Can a Dog Get Pregnant when not in Heat?

You didn’t spay your female dog. Now she’s acting weird, and you are scared that she’s pregnant. “But wait, she’s not in heat”, “can a dog get pregnant when not in heat? You ask yourself. The simple answer is no! Dogs cannot get pregnant if they are not in heat.

Well, for big dogs, it’s easy to spot when they are bleeding and then conclude if they are in heat or not. The same is not true for small dogs. It’s hard to detect when they are bleeding. How then, can you ascertain when your dog is in heat without any doubts? Read on.

Is my dog in heat?

A dog can be in heat just once or twice within a year. The number of times a dog can be in heat varies due to the breed. However, from 6 months, if a female dog is not spayed, she will start experiencing the three-week heat cycle during which she can get pregnant. The estrus cycle of every dog breed differs but it is quite faster in younger dogs than the older ones.

When you see these signs, then your dog is in heat and can get pregnant:

Change in behavior

The regular behavior of a female dog in heat changes. She will be more friendly to other dogs, especially males. She will readily allow male dogs to hump without any resistance. When a dog owner spots this change, coupled with other signals, it’s a good indicator that a dog is in heat.

Also, a female dog may play less than usual and even refuse to be touched. This can happen due to swollen body parts like the nipples and vulva.

Bleeding

When a female dog starts to bleed, constantly urinating, and having a swollen vulva, that’s all the sign you need to tell if a dog is in heat. While these signs may be clearly evident in adult female dogs, you may need to take a close look for younger dogs.

Weight gain

When your dog is in heat, she will adequately gain weight and become slightly fatter.

What do I do when my dog is in heat?

It could be a confusing period when your dog is in heat. What should you do?

Touch carefully

A female dog in heat will have swollen vulva and nipples. During this period, it’s best to avoid touching those sensitive parts either while playing or otherwise.

Be watchful of male dogs

During heat, female dogs will emit scents that will draw male dogs from around, and if your fence is low or there is none, there’s a problem on the horizon.

Keep close watch over your dog and don’t allow her to roam unattended.

Allow some behavior

Since the mood of your dog will change during this period, allow her some behaviors like: staying alone, reduced play, and staying in some places in the house.

When can I spay my dog?

The act of spaying a female dog rids her of the ovaries and uterus. When this is done, it becomes impossible for the dog to get pregnant. So, you can rest assured and be less concerned about male dogs around—additionally, no more heat periods, and other benefits like being free from certain illnesses.

Spaying doesn’t require a dog to grow to adulthood. Right from being weeks old, a dog can be spayed.

Note: Do not spay a dog while in heat. Medically, it’s best to spay a dog after the heat period to avoid possible excessive bleeding. Wait till the period has subsided, then visit a veterinary doctor to do it properly. 

Whatever the reason for not spaying your dog, always learn to be watchful for signs that will help you know when your dog is in heat. As you see signs indicating that your dog is in heat, take the necessary precautions to prevent your dog from getting pregnant. Do well not to allow your dog roam unaccompanied since she will attract many male dogs around.

Overall, to avoid unnecessary worry, ensure you spay your dog quickly at a very young age.