Tracking Foetal Movement in Pregnant Bitches: What Breeders Should Know
Tracking Foetal Movement in Pregnant Dogs
Learn when and how to feel puppy movement during dog pregnancy, what’s normal, and when breeders should contact a vet.
Monitoring a pregnant bitch closely is one of the most important parts of responsible breeding. As pregnancy progresses, feeling puppies move can be reassuring, but it can also raise questions when movement seems reduced or uneven. Understanding what’s normal, what’s not, and when to seek veterinary advice helps protect both the dam and her litter.
This guide explains foetal movement in dogs in clear, practical terms for everyday breeders.
When Can You Feel Puppies Move?
In most bitches, foetal movement becomes noticeable from around day 45 to 50 of pregnancy. This can vary depending on:
- Litter size (larger litters are often easier to feel)
- Breed and body size
- Muscle tone and body condition
- Whether this is a first litter or a repeat pregnancy
Toy and lean breeds may show movement earlier, while larger or overweight bitches may take longer.
Before this stage, puppies are simply too small to detect without ultrasoun
What Does Normal Foetal Movement Feel Like?
Normal movement often feels like:
- Gentle fluttering
- Soft rolling motions
- Subtle taps or nudges under the skin
Movement is usually easier to feel when the bitch is relaxed, lying on her side, and not immediately after eating. Puppies are not constantly active, so periods of quiet are normal.
It’s also common for movement to feel uneven across the abdomen, especially if puppies are positioned deeper in the uterus.
How to Safely Check for Movement
Always be gentle. Excessive pressure can stress the bitch or harm developing puppies.
Best practice tips:
- Wash and warm your hands first
- Check when the bitch is calm and resting
- Use flat fingers, not poking
- Observe rather than press firmly
- Limit checks to short periods
Never squeeze or repeatedly prod the abdomen. If you’re unsure, observation is safer than hands-on checking.
Reduced or Absent Movement: Should You Worry?
A temporary reduction in movement is not always an emergency. Puppies sleep frequently, especially late in pregnancy. However, you should contact your vet urgently if:
- No movement is felt after day 55
- Movement suddenly stops after being previously strong
- The bitch is lethargic, distressed, or unwell
- There is vaginal discharge, bleeding, or fever
Ultrasound or x-ray is the only reliable way to assess foetal viability. Hands-on checks alone are not diagnostic.
Foetal Movement vs Labour Signs
As whelping approaches, movement may feel stronger and more coordinated. However, reduced movement just before labour can also occur as puppies reposition.
Do not rely on movement alone to predict whelping. Combine it with other signs such as:
- Drop in rectal temperature
- Nesting behaviour
- Appetite changes
- Reverse progesterone testing
To ensure you are prepared for whelping, have essential items on hand well before the puppies are due. These products can be found in our Whelping Supplies, Heating & Critical Care, Whelping Kits, Calcium & Supplements, Neonate Nutrition and Syringe, Bottle & Tube Feeding Collections.
When Veterinary Care Is Essential
Always seek veterinary advice if something feels “off”. Trust your instincts. Prompt intervention can save both puppies and mother.
Your vet may recommend:
- Ultrasound checks
- X-ray near term
- Monitoring for uterine infection or foetal distress
Never delay veterinary care due to uncertainty.
Final Thoughts
Feeling puppies move is an exciting milestone in dog pregnancy, but it’s only one small piece of the picture. Gentle monitoring, good record keeping, and timely veterinary care are far more important than frequent hands-on checks. If movement seems reduced, absent, or abnormal, always err on the side of caution and contact your vet. A calm, informed approach gives your bitch the best chance of a safe pregnancy and healthy litter.