Dogs reacting badly to pregnancy....

[derbymom]

I have 2 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels - both 6 year old males. I am 18 weeks pregnant and for the past few months they/one of them have been messing and weeing in the house when left on their own. They did the same when I was pregnant last time but are much worse this time. Lenght of time left makes no difference and the mess and I'm sure they are trying to punish me. It is happening about 3 times a week and I am at the end of my tether.

Has anybody had any similar experience or helpful advice. This is really getting me down.

I don't think they're trying to punish you, but it sounds like they are very strssed out and anxious about it all. Male dogs in particular are supposed to be very aware of changes to your hormones and smell when pg.

There is a thread below about dogs (including my own ) reacting badly to their owners being pregnant.

How did it resolve itself last time?

this thread

Male dogs react amazingly to pregnant women.
My PIL's dog jumps up at everyone apart from me and when I sit down he sits next to me and shuffles his bum under my legs so i have a leg rest I'm on my 3rd pregnancy and he has done it everytime. Quite sweet for a donkey sized Rottweiler lol.
My dog also sits with me alot more. Not as affctionate as my PIL's dog but he does change.

Have you tried to spend a bit more time with them, extra cuddles etc?

One of mine wouldn't let MIL come anywhere near me when I was pg. He'd sit next to me and start doing a low growl when she walked in the room, then bare his teeth if she came close. Rather unfortunate as we were staying in her house at the time.

She didn't think so . She is a very doggy person too.

Thanks for the messages. I have been trying to be more affectionate with them when they are good so that they realise that being good brings more rewards than not. They reacted very badly when we bought 1st dd home from the hospital...very jealous and I suppose they are worried about how this next one will affect them.

Oh well...only another 5 months to go

Derbymom - I was thinking about this again earlier. Do you know if it is one or both that is doing this in the house? It might be worth getting them checked out by a vet just to rule out any physical cause. I know the timing is coincidental, but...

My MIL has a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (about 8 years old) and he is forever doing his business in the house. He is vastly overweight and has health problems that probably cause it. I don't know if the breed as a whole might be prone to this sort of thing? (springers are more my area of expertise)

If you were thinking about getting help from a behaviourist they'd want the dog or dogs to see a vet first too.

That's a good point. I don't know whether it is just one or both of them as it is always done overnight or when we are out and they are left alone.

coincidentally since giving them a lot more fuss and attention they have not done it (touch wood). I think perhaps they had been a little neglected since Christmas due to tiredness and sickness of early pregnancy. However I think I will make an appointment at the vets just to be sure as they are getting on a little bit in doggie terms.

thanks for the help.