Pug Pregnancy

During the early stages of a Pug’s pregnancy, it can be hard to tell whether your Pug is actually pregnant or not. We spoke with many Pug breeders and below is a complete guide to help you determine if your Pug is pregnant or not.

We’ll also discuss signs of early gestation, the Pug pregnancy stages, how do Pugs give birth, and why Pug puppies are quite expensive. Continue reading to find out! 

Pug pregnancy symptoms and early signs

We understand how difficult it can be to determine whether your Pug is pregnant or not. Luckily, there are several early signs of a Pug pregnancy. Below is a list of pregnant Pug symptoms and early signs: 

• A pregnant Pug will not eat as much as before. At times, she may not want to eat her meals at all. 
• You’ll notice the stomach of the Pug is bigger than before. Each day that passes, the Pug’s stomach gets a little bigger. This usually happens around 2 weeks or 14 days after being inseminated. 
• The vet could feel movement in the Pug’s belly, sometimes as soon as 15 to 30 days. 
• You’ll notice a change in behavior. Instead of being energetic and playful, a pregnant pug starts to feel lethargic and tired. 
• A pregnant Pug’s chest will become more red and enlarged to prepare them for nursing.   

These symptoms and early signs are just a few we listed. To confirm that your Pug is actually pregnant, you’ll want to contact your vet or bring your Pug to the vet for a physical examination or checkup. 

Many veterinarians and Pug breeders will perform a series of tests and exams to fully confirm that your Pug is pregnant, including blood work, ultrasounds, and x-rays. Let’s discuss this more in-depth. 

How can I tell if my pug is pregnant?

If you’re wondering, “is my Pug pregnant?” there are several ways to check and confirm whether your Pug is actually pregnant. Here, we will explain two main methods that will provide you with full proof that your Pug is pregnant. 

1. Pug ultrasound 25 days after conception

If you suspect your Pug is pregnant, call your vet and bring your Pug to the vet. At the vet, a Pug ultrasound will be performed. Usually, the ultrasound can be done as early as 3 weeks or 21 days after partnering. However, since this is a bit too early, there’s no guarantee that this scan will be fully accurate. 

Hence, it’s best to wait until at least 25 days after partnering to get a Pug ultrasound done for the most accurate result. 

There are pros and cons to using the ultrasound method. While it should be painless, it can also be uncomfortable for the pregnant Pug. Some Pugs may tense up and feel vulnerable with the vet touching their belly. 

Additionally, the Pug’s belly hair needs to be shaved off for the ultrasound scan to get clear results. All of this can stress out your precious Pug.   

Pug ultrasound can also be costly to owners on a budget. An ultrasound pregnancy test can cost anywhere between $300 and $500. 

Since this isn’t a cheap option, many owners or breeders will opt to just wait and look for more obvious signs of Pug pregnancy like a bigger stomach or body.

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2. Blood test at 35 days (5 weeks) after conception

Another way to fully confirm that your Pug is pregnant is by having a blood test. You’ll want to wait at least 35 days or 5 weeks after partnering to get the blood test done. The blood test is vital to confirm whether your Pug is pregnant or not because it can help to detect pregnancy hormones in Pugs. 

There are also pros and cons to getting a blood test. The pro is that it’s not as costly as the ultrasound scan. The con is that if the blood test is done too early on, it may not always be accurate. 

Take a Pug that is less than 5 weeks or 35 days pregnant as an example. If blood work is done, it may show a negative result even though your Pug is in fact pregnant, albeit at the early stages.

What is the most reliable Pug pregnancy test?

While the Pug ultrasound is more expensive than the blood test, it is definitely the most accurate way to confirm that your Pug is indeed pregnant. Keep in mind that it is best to wait 25 days post-partnering to get the ultrasound done or else the ultrasound scan might be a complete waste of money as it may give you an incorrect result. 

Many owners and breeders prefer the Pug ultrasound scan because they can actually see the puppies in the tummy from the scan images which gives 100% confirmation that their Pug is pregnant. 

The ultrasound scan images can also show you how many puppies your Pug is expecting. It’s important to note that the number of puppies in the womb can be a bit hard to tell because there may be puppies overlapping each other due to their size.  

By the 45th day of your Pug’s pregnancy, your vet may suggest getting an X-ray which allows the vet to count the number of skulls in the Pug’s womb. By this time, you’ll know exactly how many puppies are in this litter.

How long are Pugs pregnant?

