Pregnant Foster

Question
Hi, I am fostering a pregnant dog for a local shelter. I took her to the vet the other day for a checkup and he said everything looked good and estimated that she was 4-5 weeks along. He said that pretty soon I could try and hear the heartbeats with a steathoscope. I was wondering how soon I can hear them, and how should I try to hear for them. Thanks so much for your time!

Answer
Hi Ethan

The horn run up and along in a U shape.  So if she was laying on her side, they should shift and run along her side.

If you are "feeling" along, you can feel the liver and kidneys, place the end of your stethoscope along her side, you'll hear all kinds of gurgling noise, until you hear the steady heart beat of the pup.  Of course large breeders are easier than the smaller ones.

You should be able to hear them in the next week.

Good luck.