In the first weeks, there are signs of dog pregnancy, however, it’s hard to tell if your dog is actually pregnant or not as early signs of pregnancy can also mean that the dog is sick.

Diagnostic testing isn’t the only way to determine whether there is a pregnant dog or not, although it is the most accurate.

Maybe the first signs of pregnancy could be weight gain or the discoloration and size of the nipples. During the 3rd or 4th week morning sickness affects some pregnant dogs as well, but only for a few days.

Some dogs eat less than usual, seem tired, or throw up a little.

Further signs of dog pregnancy can include:

an increase in appetite,
swollen belly,
nesting behavior,
being more affectionate,
and irritability.

These are all effects of hormonal change in the first few weeks and according to Dr. Klein:

„Some dogs will exhibit these signs, but may actually be experiencing false pregnancy”.

However, as I mentioned before there are other conditions that can cause changes in appetite, weight gain, morning sickness, and a swollen belly, so to rule out a more serious condition, take your canine to the veterinarian for a check-up.

However, there are four main ways that can definitely tell you if your dog is pregnant:

The best way of determining pregnancy in dogs during the early days of the gestation period is to take your pet for an ultrasound. The best part about this method is that they can also tell the number of new puppies that the dog is carrying in her belly until the delivery date.
Another way to determine whether your dog is pregnant is through hormone tests. The veterinarian will most likely conduct a blood test to check for relaxin levels. Relaxin is a hormone that can only be produced during pregnancy as it is excreted by the dog’s placental tissue.
The third way is an x-ray, but they are more effective in the later stages of the gestation period as the fetal spine and skull only become visible from the 42nd to 45th day of pregnancy.
The fourth way is palpation which is often the most convenient and affordable way of determining pregnancy in dogs. It, however, only works if you know the exact time when your dog was bred, as it has very strict frames. Palpation is done between the 21st and 35th day of the gestation period, and the vet conducts a physical examination to check for grape size or tennis-like sacs on the canine’s abdomen.

Ultrasound image of a pregnant dog's uterus

How long does dog pregnancy take?

It depends on surprisingly many circumstances, how long a dog is pregnant and several factors can determine it, but the average amount of time is 63 days.

Our dog will be pregnant anywhere from 58 to 68 days but the dog pregnancy calculator helps you keep track of the pregnancy and will calculate the expected dates so you when the new pets arrive.

On the internet, you can find several dog pregnancy calculators from which you can choose.

However, in order to answer this question, you need to understand the dog reproductive cycle.

Intact female dogs go into heat approximately every six months, although this can vary depending on the dog and the breed type.

The heat cycle lasts 18 to 21 days and is broken into four distinct stages. Breeders use these stages to determine the best time to breed their dogs.

The four stages of the female dog’s reproductive cycle:

proestrus,
estrus,
diestrus,
and anestrus.

Proestrus lasts for about 9 days and is the first stage of the reproductive cycle. This is when a female dog starts to attract males, although they will reject their advances until stage 2.

The signs of proestrus are swelling of the vulva and bloody discharge.

Estrus lasts anywhere from 3 to 4 days to 7 to 11 days. This is when the bitch is receptive to the male. Many breeders have a veterinarian take vaginal smears and blood tests during proestrus and estrus to make sure they breed their canines at the optional time.

The signs of proestrus are a soft and enlarged vulva and the discharge decreases and lighten in color.

Diestrus is the final stage of the cycle. It typically occurs around day 14. During diestrus, the female dog’s discharge becomes redder and tapers off, the vulva returns to normal, and she no longer permits mating.

The heat is complete when all signs of swelling and discharge are gone.

The time frame between one heat cycle and the next is called anestrus and usually lasts around six months.

Pregnant dog lying and sleeping

Dog breeding

Dog breeding is a purposeful bringing together of a stud and a bitch during the fertile portion of her heat cycle so the animals can mate and produce a litter.

