The Best Dog Pregnancy Test

While Bob Barker always would suggest that pet owners get their dog spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted puppies, this isn’t an option for everyone. Whether you plan on breeding or an accident has happened and you’ve found yourself with a possible pregnant pup, you’re in good hands. 

It’s critical to find out if your dog is pregnant as soon as possible since the average pregnancy for canines is just over 60 days. Ideally, you will be able to take your dog to the vet for a pregnancy test. While you’re there, your vet can advise you about the pregnancy if there is one or how to prevent future unplanned ones.

Of course, vet visits can be expensive. As an alternative, you may choose to do pregnancy test from the comfort of your own home. Quite frankly, there aren’t many highly rated pregnancy tests for dogs, but of the ones on the market, these are the most highly rated options. Following our in-depth review, you’ll be able to decide whether any of these options are right for you.

A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for Dog Pregnancy Test

#1 Best Overall: Synbiotics Canine and Feline Pregnancy Test Kit (5 Tests)

Our choice for the best at-home dog pregnancy test is the Synbiotics Canine and Feline Pregnancy Test Kit. There is a hormone in pregnant dogs (and other pregnant mammals, including humans) called relaxin. This test kit looks for that hormone in your canine’s blood. 

The placenta creates relaxin and it gets excreted to the blood and plasma of the mother. If there is a large amount of relaxin, it’s a good sign your pooch has a uterus full of puppies. 

The Synbiotics Canine and Feline Pregnancy Test Kit is a good option if you’re looking for early detection. Unlike other pet pregnancy tests on the market, this option can also detect things like:

• False pregnancy
• Spontaneous abortion
• Fetal resorption 

In order for this test to work, you need a small amount of blood from your pup, which you must draw intravenously. If you’re not comfortable drawing blood, please don’t choose this test.

We chose this as our top pick because it comes with multiple (five) tests. You’ll get a result in just seconds, letting any anxiety melt away. 

It’s very simple to use and there isn’t a lot of room for human error, allowing for more accurate results. It doesn’t require any refrigeration before use either. Overall, this is a great option for all dog parents! As you can tell by the name, it can also be used on felines. 

Several reviewers reported that this test generated a false negative when their dogs were actually pregnant.

Pros and Cons of Synbiotics Canine and Feline Pregnancy Test Kit

Overall Best

Synbiotics Canine and Feline Pregnancy Test Kit

• A great option for early detection
• Can also detect false pregnancy
• Comes with multiple (five) tests
• Very simple to use

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2. Best for Early Detecting: HUHKOUAE Pet Dog Pregnancy Test Paper

The HUHKOUAE Pet Dog Pregnancy Test Paper provides results in 10 to 15 minutes.

The is easy to follow step-by-step directions including making it simple for all pet parents. All the tools you’ll need to perform two tests are conveniently together in one package, including the test paper, syringe, serum holder, dropper, and more. 

Like the previous choice, you must draw blood from your dog’s veins (intravenously) in order to use this test. If you’re not comfortable doing this, please don’t purchase this test.

The company is passionate about making a convenient product that can be used anytime, anywhere. Something that stood out to us is how easy the results are to read. You’ll have an answer to whether or not your pup is pregnant within 10 to 15 minutes and can start planning for puppies accordingly! 

Some reviewers reported that the test generated a false negative when their dogs were actually pregnant.

Pros and Cons of HHUK Pet Dog Pregnancy Test Paper

Best for Early Detecting

HUHKOUAE Pet Dog Pregnancy Test Paper

• Includes easy step-by-step directions
• Results are easy to read
• Very easy to use, no professional knowledge needed
• Comes complete with everything you need

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3. Best Ultrasound: ​​ValueStore.us Ultrasound Scanner Veterinary V16

Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about opting for an Ultrasound scanner instead of a blood test. The ValueStore.us Ultrasound Scanner Veterinary Pregnancy V16 with 4.5 MHz Micro Convex Probe is a great option for breeders. If you have a single pup that you don’t plan on breeding and are curious if they’re pregnant, go with one of the blood and serum choices above or, better yet, take your dog to the vet.

The Ultrasound Scanner Veterinary Pregnancy V16 with 4.5 MHz Micro Convex Probe is a multi-frequency, micro-convex probe that makes it easy to see if your doggo has a bun or two (or more!) in the oven. You can also use this ultrasound machine on cats! 

The frequencies are 4.5 MHz / 5.0 MHz / 5.5 MHz and you’ll be able to use this for basic cardio imaging and observation of small organs. It has a rechargeable battery and a silicone belt that makes it easy to carry. 

