Golden Retriever's Gentle Concern for Pregnant Mom Has Everyone Tearing Up

It's hard to be pregnant. Ask any woman.

But when you've got a sweet Golden Retriever devoted to her pregnant mom, it really helps.

We see that in this emotional moment captured between a dog and her pregnant mom, who stops and checks on her every time Mom runs out of breath on their walk (which in the third trimester happens quite regularly).

It's a heartwarming moment!

@gamjamypotato

Is she checking in on me? #dogs#pregnancy

original sound - Rubina

Both Golden Retrievers are protective (I especially like it when they sit in line so Mom can take a break), but the first, slightly darker dog likes to jump and give his mom a little support hug as if to say, "Are you OK, Mom? I'm here for you."

It couldn't make for a sweeter Golden Retriever moment!

You can also see what a gentle Golden Retriever she is.

Related: Golden Retriever's Mid-Walk Meltdown in Central Park Is So Relatable

Can Dogs Sense Pregnancy?

A big question many expecting parents of human babies and dog parents want to know is, does their dog know they are pregnant?

They may notice a change in appearance and speed with a pregnant person, but they wouldn't know that this is because of pregnancy.

Clearly, this Golden Retriever knows that her mom isn't quite walking the same way she used to, which is how we came to see this heartwarming and emotional dog and mom moment.

She's a little slower and frequently runs out of breath, and the pup observes that behavior.

Dogs can sense hormonal shifts through scent, body language changes, and altered routines.

They can also sense shifts in emotional energy.

According to a 2025 study by Wilson et al., published in Anthrozoös, which used 130 subjects, a little over 65% of dog parents noticed behavioral changes in their dogs when they were pregnant.

It also found that over 25% (26.9%) of dog parents noted that their dogs' behavior changed before they were even aware of their own pregnancy.

This very protective Golden Retriever may not exactly understand that a human baby is on the way, but she knows her mom is a little vulnerable right now and needs some doggy support on their daily walks.

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This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 7:55 AM.