how to tell if my dog is pregnant

Question
She has been very lazy not eating and whole body outlook is different. She looks fat and her nipples are a little bigger and she just wants to be babied.. by the way she is a 7 year old jack russell mix

Answer
Diana -

Weight gain and mammary gland (along with nipple) enlargement is usually an indication that your dog is pregnant.    However, I am a bit concerned that she is seven years old and is still having puppies.  

Have her evaluated by your veterinary profession; to determine if she is indeed pregnant. It is important to have her evaluated by a doctor because she may be having a false pregnancy; a doctor can tell you if she is in fact pregnant or if there is a hormonal disturbance.  If she is, make sure she has enough food  and water at all times.  Once she has the puppies, she should be spayed in order to avoid more situations like this one. spaying her can also prevent pyometra, an infected uterus.  The uterine infection can present itself very suddenly and cause disastrous problems such as severe illness and even death if it goes unnoticed.


Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM