One of the amazing things about dogs is their noses. They have the ability to detect and remember scents, long after they鈥檙e exposed to the original odor.聽When a person is pregnant, the hormones in their body are likely to alter their scent in some way. So, can dogs sense pregnancy?聽Because of their keen sense of smell, many people believe that dogs can detect a change in a pregnant person even before they do 鈥� but it鈥檚 mostly conjecture. 鈥淚 suspect that dogs can smell something we cannot,鈥� says , Senior Veterinarian and Director of Pet Health Information at the Animal Medical Center of New York City.
She explains that dogs have 60 times as many smell receptors as humans, and 40 times as much brain power dedicated to smell. These scent receptors allow them to differentiate 30,000 to 100,000 aromas. Because a huge part of a dog鈥檚 brain is devoted to analyzing odors, dogs are able to pick up on different scents resulting from chemical changes, cancer, insulin levels, bombs, drugs, a person鈥檚 menstrual cycle, and even pregnancy, according to , a certified behaviorist and dog trainer in Los Angeles.
How Early Can a Dog Sense Pregnancy?
We can鈥檛 know for sure the exact moment a dog senses a pregnancy. However, we do know that not much gets by the canine nose. Although your dog can detect a change in scent, it鈥檚 unlikely they comprehend the reason for the change.
What dogs do understand is that something is different, both on a physical and behavioral level. It鈥檚 only natural for them to take notice and show an interest. 鈥淒ogs are highly sensitive and intimate in studying behavior and subtle movements,鈥� says Hartstein.
It鈥檚 difficult to say just how dogs will react to their owners鈥� pregnancies; some may become protective, others may be fearful or even completely indifferent to the situation. Dr. Rachel Barrack, DVM, owner of in New York City, says many pregnant people report that their dogs are more affectionate or protective during their pregnancy. 鈥淚t鈥檚 likely due to the scent and your hormones, as well as possible changes in your mood,鈥� she explains.
Are Dogs Protective of Pregnant Owners?
Brooks Oscarson, who runs a parenting blog, recalls how her parents鈥櫬�Vizsla聽would not only sniff her belly before she was showing, but also became extremely protective. 鈥淲ithin just a few weeks of my pregnancy, the dog鈥檚 demeanor changed,鈥� says Oscarson. 鈥淚f we were playing sports with my siblings, and he sensed things were getting too intense, he鈥檇 bark and run over to check on me.鈥�
An innate need to protect can kick into high gear, resulting in a dog becoming highly alert to potential danger. 鈥淲hen I was pregnant with my twins, I could no longer walk my dogs,鈥� says , a registered dietician and nutritionist. 鈥淭he same dogs that would walk at my heel were suddenly hyper-vigilant, and it became impossible to walk them.鈥� In order to stick to their nightly walks, Lvova had to enlist the help of a friend to hold their leashes. 鈥淚f someone else was holding the leash, even a frail older lady, they were perfectly well behaved,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t was unbelievable.鈥�
Dr. Barrack points out that changes at home will always have an effect on a dog. 鈥淵our dog is smart enough to pick up on these changes during pregnancy, both in a physical way 鈥� which is how your body will be changing, your stomach, your smell 鈥� and in an emotional way, such as your feelings and your mood,鈥� she says.
Experts recommend preparing your dog before the baby arrives. 鈥淭he healthiest of dogs will adapt well to new environments and routines, however some dogs may have a slower transition, requiring a little extra care and attention,鈥� says Hartstein.