Can An Ultrasound Be Performed On A Bitch?

Your dog is pregnant. It wasn’t something you expected, but now you’re happy. You have started to take care of her in a special way, as she deserves. You are willing to do whatever it takes to make the process a success. As the months go by, you would love to know how many babies she has and if everything is okay. But can a female dog have an ultrasound?

What is an ultrasound?

Ultrasound is the diagnostic procedure that is carried out through ultrasound and is capable of creating two- or three-dimensional images. In this way you can see the inside of the body. It could be the muscles or, in this case, the unborn fetuses.

Ultrasound generates sound waves that go into the body, which produces an echo when received.

This procedure is simple and does not pose any danger to either the mother or the fetus. However, studies show that subjecting a fetus to too many ultrasounds could cause minor damage.

This diagnostic procedure is not used simply for fetuses and pregnancies, but can also be used for muscle tears or other types of conditions.

Ultrasound in canine pregnancy

If you are looking for your dog to be pregnant but you are still not sure if it is, an ultrasound will clear up your doubts. Remember that this should always be done by an accredited professional.

The first ultrasound could be done about 20 days after riding, so you will know if everything has been a success. If you wait a few more days, you will have more confidence that the result is successful. For greater visibility, it is recommended that the bitch go with a full bladder. Therefore, calculate when your pet pees and make an appointment a little before that time.

The second ultrasound should be done about 50-60 days later. Then you will be able to know how many puppies are coming and in what position they are. In addition, it will be possible to see if everyone remains healthy.

However, this test is not 100% safe. There are professionals who can recommend radiology when the pregnancy is about to end.  This test could be somewhat harmful, so it will only be done if a professional recommends it to ensure the safety of the delivery.

The price of a canine ultrasound ranges between 40 and 60 euros, so it is something affordable for any pocket if you want to know how everything is going in your dog’s pregnancy.

How to know if my dog ​​is pregnant

As we said before, an ultrasound can be done about 20 days after riding to find out if it has had the expected result, namely a pregnancy. However, if you cannot do it due to lack of economy, there are symptoms to take into account that will let you know that your dog is in good condition and that you are going to be a grandfather!

• Apetito. When the female is pregnant, her appetite decreases, eating little and in small quantities. The vet will give you a final answer.
• Swollen breasts If you notice body changes in your dog such as swollen breasts, this could be the most guaranteed sign that she is pregnant.
• Change of attitude. If your dog was very lively, playful and mischievous, and now you see that she is dull and without strength, it may be very likely that she is pregnant.
• Belly size. This is a sign without contrast, if the belly gradually swells, something is growing inside.
• If your dog makes a “nest”. When a dog becomes pregnant, she is looking for a perfect place to have her babies early on. Therefore, it is possible that you scratch some parts of the floor, blankets or even your bed in order to make them soft and comfortable for your puppies.

Either by observing your dog or with an ultrasound, you will be able to know when she is pregnant and how everything is going. Remember that a pregnant dog requires special care that you cannot ignore.