavior, such as respecting baby gates or following commands to prevent aggression.
“Through their keen senses, dogs have an innate ability to sense the miracle of life before we even realize it ourselves.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Pay attention to your dog’s behavior and body language. Dogs may exhibit signs such as being more territorial, curious about the belly, or displaying changes in demeanor. Understanding and reading your dog’s body language during pregnancy can help you anticipate and address any potential issues.
2️⃣ Dogs can sense pregnancy through changes in hormones and smells. Dogs have a highly sensitive sense of smell and can detect hormonal changes in pregnant women. The spike in hormones, morning sickness, and other physical changes associated with pregnancy can be signals to a dog’s nose that something is different with their human.
3️⃣ Prepare and train your dog for the arrival of a baby. Pregnancy triggers lifestyle changes that can be overwhelming for dogs, leading to negative behaviors. It is important to address these behaviors through training and reinforcement. Introduce your dog to baby items and new boundaries gradually, rewarding them for positive behavior and correcting any aggression or territoriality.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. How can dogs sense human pregnancies?
– Dogs can sense pregnancies through behavioral observations, changes in the household, and biological triggers. They may display signs such as aggression, territorial behavior, curiosity towards the belly, and changes in body language.
2. What are some signs that indicate a dog knows you’re expecting?
– Signs that indicate a dog knows you’re expecting include pawing at your belly, following you around, acting differently, and becoming territorial.
3. Is there a historical basis for dogs sensing pregnancy?
– Yes, dogs have a long history of being protective of pregnant women. They seem to have a certain capacity to comprehend why a pregnant woman is vulnerable, and as dogs have become more integrated into households, they have become more sensitive to the changes associated with pregnancy.
4. What is the science behind a dog’s ability to detect pregnancy?
– Dogs have a highly sensitive sense of smell, which allows them to detect changes in hormones. The spike in hormones caused by pregnancy, as well as changes in blood sugar, blood pressure, and occasional fevers, can be signals to a dog’s nose that something is different with their human.
5. Can you train a dog to sense pregnancy?
– Training a dog to sense pregnancy is difficult due to the frequency with which pregnancy occurs. However, there are training tips to keep in mind when considering the behaviors dogs may exhibit in reaction to a coming baby. It is important to correct negative behaviors and slowly introduce the dog to baby items and new boundaries to help them acclimatize.