You’ll be able to store up to 128 images at once and the multicolor display and AV ports easily connect to your TV for an impressive view inside your canine’s body. Just like with humans, it’s essential to apply gel to your dog’s belly beforehand. Ultrasounds require a gel to bypass any air between the probe and the skin. 

Also, please note that the seller said that you need to have experience reading ultrasound images or you won’t understand what you see.

Pros and Cons of the ValueStore.us Ultrasound Scanner Veterinary V16

Best Ultrasound

ValueStore.us Ultrasound Scanner Veterinary V16

• A great option for breeders
• Features a multi-frequency micro-convex probe
• Can also be used for cats
• Comes with a rechargeable battery

Check Amazon

Signs Your Dog Is Pregnant

Is your dog behaving a little more sluggish or eating less of her food than usual? These might be indicators of pregnancy, and if she appears generally happy and healthy, she may be expecting pups soon! 

A few of these indications can also be signals of sickness, so any significant change in how she looks, her eating habits, or level of physical activity should be checked. Of course, bringing your dog to the doctor because you think she’s pregnant is a far better reason! Here are six telltale signs to look out for:

Reduced Activity 

It’s possible that your dog is pregnant if she gets tired easily and spends more time napping. This decline should be considered carefully by dogs who are normally lively. It may be difficult to notice a decline in energy in dogs who already love resting all day. If this is the case, pay attention to how fast she wears out on walks.

Enlarged Or Discolored Nipples

Although a female dog’s nipples are generally tiny, during the early weeks of pregnancy, her nipples swell in size. In comparison to their natural flatness, the areolas also grow rounder. You could also note that your dog’s nipples are getting a somewhat deeper red than usual, indicating extra blood flow in the area. It’s also not uncommon for their nipples to leak milk occasionally.

Changes In Appetite

According to the dog and her stage of pregnancy, a pregnant dog’s hunger might change in a variety of ways. She could eat less or even vomit sometimes early or midway through the pregnancy which is the canine equivalent of morning sickness. She could, perhaps, consume more than normal and be unhappy with her food. These changes are caused by your dog’s shifting hormones.

Weight Gain

Your dog’s belly will grow in size as the pups develop. This can be one of the most obvious signs of a dog’s pregnancy, particularly if your pooch hasn’t gained weight for any other reason. Nevertheless, because enlargement of the stomach happens towards the end of the pregnancy, it’s best to take her to the clinic if you detect this indication along with others.

Nesting Behaviors

You may see your dog shredding bedding and other accessible items to make a nest over the last few weeks of gestation. During this period, she could become cranky and withdrawn, so it’s better to restrict her interaction with small kids. 

In comparison to humans, dogs have a comparatively short gestation period of 56-70 days. As a consequence, recognizing pregnancy indicators early is crucial to achieving a secure and relaxed delivery for your pups. Your family veterinarian can offer you all of the information you need to protect and care for your expectant pet after a thorough checkup.

Strange Behavior 

You might detect some variations in your dog’s behavior if she is pregnant. She could, for example, seek out her owner’s company more frequently. A pregnant dog may spend much more time around you, seeking additional attention. Conversely, a pregnant dog may prefer to be alone and not want to be disturbed; when given attention, she might appear melancholy or even irritated.

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

Surprisingly, there aren’t many pregnancy dog tests on the market. The ones that are available are relatively similar to one another. So, how do you know which one you should buy for your potentially expectant canine?

We suggest reading the reviews to get the best idea of a high-quality product. Look for how fast the results arrive and how accurate the tests are. Some, as you’ve read, can detect false pregnancies, as well. 

You could also look for pregnancy tests that are recommended by veterinarians. While it’s best to get tested at the clinic, your family vet may have some at-home suggestions for you to try, especially if you breed dogs. 

The Different Types of Dog Pregnancy Test: Pros and Cons Compared

Because there aren’t a lot of options out there, you won’t find very many types. There are blood tests and ultrasounds. Blood tests are easier for the everyday person to use and get a result. But even those aren’t a great option for most people, since they require drawing intravenous blood. Unless you have experience drawing blood, these blood tests probably aren’t a good option for you or your dog.

Similarly, unless you have experience reading ultrasounds, you won’t be able to decipher the image that appears on the screen. Plus, ultrasound machines are also wildly more expensive than blood or serum tests. 

In short, despite the fact that sellers make these blood tests sound so simple, it will be less stressful for you and your dog if you simply take her to the vet. And, unless you’re a breeder who also has experience reading ultrasounds, taking your dog to the vet will be a less stressful and less expensive option than buying an ultrasound machine.

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• Best Calming Dog Beds — Help your pregnant — or new mother — dog destress by getting her a calming bed.