It's typically not simple or evident to tell when your dog might be pregnant or whelping (a dog-specific term for birthing). She won't be "late" and you can't just purchase a home pregnancy kit from the corner drugstore for her. Besides, it would be a pretty difficult task to get her to pee on a stick. The best way to find out if you'll have newborn puppies in your home soon is to take a drive down to your veterinarian's office. A basic blood test and X-ray is all that she'll require. But if your female dog is not spayed and you suppose that she may be pregnant, there are some signs and symptoms that you can look for on your own.

Is she behaving any differently? Has her mood changed?

If your dog is normally on the go but no longer has a lot of energy, that's one clue she may be pregnant. If she is having a hard time getting peaceful or sleeping, this can be a clue.

She might also become more aggressive about her territory.

Watch for vaginal discharge, this is an expected symptom of pregnancy.

Watch for changes in your dog's eating schedule. Is she eating on a usual basis? If she has a decreased appetite or isn't showing as much joy and attention to her food as she typically does, she could be having morning sickness.

A female dog's nipples will become engorged while preparing for nursing her pups.

Watch your dog's stomach to see if it looks blown up or swollen. This happens midway through the pregnancy. You may even be able to softly feel for the puppies also.

Your dog may not want to be around people or animals as much as she used to, but she wants her own space throughout this time.

Your dog might begin "nesting," or becoming ready for the delivery and care of the puppies. She may scuff and scratch at the floor or the blankets as if to fluff them.

How to prevent yourdogs pregnancy:

If your dog isn't presently pregnant, and you don't want puppies in the future, there is a obvious, clear-cut answer. As Bob Barker often said, "Have your pet spayed or neutered." Mobile pet clinics are making this more reasonably priced and easily accessed all the time.

If you wish for your dog to give birth in your home you will want to help make her stress-free and comfy. Provide her with some older blankets in a calm, quiet area. You may want to have plenty of newspaper close at hand also. Dogs as a whole prefer dark and quiet places to birth, which is most likely why most dog births occur during the night. The labor can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours. To prevent any unpleasant dog symptoms, make sure she is getting a proper diet, including plenty of vitamins and minerals. This will ensure she has plenty of energy for this process.