Now that you know your Pug is pregnant, you’re probably excited and wondering, how long are Pug dogs pregnant. To answer this question, let’s take a look at the Pug pregnancy stages. Here’s what you can expect at each stage.

Pug pregnancy stages

Month 1

During the first month of your precious Pug’s pregnancy, you may not even notice that your Pug is pregnant at all. That’s because nothing really drastic is happening during the first month.

If your Pug isn’t visiting the vet during this time and without the aid of the vet or the ultrasound, you may not notice any physical changes in your Pug at all. 

So here’s what happens during the first month of the Pug pregnancy: 

• Day 7 of the pregnancy: The embryos of the Pug puppy will get into their mother’s uterine horns. 
• Day 14 to 16 of the pregnancy: The puppy embryos of the Pug will now attach themselves to the lining of their mother’s uterus.    
• Day 22 of the pregnancy: By this day, the Pug’s fetuses will begin to form.
• Day 29 of the pregnancy: Your pregnant Pug’s vet will be able to detect the fetuses’ heartbeats using an ultrasound scan.  

By the third week of the pregnancy, your pregnant Pug will start to show signs of pregnancy we mentioned before such as not eating as much, skipping meals here and there, stomach getting bigger, and feeling more tired and lethargic than before. 

In addition to these early signs, you can also expect the following in your pregnant Pug: 

• Your Pug may have canine morning sickness.  
• Instead of eating less and losing appetite that occurs earlier in the pregnancy, your Pug is now gaining back her appetite and may in fact eat more than normal. 
• Your Pug may not want to walk, play, or exercise as much as before. 
• Your Pug’s stomach are now larger than before. 
• Seeking comfort and care during the pregnancy, your Pug may want you to pet her more and cuddle with her more.  
• During the 4th week, you may notice a clear discharge from your pregnant Pug. 

Again, some pregnant Pugs may experience one of these symptoms while others may experience all of these symptoms. No two pregnant Pugs are alike so the pregnancy symptoms will vary. 

Since this is just the early stages, it can be hard to tell. 

Month 2

Things get more exciting and interesting during the second month. This is when the signs of Pug pregnancy really start to speed up. 

For instance, between the 32nd day to the 35th day, the fetuses will start to have toes and eyelids. The pregnant Pug is in for a ride because the fetuses are developing very quickly during month 2. 

Here’s what is happening inside your pregnant Pug’s stomach during day 40 and day 45. 

• Day 40: Pug’s fetuses will have grown claws. 
• Day 45: You can expect the Pug’s fetuses to have skeletal form and coat. 

On the 50th day, we highly recommend that you bring your pregnant Pug to the vet for an X-ray. This X-ray will inform you of how many puppies your pregnant Pug is expecting. This information is crucial because it helps you as the owner or breeder to prepare and plan according to the litter size. 

Here’s what may happen on day 58: 

• Day 58: You may notice your pregnant Pup showing nesting behavior. This is normal behavior that pregnant dogs naturally exhibit because they are trying to look for a comfortable and safe spot to give birth to their puppies. 

We recommend that owners and breeders add comfortable and soft cushions and bedding for their pregnant Pug. This will help the Pug feel more safe and secure during her pregnancy and leading into labor. 

By month 2, your pregnant Pug’s belly is rounder and bigger. 

At this stage, here are some signs of Pug pregnancy you can expect: 

• Eating more than her usual amount.
• Around the 45th day, your pregnant Pug will lose her appetite for food again and eat less than usual.
• A significant weight gain due to pregnancy.
• Urinating more often than usual.
• Between 45th day and 50th day, your pregnant Pug’s belly becomes more firm. 
• By the 50th day, there may be movement in your Pug’s belly. 

Month 3

The third month is both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially for first-time owners and owners that did not expect their Pugs to become pregnant. 

At this point, you know your Pug is definitely pregnant. During month 3, the Pug will be giving birth to her puppies. At this point (58th day), the puppies are almost fully formed and they will begin to move into position inside the pregnant Pug’s belly to prepare for arrival. 

During the last few days of the Pug’s pregnancy, the puppies will move into the birth canal. 

Here are some signs to look for during month 3: 

• As the puppies inside the pregnant Pug move into position, her waist will get slimmer than before. 
• As the pregnant Pug prepares for pregnancy during days 61 and 62, she may not want to eat as much as before. 
• 1 to 2 days before the birth, you can expect the pregnant Pug’s temperature to drop a little. 
• Instead of lethargy, your Pug will start to circle around, become restless, and may even get agitated.
• You’ll notice your pregnant Pug shivering, panting, pacing, and digging as she prepares for labor and delivery.

