Can Pets Sense Pregnancy and Birth?

Many expectant parents notice that their pets behave differently once pregnancy begins. Science tells us it’s more than imagination. Both dogs and cats have far sharper senses of smell than humans, and they can pick up subtle changes in body chemistry long before we’re aware of them.

During pregnancy, a woman’s hormones shift dramatically; estrogen, progesterone, and later oxytocin surge. These changes influence sweat, skin, and even the air we breathe out. Research on dogs shows they can detect minute changes in hormones and volatile compounds at levels as low as parts per trillion. While there are no large-scale studies on pets predicting labor, anecdotal reports are compelling.

One of my clients shared that her dog started acting “strange” and protective during the very first week she discovered she was pregnant; almost as if the dog knew before she did. Many other dog owners report similar experiences. Cats, though less studied, also rely on a strong sense of smell and their vomeronasal organ (sensitive to pheromones). Some pregnant women notice their cats becoming extra affectionate or refusing to leave their side as due dates draw near.

Although science hasn’t caught up with all of these stories, it’s clear our pets are often tuned into us in ways we don’t fully understand. Whether it’s hormones, pheromones, or subtle shifts in routine, dogs and cats seem able to sense the profound transition of pregnancy and the approach of birth.