When it comes to canine pregnancy there are two different types of owners: the "hopeful" and the "concerned".

There is the owner that is keeping his fingers crossed in hope that his bitch is pregnant and that she will have very soon a litter of cute, healthy puppies.

Then, on the other hand, there is the owner that hopes the bitch did not get pregnant when she accidentally slipped out the door and came back two hours later.

Regardless of the owner's state of mind there are some specific signs that may help suggest or rule out a pregnancy.

First of all, knowing a little bit more about the heat cycle may help evaluate the odds.

The heat cycle is divided into phases which when combined, average about 21 days. The first phase is called Pro-estrus and you will be aware of this stage because it is when the vaginal bleeding and vaginal swelling occurs. This phase lasts about 7 to 10 days. If male dogs are around they will be interested in the bitch but she will be reluctant and refuse him to mount.

The second phase is the fertile phase called the estrus phase. This is when the the female is actually fertile. The bleeding has stopped and it is replaced by a yellowish vaginal discharge. This phase will last about 4-13 days. She will be more tolerant and will keep her tail to the side. She will allow the male to mount at this point. If you witness "a tie" where they are both stuck together for a while, then very likely puppies are on the way.

The third and final stage is the diestrus and is when the female again will be reluctant to mate, because she is no longer fertile. The male though may still try to mount.

The estrus phase therefore, is the crucial phase, it usually occurs between the 7th and 10th day after the bleeding has started. This is the time you will be looking for if you are the "hopeful breeder" or this is the time you hope she didn't go out if you are the "concerned owner".

However, there are really no reliable days to count on and this is why some professional breeders have their dog's hormones checked by a vet to ensure breeding on the most fertile day. Again, even this may not be sufficient therefore there is no way really to "grant" pregnancy, but by monitoring the phases you may be able to highten the chances.

This may give a little bit of relief to the "concerned owner".

Now to possible signs.

Early pregnancy signs may be hard to be detected especially by an inexperienced owner.

Some dogs may become slightly inappetent in the first weeks just as women get morning sickness. A slight decrease of activity may also be seen as the bitch goes through all the hormonal changes. Nipple growth as well is an early sign, the nipples will appear slightly larger.

However, to add complicating factors, there are also chances your bitch is exhibiting false pregnancy symptoms. Therefore, your vet is the best person to confirm or rule out a pregnancy.

Your vet may palpate your dog's abdomen as early as 28 days post breeding to feel possible embryos. However, an ultrasound may be a more accurate test, actually this test may even help determine how many puppies your bitch is expecting.

Relaxin (a special substance produced only during pregnancy) can also be detected as early as in the first 21-25 days through an endocrinological test. This may be available at your vet's office or you can find a kit online. However, the kit may be challenging to use unless you have a way to separate the plasma in order to be tested.

X-rays may detect puppies skeletons 45 days post breeding. Puppies heartbeats may as well be heard via stethoscope 25 days post-breeding.

As demonstrated there are various ways to detect pregnancy so concluding, if your dog ends up being pregnant to the "hopeful owner" Congratulations! You can start celebrating and counting down 63 days!

On the other hand, if you are the "concerned owner" just keep in mind that accidents do happen and get her spayed ASAP!