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Pug pregnancy information and tips

Being aware of what to expect during your Pug’s pregnancy is crucial to making sure your pregnant Pug is feeling comfortable, safe, and healthy. We will share a bit more tips so that you are prepared and know what to do while your Pug is pregnant.

How long do Pugs stay pregnant?

Pugs will stay pregnant for about 58 to 68 days. You can expect a Pug to be pregnant for an average length of about 63 days and this is from the date of her conception to the date of delivery.  

Owners and breeders can expect both behavioral changes as well as physical changes. 

For instance, in the last 14 days of your Pug’s pregnancy, you will notice the following: 

• Your pregnant Pug will ask for more cuddles and want to be with you more often. 
• Pregnant Pugs does not want to see or socialize with other pets or dogs in the house.
• It may seem that your pregnant Pug is lethargic, but she may in fact be calmer than usual and less tense than before.
• Try to keep her space nice, tidy, and comfortable. Your pregnant Pug may look like she’s uncomfortable at times. 
• Expect your pregnant Pug to sleep more often and in different places around the house.

How to prepare for a Pug pregnancy

Preparation is key when your Pug is expecting. Owners and breeders alike can help their pregnant Pug feel more comfortable during her pregnancy and birth by doing the following: 

•  After the first month of pregnancy, you’ll want to add some puppy kibble into her diet. Puppy kibble is great because they are nutritious that would be helpful to the developing puppies inside her. 
• Expect your pregnant Pug to feel lethargic and tired and may not want to walk or exercise as much. This is natural so owners and breeders should not over-exert their pregnant Pug.  
• Your pregnant Pug may also have a difficult time breathing and may pant heavily so avoid over-exerting your precious pregnant Pug. 
• On month 3, start preparing and make her crate comfortable and secure. This way your Pug feels more comfortable, secure, and safe and knows that the place she’ll give birth will be safe for her puppies as well.

Pug pregnancy and birth: How do Pugs give birth?

Since Pugs are naturally small dogs, it’s pretty rare for them to give natural birth and one of the most common ways for a Pug to give birth is via a C-section. Let’s take a look at both. 

1. C-section

If you’re wondering, “Do pugs need C sections?” the answer is yes in most cases. That’s because the puppies’ skull is larger than the width of the pregnant Pug’s birth canal and this can lead to risks and complications which we will discuss next. 

If you’re concerned or worried, don’t be. Your vet will help you determine whether C-section is the best option. He or she will use an X-ray to look for the number of puppies the pregnant Pug is expecting and find out how large the puppies’ skulls are.  

C-sections can be costly for those owners on a budget. It can cost anywhere between $640 and $1,300. Before the C-Section, the vet will administer the anesthetic first. 

This costly birthing method is one of the reasons why Pug puppies are so expensive.

2. Natural birth

So, can Pugs give birth naturally? Yes, if after consulting with your vet, both you and your vet agree that the natural birth is fine.   

If natural birth is the route to go, then you’ll want to continue to monitor your pregnant Pug closely and find out when she is ready to give birth. 

By this time, her nest should be ready for her to give birth in. You’ll want to make it comfortable by adding towels as padding or cushion. You can expect your Pug to head over to her nest several times a day and adjusting the towels you’ve added in there. 

She will then lie down and pant heavily as if she was just running. This is normal. She is breathing heavily and her heart rate starts to increase. Labor can be strenuous and long. Sometimes the first puppy may not appear until 12 hours into labor. 

Once she has delivered her puppy (one at a time), the mommy Pug will immediately nibble at the sack and lick the gooey sack away from her puppy. This is important because it allows the newborn puppy to breathe. 

While mommy dogs will naturally do this, it doesn’t hurt for the owners to stay close by and help if necessary. 

Some mommy Pug may start to eat away at the umbilical cords and sack. This may seem alarming but it isn’t to our dog because they contain nutritional elements that can help the dog. 

When the puppy is free from its sack and is breathing, you can place him or her on the mother Pug’s chest to start nursing.

Final thoughts

If you suspect your Pug is pregnant, try your best to figure out when your Pug first became pregnant. This way, you can prepare and feed her accordingly. 

Giving birth is usually the main concern and most vets and breeders I’ve talked to recommend having a C-section instead of the natural birth since Pugs are small dogs. 

If you have a pregnant Pup, I hope this article was helpful and I wish you both all the very best!

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Resources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pug

https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Whelping-Box