"My dog knew I was pregnant before I did!" - scientists have confirmed the phenomenon

Many expectant parents are convinced: their pets' behaviour does change, from increased affection to wary guarding. A new study reported by The Conversation is the first scientific attempt to systematically study this phenomenon.

Researchers interviewed 130 people who lived with a dog during pregnancy and asked them to describe their pets' behaviour "before" and "during" pregnancy. The researchers identified five categories of behaviour:

• increasing attention to the owner

• guarding towards familiar people

• guarding towards strangers

• anxiety towards the owner

• anxiety towards other dogs

The results were very revealing:

• 64.5% of respondents said the dog's behaviour changed during pregnancy;

• 26.9% said that the pet started to behave differently even before they knew they were pregnant;

• Attention and demand for contact increased most frequently, with 67.1% of participants reporting this;

• There was also an increase in guarding behaviour towards both familiar and unfamiliar people;

• And dogs that had previously shown anxiety towards other animals were less likely to change their behaviour.

Dogs have been around humans for tens of thousands of years - and in that time they have learned to subtly detect our emotions, behaviour and even physiological changes.
During pregnancy, a person's behaviour changes:

• odour

• daily routine

• emotional background

• activity level and attention to the dog

All of these factors are read instantly and the pet reacts in its own way - most often with increased attention, guarding behaviour or anxiety.

Although the data is based on owners' subjective feelings, the researchers emphasise that this is the first step towards a scientific explanation of the phenomenon. Understanding the behaviour pattern will help

• parents-to-be better prepare the dog for the arrival of the baby
• reduce pet stress
• strengthen family harmony

Experts advise that during pregnancy:

• maintain a regular walking routine (with the help of loved ones if possible)

• create a calm and safe haven for the dog

• encourage relaxed behaviour and do not increase anxiety

Conclusion: dogs do react sensitively to pregnancy, often even before they know they are pregnant.