It is an interesting question many dog owners ask: Do dogs get clingy when you are pregnant? As it turns out, the answer is a resounding yes. It is important to remember that dogs can pick up on subtle changes in their owners, and being pregnant is a big change. In addition to the physical changes, women often experience emotional changes as they enter this new stage of life. It stands to reason that dogs may pick up on these changes as well.
There are a number of ways that dogs may demonstrate their need for extra love and attention when their owner is pregnant. From increased cuddles to constant companionship, dogs can find ways to let their owners know that they know something special is happening. But the clinginess doesn’t end there. Dogs may also act differently around other people in the household or even strangers, depending on the individual situation.
In this blog post, we will explore the ways in which dogs can become clingy when
Dogs and Pregnant Women: Strangers vs. Owner
Can 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, its definitely possible that they can sense pregnancy in a stranger. Its 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.
Why Your Dog’s Behavior Changes During Your Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a lot of things with your body and your daily routine change. Our dogs are sensitive and observant animals. They have much keener senses of smell and hearing than we do, and they can detect our moods with great accuracy.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, medical professionals and researchers believe that canines can detect changes in a pregnant woman’s body, such as elevated hormone levels. Later on in the pregnancy, they might even be able to hear a heartbeat coming from your belly. Other physical changes, like the size of your stomach and how your gait changes as it grows, are also probably noticeable to dogs.
The daily routines of you and your dog both change significantly during pregnancy. Perhaps your sleeping patterns have changed, and you can no longer tolerate having your dog sleep on the bed. Another change is morning sickness, which comes with more visitors, unfamiliar baby equipment, and potential room renovations for the newborn.
All of these changes can impact your dog’s behavior. Some dogs may become overly clingy or protective, while others may exhibit other behaviors, like becoming destructive. However, depending on the particular puppy, some canines might not even respond.
Anecdotally, some pregnant dog owners claim that just before they give birth, their puppies become especially clingy or protective. Another instance where scientists can only speculate because they lack solid evidence
Hormonal changes and other symptoms of impending labor could change your scent and alert your dog that something is happening. The general atmosphere of the house could also change if there is more anxiety, stress, or excitement. Your dog may also behave differently in this environment if they sense something important is happening, even if they don’t know you’re about to give birth.
Reaction of Dogs During Human Pregnancy
According to Jennifer Shryock, certified dog behavior consultant, dogs can sense all the subtle, and not so subtle, changes a womans body goes through during pregnancy.
Pregnancy triggers definite changes in a womans 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 youre pregnant before youre aware of it yourself. The changes in your bodys scent can affect your dog in different ways.
Your body will grow noticeably larger during pregnancy, unless you were already large. While some animals don’t seem to notice a growing belly, smaller dogs, especially, may in fact show some trepidation as the pregnancy progresses due to your changing shape and how you move.
When your pet first feels the baby move while cuddled up next to you, they might also become agitated. If this occurs, reassure them that everything will be okay in a loving and calm manner.
Your dog will also notice changes in your mood, such as when youre 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.
FAQ
How do dogs act when they know your pregnant?
Is my dog more clingy because I’m pregnant?
Can dogs sense early pregnancy?
A mother’s body chemistry and hormones alter during pregnancy, which can also cause her unique scent (an odor her dog knows intimately) to change. And it doesn’t stop at sniffing out pregnancy; there’s even some evidence that dogs can detect when a person has cancer or is about to have a seizure.
Why is my dog suddenly clingy?
Dogs who have anxiety issues often develop clingy dog behaviors. Interestingly, dogs can also become clingy if they sense our stress or anxiety. Dogs can also become clingy if you change their daily routine or make changes in the home or household that cause them stress.