Detecting pregnancy in a dog.....

Question
I bred my 4yr. old APBT in Jan. She had 1 litter two years ago and I don't really remember what days of her cycle I bred her. Anyway, Chloe started on the 23 of Jan. So I bred her on the following days:27,28,and the 5. She has showed signs of being preggers but I cant feel any puppies and shes not big at all! She digs alot in the backyard and her teats are big but not huge. We took her to the vet and they said its a small litter. I cant feel the puppies!!! Shes like 50 some odd days or so now. I should be able to feel them. Can it be possible that she had us all fooled?! What if any, are some last staged signs of pregnancy in a dog? Should I get her x-rayed ASAP?

Answer
Hi Kristin

If she started in heat 23rd and you bred her 4 days later were you certain she is an early ovulater?  Timing is the most common reason for a missed pregnancy.

It difficult to feel puppies (in my opinion) as they may be a up high in the uterine horn, small or only one or two pups.  The most reliable way is to x-ray, that way you can count spines and skulls (and you always add one).  X-ray's are the most clearest after 50 days, so anytime now would be appropriate.

If she's nesting and slowing down these are typical signs.  Make sure she has a clean, warm whelping box to have her pups, birthing in the back yard is never a good idea.

Good luck