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What are early signs of German Shepherd pregnancy or false pregnancy?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Alsatian | Female | unspayed | 104 years old | 79 lbs
can you tell me signs of german shepard 1st pregenancy didnt see the mating but dog has changed over the last three weeks
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on April 15th, 2018
There are not many obvious changes in the first 3 weeks of pregnancy. Abdominal enlargement and mammary gland development isn't obvious until towards the end of pregnancy 45ish to 55 days. Some subtle signs this early would be a decreased appetite or nausea. Some dogs become clingy while others are distant.
If you didn't see her mating then she could be experiencing a false pregnancy. This occurs after they are in heat due to a hormonal imbalance. This imbalance causes the dogs body to think they are pregnant when they are not. They can act clingy, carry stiffed animals around like babies, nest, develop enlarged mammary glands and even start producing milk. The symptoms last the length of a normal pregnancy.
I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on June 29th, 2018
Hi there. I'm afraid it's not possible to tell if a dog is pregnant just by looking - you would need to take her to your veterinarian for x-rays or an ultrasound to find out for sure.
From your description, it's certainly possible that she might be pregnant. Other possible causes of an enlarged abdomen would include heart disease, liver disease, an abdominal infection or mass of some kind, or simply overeating. Red vaginal discharge could be associated with pregnancy, but could also be because she is coming into heat or has a uterine infection.1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on December 3rd, 2017
In the first few weeks, there are very few outward signs, so you may not notice a change. Your dog will seem like her normal self, although she may gain some weight. Morning sickness affects some dogs, but only for a few days during the 3rd or 4th week.
By the end of your dog's second trimester, her belly will get bigger. Around this time (by day 40), her nipples will begin to get darker and larger, too. As your pet's due date gets closer, her breasts will enlarge, and a little milky fluid may trickle out.2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on June 18th, 2017
She certainly could be pregnant. At 4 weeks she will not be noticeably larger yet but the clingy behaviour and appetite change are indicators. She could also possibly be in a false pregnancy. If she is pregnant she should start to swell around the belly from now. An ultrasound scan at the vet could confirm her pregnancy.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful