Veterinary Question (Vet Answered)
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Small Animal Veterinarian
Dr. Karyn is a small animal veterinarian originally from Australia, now based in the UK. She holds degrees in Veterinary Science (2010) and Zoology. When not helping pets, she tends to her 5 cats, 5 dogs, and garden!
The Question
Our boy has a bed at the end of our bed and has slept there for 4 years. Our other dog sleeps in a tiny cat bed beside the bed, alongside the wall (which is a tiny space just wide enough for the dog and cat bed). Recently, I changed sides of the bed because I'm pregnant, so lying on the close-to-wall side is easier, and now Mac also wants to sleep in the cat bed beside the wall. So much so, that he even stole the bed and growled at our other dog, which he never does! She has 2 cat beds, one in the other room and one in the bedroom, so we brought the second one in, and now they're both sleeping in tiny beds beside the wall and me. Where do I begin to figure out what's going on with Mac? It's so out of character, and I'm worried something might be wrong, but he's not really showing any other signs of issues.
Quick Info about Mac
Mac's profile picture📹 Vet's Video Reply (scroll down to see text answer)
Hi Nicole,
Firstly, a big congratulations on your impending new arrival!
Dogs are certainly creatures of habit, but also creatures with many strange habits, and just when you think you have them figured out, they go and change the rules on you.
Although we don't know exactly how dogs sense changes in our own bodies, but there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to support the idea that dogs can detect things like seizures, diabetes, cancer, and yes, even pregnancy. Any changes in our biochemistry will alter our pheromones, which are chemical signals secreted outside the body. Humans can subconsciously detect and respond to certain pheromones, but for dogs, they are like invisible road signs. So it is highly likely that Mac is aware of your 'delicate condition'. He may not be able to process it as clearly as "she's going to have a baby", but he knows there is something different, and there is a very good chance that he is instinctively feeling more protective or possessive of you.
Having said all this, it is also possible that Mac simply wants to sleep on the same side of the bedroom as you, and your pregnancy has nothing to do with this change in behavior, but I would be inclined to believe he knows something is going on.
Of course, any changes in behavior could be an indication of something going on healthwise, so it would be sensible to make sure Mac is otherwise fit, healthy, and pain free. If you would like to go into a little more detail about Mac's history and any other concerns, you can make an appointment for an online consultation with a vet at Pangovet.com, or make an appointment for a check-up with your regular vet.
It sounds like you've made the right adjustment by moving another bed in. I would avoid making too much of a fuss of Mac as this can signal to him that there's something to be concerned about, or inadvertently encourage his possessive behavior. If his behavior was to escalate, I would encourage you to keep both dogs out of the bedroom until your little one arrives to prevent any conflict or jealousy, but this would be unlikely.
Hopefully everything settles down soon, but if you're looking for some tips for keeping your canine household calm and under control, there are a few things you can try to help keep your dog calm, naturally.
Good luck with everything!
Dr Karyn