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Determining whether your dog is pregnant can be a bit of a challenge--dogs are quite discreet when it comes to mating, and the canine gestation period lasts just two months. Read on to learn what signs to look for and how to be certain your pet is expecting.

How to Find Out If a Dog is Pregnant

Approximately one month after mating, a pregnant dog may experience vaginal discharge and swelling of the teats. Her appetite will likely decrease at first, then increase as the pregnancy progresses.

Depending on the size of the puppies, her body weight will increase between about 20 and 55 percent during pregnancy. Check for swelling and firmness in the abdomen. If you hold your hand against the dog's belly and feel movement from within, it is likely she is expecting.

Shortly before the delivery date, a pregnant dog will generally exhibit signs of nesting; for example, she may scratch at the floor or show general restlessness.

If your dog is exhibiting signs of pregnancy, schedule an appointment with her veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet will conduct the appropriate pregnancy test for your dog--an ultrasound(not all vet clinics in Nigeria have that equipment), an abdomen feel and a hormone test--and should be able to provide an estimate of how many puppies are on the way.

Tips & Warnings

Have clean towels and a whelping box ready for the birthing.

If you will not be keeping the puppies, begin seeking loving homes for them.

A dog should take in some extra calories when pregnant, especially during the second month, but do not give her vitamins or other supplements; they will hinder her ability to extract bone calcium after giving birth.

Have your dog spayed to prevent unwanted pregnancy