January 18, 2012
Posted in Pet Supplies, Pet Training

If you are pregnant, you have likely been on an emotional roller coaster, and you may have noticed that your dog seems to be on one too. Some dogs are able to sense the change in your hormones and body by a certain smell you give off. In fact, your dog may have been able to detect that you were pregnant before you even knew.

However, that is not to say that the dog understood what the reason behind the change was. This means that it is still important to take preparatory steps to ensure the meeting between the dog and your new baby goes smoothly, the news source reports.

Pregnant women may notice that their dogs are more protective of them – whereas they used to enjoy alone time, they now stick with you all the time. Dogs that used to prefer curling up on their Plush Memory Sleeper by themselves may have a newfound interest in snuggling with you on the couch, while your favorite lapdog may seem more fearful, spending a good chunk of time in its Super Dog Crate. You may not notice any change in your dog's behavior whatsoever – either your dog does not notice a change in you, or is totally indifferent to it.

Most dogs do notice the changes in their owners' emotions, behavior and routines, however. Pregnant women may wake up later in the morning, or come home early from work, or nap more often. Others may sleep less. Dogs pick up on these types of changes, and may start to act differently because of it. If you normally give your pooch Greenies for dogs at a certain point in the day but forget because of a doctor's appointment or other pregnancy-related event, your dog will start to notice.

Other dogs may be curious or confused when you start to redecorate a room or change things around the house in preparation for the baby, or will pick up on your mood swings. Try your hardest to keep your emotions stable when interacting with your dog, and try to keep its routine as normal as possible. Even spending quality time throwing the Wing-A-Ball outside every day will give your dog a sense of security and reliability. You can also offer your pooch special treats like a Dingo Big Bone to keep it occupied if you are going to be doing something baby-related that may make it feel anxious. 

Related posts:

1. What to expect from your cat when you’re expecting