[d_ogg86]

I have a mini daschund that recently went into her heat cycle as expected. We kept her inside after we figured out that she was in fact in cycle, but I see that they can get pregnant before they start to bleed. She has gained some weight and sleeps all the time. Is there anyway that I can tell whether she's pregnant without making a trip to the vet? Of course there is another problem that goes along with it. The only dog that we can think of that would have gotten her pregnant is a golden retriever / german shepard mix. I would hope that it is not possible for this to have taken place, but if indeed it did happen, will she be able to carry the puppy(ies) without causing harm or even death to herself? Is there anyone out there who can help me?

[labman]

An experienced non vet can feel if there are puppies. However, owning a dog carries with it the responsibility to give it care. That includes getting them spay/neutered or making great efforts to prevent accidental breedings. It also includes adequate medical care. Get her to a vet next week. Even if the larger dog didn't manage to impregnate her, it could have injured her. If she is pregnant, very likely she will not survive a delivery. A Cesarean section will cost more than having her spayed would have. You, along with the owner of the unnuetered Golden/Shepherd have made some very poor decisions. Such irresponsibility leads to no end of misery. Are you aware that we slaughter millions of dogs every year for lack of homes? Quite often it is in less than humane ways ending what has been a short, miserable life.