The methods and the earliest day
Days are counted from breeding. Early in a pregnancy the result depends on the exact day she ovulated, so a negative test that is too early is not final.
| Method | From about day | What it shows | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abdominal palpation by a vet | 20 to 28 | Embryos may be felt | Only by a vet. Do not press the belly yourself. |
| Relaxin blood test | 27 to 30 | A hormone made during pregnancy | A blood sample, tested at the clinic or by a lab |
| Ultrasound | 28 to 30 | Pregnancy and fetal heartbeats | Also shows whether the puppies are alive |
| X-ray | About 55 | Skeletons, so the number of puppies | Used to count puppies before whelping |
Why human tests do not work
A human test detects hCG, a hormone made in human pregnancy that dogs do not make. The hormone used for dogs is relaxin, produced during pregnancy. A urine test from a pharmacy will not give a meaningful result on a dog.
Choosing a method
- To confirm early: a relaxin blood test or ultrasound from about four weeks after breeding.
- To check the puppies: ultrasound shows heartbeats and viability.
- To prepare for whelping: an X-ray late in pregnancy counts puppies, so you know when whelping is finished.
If it is negative but she looks pregnant
A dog can show nesting, milk and a swollen belly with no puppies, usually 6 to 8 weeks after her heat. See false pregnancy in dogs. Your vet can repeat the test or use ultrasound.
Work out the dates with the dog pregnancy calculator, and see the week-by-week timeline for the stage you are in.
Frequently asked questions
When can a vet confirm a dog is pregnant?
Ultrasound can show pregnancy from about day 28 to 30 after breeding, and a relaxin blood test from about day 27 to 30.
Can you use a human pregnancy test on a dog?
No. Human tests detect hCG, which dogs do not make. Dog tests detect relaxin.
When can an X-ray count the puppies?
From about day 55, when the skeletons show.