Does my dog know I am pregnant?
 Dogs
are connected to their people and their daily routines. They
know when they wake up, when and where they do certain chores, if it’s
the weekend etc. How? Well, actually it’s quite
simple…they are GREAT observers and creatures of habit. Dogs
have such a keen sense of sight and smell that helps them to monitor
life around them. It is with this in mind that I believe dogs
do notice the changes of pregnancy. Pregnancy creates hormonal
changes that affect the scent emotions and routines of their dedicated
female human. Some reported changes from “Moms to be” are:
Over clinginess
Protectiveness
Elimination related issues
Aloofness
Excessive attention seeking
Anxiety (pacing, licking etc)
If you notice unwanted changes in your dogs’ behavior
here are some things to consider.
- What has changed?
- activity level
- your behavior
- routines
- How is this behavior change being reinforced? “Dogs
do what works for them.” Why and how is this behavior
working for your dog?
- When did this change begin? Have
you ever seen this behavior before? If so, when?
- Could there be any medical reason.
All pregnancies, and the circumstances surrounding
them, are unique and very individual. There are many new
experiences with each pregnancy. This can lead to good or sometimes
uncomfortable stress. Family pets may react to this along
with the other previously mentioned factors. Consistent leadership
and obedience help to keep our companions grounded during your pregnancy. There
is a great deal to learn and do prior to the arrival of the baby. The
good news is there is a great deal of support and information on preparing
your dog for life with kids. Here are several resources.
www.familypaws.com Dogs & Storks
narrated CD
www.livingwithkidsanddogs.com Great
book and resources
www.doggonesafe.com Great
educational site on dog safety
www.soundsofbaby.com Cd
with baby noises
If you notice a change in your dog’s behavior
that concerns you contact your vet or a dog behavior consultant in
your area.
Jennifer Shryock B.A. CDBC
www.iaabc.org International
Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
www.familypaws.com
Other Articles about Children can be found at:
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