A heartwarming TikTok video has captured the internet’s attention, showing a devoted dog sticking closely to a pregnant woman throughout her pregnancy.
The viral clips, shared by 23-year-old Anna Wren Oakes (@aawwwwwooooooo), show her partner’s dog rarely leaving her side. In one moment, the pup sits gently between her legs, resting his back against her baby bump. In another, he affectionately licks her stomach before sitting opposite her, tail wagging. He is even seen positioning himself in the hallway, as if standing guard while she uses the bathroom.
Text overlaid on the video reads that the dog has been “helping me all day long” while his owner is at work. The clips have already surpassed 1 million views and gathered hundreds of thousands of likes.
How dogs may detect pregnancy
Dogs have extraordinary senses of smell. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), dogs possess tens of thousands more scent receptors than humans and dedicate a significant portion of their brains to processing smells.
During pregnancy, hormone levels shift, subtly altering a person’s natural scent. Experts believe dogs can detect these chemical changes early on. Dogs are already known to identify medical conditions such as insulin fluctuations and certain illnesses through scent detection.
While there is no scientific evidence proving that dogs understand pregnancy as a concept, their heightened sensory abilities allow them to recognise that something is different.
Why some dogs become more affectionate
Dogs are highly attuned to changes in routine, behaviour and emotional state. Pregnancy can bring subtle shifts in mood, movement and daily habits, all of which a dog may notice.
Some dogs respond by becoming more protective or clingy, while others may act indifferent. In many cases, increased affection likely results from a combination of scent changes and emotional sensitivity.
Whether fully aware of what pregnancy means or simply reacting to change, many dogs appear eager to comfort and protect. As this viral pup demonstrates, devotion often comes naturally — sometimes in the form of a quiet guard in the hallway or a gentle nuzzle against a growing bump.