Can dogs sense you’re pregnant? Here’s what science and pet experts say

Dogs are well-known for their extraordinary sense of smell, which enables them to sniff out everything from missing people to diseases like cancer. But can they detect pregnancy? 

While scientific evidence is still limited, many dog owners believe their furry companions sensed something was different as they approached or went through pregnancy. This article explores that possibility and provides insights from experts on why your dog might be extra attentive when you’re expecting.

How dogs’ senses work

With around 300 million olfactory receptors, compared to our mere 6 million, dogs can detect even the slightest changes in body chemistry. This powerful sense of smell could make it possible for them to pick up on hormonal shifts that happen during pregnancy.

Hormones like progesterone and estrogen rise significantly during pregnancy, which may subtly change your scent in a way your dog can pick up on. While research hasn’t definitively proven that dogs can sense pregnancy, we know they’re deeply attuned to changes in their human companions’ emotions and behaviors. Given how attached they are to their owners, it makes sense that dogs might respond to the unique physical and emotional changes pregnancy brings.

Related: Benefits of pets for kids actually start during pregnancy, study finds

Common behaviors in dogs around pregnant owners

Pregnant dog owners often notice behavior changes in their pets, such as increased clinginess or protectiveness. Here are some of the common behaviors that may signal your dog senses a change:

1. Increased clinginess or protective behavior
   Many dog owners observe that their dogs start to follow them around more than usual during pregnancy. Some dogs will stand guard by the bathroom door or stay close to their pregnant owner’s side at all times. This behavior could be a protective response, with dogs sensing that their owner might be in a vulnerable state, prompting them to act as a watchful guardian.
   
   According to Dr. Rachel Barrack, DVM, owner of Animal Acupuncture in New York City, “Your dog is smart enough to pick up on these changes during pregnancy, both in a physical way — which is how your body will be changing, your stomach, your smell — and in an emotional way, such as your feelings and your mood.”
   
2. Heightened guarding around other dogs
   Some pregnant dog owners report challenges on walks, as their dog might show more aggression or defensiveness around other dogs. This behavior could stem from a heightened sense of protectiveness, with some dogs feeling more anxious about potential threats to their owner.
   
3. Sensitivity to stress or environmental changes
   Dogs are incredibly sensitive to their owners’ emotions and may pick up on any stress or changes around them, such as new routines, nursery furniture, or the general anticipation that a new baby brings. This sensitivity means that even subtle shifts in their environment or your mood can lead to increased clinginess or other anxiety-based behaviors.

Can dogs really detect a baby on the way?

Though it’s tempting to believe that dogs know a baby is coming, it’s more likely that they’re sensing hormonal and behavioral changes rather than understanding a baby is on the way.  Dogs have been known to detect illnesses, emotional changes, and other shifts in their human companions, so it’s possible pregnancy would trigger similar responses.

How to prepare your dog for the arrival of a new baby

If you notice your dog being extra clingy or protective, a few small adjustments can help them feel secure as your family changes. Here are some expert-backed ways to help ease the transition for both of you:

• Maintain a routine. Dogs thrive on predictability.  Keeping regular schedules for feeding, walks, and playtime can help your dog feel reassured and reduce anxiety.
• Set boundaries. If certain areas will be off-limits once your baby arrives, establish these boundaries well in advance. Baby gates can be helpful for gently introducing your dog to restricted spaces.
• Familiarize your dog with baby items. Letting your dog sniff baby clothes or blankets can help them get used to new scents. ASPCA recommends gradually introducing baby items to make the changes feel less overwhelming.
• Play recorded baby noises. Some pet experts recommend playing baby sounds to desensitize your dog to new and potentially startling noises.

Related: 5 tips for raising a puppy with kids, according to a professional dog trainer

Final thoughts: Can dogs sense pregnancy?

While we may not yet have scientific proof that dogs can detect pregnancy, anecdotal accounts from pet owners suggest they are certainly sensitive to their pregnant owners’ changes. 

Their heightened sense of smell likely plays a significant role, helping them detect hormonal changes or shifts in body odor. Plus, dogs’ strong bond with their owners makes them attentive to any physical or emotional changes, causing them to act protectively or even anxiously.

Welcoming a new baby is a big change, but with a little planning and some extra TLC, you and your furry friend can navigate this exciting transition smoothly. By preparing for these adjustments, you can ensure a smoother transition for both you and your furry friend as your family grows.

Sources:

• The relationship between emotional states of dogs and their human handlers. 2022. National Library of Medicine. Assessing the Relationship Between Emotional States of Dogs and Their Human Handlers, Using Simultaneous Behavioral and Cardiac Measures.
• Here’s how to prepare your pet for your new baby. 4 Paws Veterinary Care. New Baby? Here’s How to Prepare Your Pets and Make the Transition Easier.
• Can dogs sense pregnancy in humans? 2020. 1013 WNCO. Can Dogs Sense Pregnancy in Humans?
• How powerful is a dog’s nose? 2020. Phoenix Veterinary Care. How Powerful Is a Dog’s Nose?
• Canine olfactory detection of cancer. 2015. Arxiv. Canine Olfactory Differentiation of Cancer: A Review of the Literature.
• How search-and-rescue dogs find missing people. 2023. American Kennel Club. How Search-and-Rescue Dogs Find Missing People.