Ultrasound Scanning
Ultrasound scanning is a commonly used method to confirm pregnancy in dogs, as well as to monitor the health and progress of the pregnancy. It’s a non-invasive procedure and is considered safe for use on expectant dogs.
Ultrasound scanning allows a professional to visually confirm pregnancy from around 25-28 days after mating onwards. The dog’s abdomen is occasionally shaved for this procedure and a gel is applied to help with the transmission of the ultrasound waves.
Professionals may look for several signs of pregnancy, including the gestational sacs where puppies develop, heartbeats within these sacs, and the overall appearance and health of the reproductive organs.
In addition to confirming pregnancy, ultrasound scans can be used throughout the dog’s gestation period to monitor the puppies’ development and to check for any potential problems. However, it’s less reliable for determining the exact number of puppies compared to an x-ray, particularly in the latter stages of pregnancy.
It’s important to note that any form of scanning or medical procedure should be carried out only by a qualified professional, and if you think your dog may be pregnant, you should seek advice from a vet.