If you think about dog breeding, you should do thorough research on it. Any breeding should be given ample consideration before deciding to proceed.

As breeding relies on the science of genetics there are many circumstances, and factors, which should be studied understood, and considered.

For example, the notion of the heat cycle, which is the active period of a female's reproductive cycle, is characterized by a bloody discharge and active willingness to mate.

During this period the female's body is preparing for breeding and the possibility of producing a litter, the release of the eggs for fertilization.

Understanding a female's heat cycle is very important and helps you to prepare for breeding or prevent unwanted litter.

Proper nutrition is indispensable for all pregnant dogs, for providing the dam her best ability to deliver her puppies for a successful pregnancy and birth-giving.

But in the case of breeding optimal nutrition of the dam has to be taken care of with outstanding attention, because it can influence and determine several factors.

It can among others even facilitate the optimization of the number of new puppies per litter as well.

Dog pregnancy calculator

Dog Pregnancy Calendar

Week 1: The mating and fertilization

With the help of the dog pregnancy calendar make a note of the dates that you witness the dog mating.

It’s really important because this is the only information you need to use our dog pregnancy calculator.

After mating with a male dog, multiple eggs become fertilized high up in the uterus.

The eggs gradually migrate down to the uterine horns.

After the day of mating, it takes approximately 48 to 72 hours for fertilization to take place in the oviducts.

In this stage your canine will experience a series of hormonal changes as signs of pregnancy, however, since this is the earliest phase of your dog’s pregnancy, you won’t notice any physical changes.

Also, your dog should not show any unusual behavior unless something is wrong.

You should discontinue any medications until the delivery date and the breastfeeding period at this point without the veterinarian’s approval.

During this phase, you should interact, play and give your dog food as you normally do, there shouldn’t be any weight gain or morning sickness.

Week 2: No big changes

This phase of your pregnant dog’s grooming can go on as usual. Her embryos should be well protected in the uterus and tender grooming should not trigger any problems.

Still, this week, your dog should not experience weight gain or morning sickness, the goal is to maintain it.

Weight gain in the early stages of dog pregnancy is not advised for good health. Your dog's energy levels should be the same as the embryos don’t grow greatly yet.

Week 3: First signs

During this stage of the gestation period, the puppies are protected by the membrane that provides them with nutrients.

It’s time to see the first physical changes and some unambiguous signs of pregnancy. In general, the nipples of the pregnant dog are getting darker and growing larger.

Also, if our dog is pregnant the fur will appear thinner and thinner around the nipples.

Of course, these changes will stay after the moment of giving birth until the puppies are suckling. These changes determine pregnant dogs of every breed, and size in this period.

Congratulation the blastocysts have just graduated to embryo status.

In the third week of gestation, several pregnant dogs suffer morning sickness but only for a few days.

Hard-working activities, such as running for a long period of time, jumping, or sprinting, should be cut back.

Week 4: Somewhere halfway

We have got to the halfway milestone, and we are now about another month away from the due date, with one more month to go!

Around this time a veterinarian can give an estimate of how many puppies will be born. These pups are approximately the size of golf balls, which can be seen in the ultrasound.

Due to the reduced appetite of the pregnant dog, it could be recommended to feed our dog several small portions of dog food during the day if possible, not always the same kind of dog food but for something else beyond that as well e.g.: leftovers of baked or cooked meat or some bread.

Week 5: Formation of the fetus

In this stage of the gestation period, the puppies have ended the embryogenesis stage of your pregnant dog and the organs are beginning to form.

The embryo is now referred to as the fetus. During this stage, your dog will start to put on a lot of weight until the delivery date.

Development of the puppies week by week in the womb:

Week 6: Increased focus on nutrition

On the 6th week, when we are about 2-3 weeks apart from the due date you are able to feel the pups moving around yet.

During this stage, the new puppies will develop more distinct organs and tissues, even claws. The dam may lose her appetite entirely.

We must do everything we can to feed her until she gives birth, even a small portion of something extra to the meal may help, for example, yogurt, cottage cheese, cooked meats, or anything she likes beyond the dog food.

Even if there are dog foods existing specifically for pregnant dogs, diversity is important for proper nutrition and in this period of the pregnancy, when the dam’s appetite is unpredictable, they may be more likely to eat something unusual.

Week 7: Food and care

Food, food, food. The optimal nutrition of pregnant dogs is increasingly important from the moment of mating to the minutes of giving birth and during the breastfeeding period as well.

But in the last weeks of the gestation period and the first weeks of nursing, when the due date is just around the corner pregnant dogs may eat up to three-four times what they would normally eat.

Always keep some dog food in their bowl just in case.

On day 45 of the canine pregnancy period, the fetus will start growing hair and its skeleton will start to solidify.

Parasites can be a concern and affect birthing. Moreover, slowly you can start setting up a whelping box to prepare a safe place for your pregnant dog.

Week 8: Preparing for the arrival

At this stage, the skeletons of the puppies would have solidified and the mother’s teats will start swelling with milk.

To make the birthing process easier for your dog and make sure she is comfortable, it is recommended that you trim the hair around her nipples and vulva.

Last Week: Delivery time

During the last week before the due date, the pregnant dogs need more and more time in their den area or nesting site.

Try to disturb the dam as little as you can, she needs her rest. Bring her water and food and make sure that the area around her is clean.

If you gently squeeze the nipples, they will produce milky fluid. This is the most important nutrient the puppies get.

Golden Retriever's last pregnant week:

The dog’s temperature could be a good sign of the beginning of the calving.

The average temperature of a dog is about 38,5-39,0°C. This will drop to 37°C 12-24 hours prior to whelping.

So it’s time to begin monitoring the dog’s body temperature twice a day.

At this last stage of the gestation period, the new puppies may arrive any day of this week as the dog labor period may vary.

When the dog gives birth it could last a couple of minutes or even several hours.

After the first new puppy is delivered, the mother will probably rip open the fetal sack herself. If she doesn’t, you can do it yourself.

However, do not try pulling the pups off during the delivery period because this can cause damage to the mother or the small dogs as well.

The gestation process of a Rottweiler:

See your vet frequently

If you think your dog is pregnant, take it to the vet immediately, and they will be able to answer all the questions, which you may have in mind e.g., about what dog food should you give her and what changes can be expected.

It is highly recommended to take the possibly pregnant dog to a prenatal check-up 2 or 3 weeks after she has mated.

Your vet may give the dog a blood test, to check on the hormone changes during the gestation period, especially relaxin hormones, which increase the most.

During your visit, your vet can use ultrasound as well, so from the third week, you can see the growing puppies inside the womb.

Veterinarian performs an ultrasound scan

Just as in the case of humans it uses sound waves to create an image of the womb and is totally safe for the pregnant dog.

Between the 28th and 35th days of pregnancy when the puppies are the size of a walnut or a gulf ball vets can feel them in the womb, with their hands, and confirm their presence.

The procedure has to be done very carefully because if they touch the womb of the pregnant dog too roughly the puppies can get harmed or miscarriage can be caused.

They will probably be spaced out evenly along with the uterus, which is shaped kind of like the letter V. Each half, called a horn, will have embryos in it.

Preparation for the labor

The dam will look for warm, safe places until the delivery date. If you would like to create the most comfortable atmosphere possible for your dog to give birth in, you should start it with the set-up of a whelping box.

It is a safe, warm, comfortable, and easily cleanable location for your dog to have her new puppies.

The whelping box should be quiet, a secluded room that’s kept at around 22 degrees to keep the body temperature fine. It should be lined with clean, washable, absorbent bedding.

Moreover, it should be big enough for your dog to stretch out and turn around in, high enough to stop the newborn small dogs from escaping, but low enough for your dog to step over.

To give mum privacy, it should ideally be relatively far from other dogs. Once it’s done, you should introduce it to the dam, so that she can get accustomed to it.

If you would like to be present during the breeding, you will need to be prepared to step in when necessary during the whelping process.

Always consult your veterinarian and do careful research if you decide to do so.

Useful tips from the makers of the dog due date calculator. Necessary whelping supplies, you should have by hand during labor:

Something to cover the whelping box for easy cleaning afterward e.g.: newspapers
Clean towels, a bottle of warm water to clean up, and keep warm puppies
Clean scissors to cut the umbilical cords and Unwaxed dental floss to tie them off
Iodine for the puppies ‘and the mother’s stomach after the cord is cut to sterilize it.

The Whelping

Dogs don’t require help with giving birth, your task is to create the most comfortable environment for the pregnant female dog and intervene only if necessary.

Labour normally lasts 3-12 hours, and we can divide it into three stages.

One of the first signs of impending labor is a drop in mum’s body temperature from 38.5°C to 37°C – labor usually begins around 12-24 hours after that.

Stage one: In this period, you may be able to sense anything from the process besides you may see the mum shivering or panting. During this period the cervix and uterus prepare for delivery with smaller contractions eg.: the swelling of the vulva begins.
Stage two: This is the part when the pups come out. There are some signs referring that the labor will begin soon. Firstly about 2-4 hours before it starts the dam may have discharge that may suggest that a placenta has separated. When she gets ready to deliver her puppies her temperature will get back to normal and when the puppies are 20-30 minutes away you will see intense contractions, followed by a clear fluid from your dog’s vulva. The first puppy often takes the longest to be born. and the pups are born approximately 15-30 minutes apart, but it is also perfectly normal if the dam has an hour's rest between them. If she rests for more than two hours, you shall call your vet because there might be a complication. You may need to help the mum a little to deliver puppies that are tail-first, but it is also perfectly normal so don’t worry, be very careful and gentle. Then the dam will try to bite through the puppy’s sacs and umbilical cords and clean them herself. If you notice she is chewing the cords too close, to the puppy, or just takes too long to do so stop her and do it yourself.
Stage three: A placentas should pass after each puppy so, try to check and count how many placentas have been passed and make sure none has remained inside, if you think this happened contact your vet.

Assistant during labor

All puppies are born enclosed in their placental membrane, in which they can only survive for a few minutes before their supply of oxygen runs out. In most cases, the mother removes it somehow instinctively, sometimes eating it, but if she doesn’t it is your task to do.

The dam should normally also sever the umbilical cord herself as she cleans her pups, but if she doesn’t it's up to you.

Snip the cord and tie it off (about 1-2 inches from the puppy) with some unwaxed dental floss and then clean the puppies’ stomach with iodine to prevent infection.

After labor

On average, giving birth to an entire litter takes 3-12 hours from the start of contractions/straining. The exact timing varies but most dogs give birth to their whole litter within 6 hours.

The process should never take longer than 24 hours because then the risk of the problem becomes very high.

Once your dog has given birth to all her puppies, she is likely to be very hungry and tired. She will need to eat, rest, and bond with the pups.

Soon you will also have time to bond with your new pets. You can also think about the names of the puppies.

Dog Name Generator

FAQ

What are the symptoms and signs of dog pregnancy?

There are multiple symptoms a female dog could have at the beginning of the pregnancy. Decreased level of activity, changes in appetite, unusual behavior, enlarged nipples, weight gain, and nesting behavior can be observed in a pregnant bitch.

What is nesting in dog pregnancy?

Nesting is a type of behavior that can occur in the first stage of labor. Nesting is the primary material instinct of the pregnant bitch. The pregnant dog usually chooses a secluded spot with adequate warmth and shelter and then camouflages the den with grass, branches, and sticks.

What is phantom dog pregnancy?

The phenomenon is also called false or pseudopregnancy. It is most commonly seen in female dogs.

Hormonal changes after a season, or heat convince her body that she is pregnant. Thus, the specimen starts acting like it.

When does dog pregnancy start to show?

Usually, the fetus begins to take shape by the 22^nd day and around the end of the third week, a veterinarian should be able to detect the heartbeats with an ultrasound.

When can a veterinarian confirm dog pregnancy?

The veterinary clinic typically confirms pregnancy around the 4th week after the breeding took place.

After observing changes in your pet's body and waiting a while, you will be given an answer. For instance, if there were no visible signs of pregnancy by five weeks then your vet is likely to confirm that they were not pregnant through the various diagnostic tests they conduct. A positive diagnosis usually means they're very pregnant!

It doesn't matter what breed it is because all have similar gestation periods starting from sixty-three days from when conception took place until delivery of a litter can take place anytime between seventy-four and eighty-six days for a typical puppy or six months - twelve months for a kitten or cat kitten respectively.

Are dog pregnancy scans accurate?

Yes, they are mostly accurate, however, the number of the puppies can often be misleading, for the reason that the dog’s uterus is very small, compared to the number of puppies that could be there.

Are there dog pregnancy tests, and are they effective?

A human pregnancy test cannot work on dogs. However, the veterinarian can confirm an early pregnancy with a blood test because hormone levels are changing from the beginning of the pregnancy. Also, from the third week, the vet is able to do an ultrasound, which reveals the number, the heartbeat, and the growth of the puppies.

How can dog pregnancy be terminated?

Dogs can also have natural miscarriages and spontaneous abortions. The most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding, and in some cases, there is even an expelled fetus to be found. Dog pregnancy can also be terminated by the veterinarian. In that case, after the procedure, the dog also can experience vaginal bleeding.

For pregnancy termination, the most common medical options include injectable estrogens following the population to be effective.

Another possibility or oral estrogen, which is the least recommended because it can cause pyometra in dogs.

The third solution is prostaglandin F2 alpha, which is a natural hormone that has been shown to induce safe abortion for pets. The last option is dexamethasone, which induced abortion, but this procedure has the most severe symptoms.

Can dogs sense human pregnancy?

Yes, they can sense human pregnancy. All dogs differ, so their reactions to human pregnancy might differ too. Yet, it is likely that the owner will experience a change in the behavior. Dogs tend to be more protective of their owners during pregnancy.

How long is dog pregnancy?

On average dog pregnancy usually lasts for 58 to 68 days.

How long after mating can you tell that a dog is pregnant?

Usually three weeks after the mating, the veterinarian can do an ultrasound, with the intention of determining the pregnancy. This ultrasound can reveal fetal heartbeats, moreover, the veterinarian can estimate the number of puppies that the dog is carrying.

How to prevent a dog from being pregnant?

Male dogs can easily be castrated, and female specimens can also be spayed by a standard veterinarian procedure. The AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) suggests that dogs should undergo the neutering procedure between 4 and 6 months.

There are three primary ways to prevent a dog from being pregnant:

1) Keep her away from male dogs. If you can't do that, then use male dog contraception such as Neutersol.
2) Use hormonal birth control implants (such as Ovaban or Suprelorin) under the skin on the back of her neck.
3) Have her spayed (i.e., have her surgically sterilized). This is the most reliable way to prevent pregnancy, and it also has health benefits for dogs (e.g., reduces the risk of mammary tumors).

Will the pregnancy affect the dog’s overall health after giving birth?

Yes, even if both the mating, the pregnancy, and the birth processes go smoothly without any complication. Pregnancy is hard on the female dog’s body. Also, dogs who are not spayed are more likely to suffer from health-related problems around the genitals, and inside the abdomen.

Does pregnancy have an effect on dogs?

Yes, dogs also experience their own form of discomfort, occasionally a morning sickness, which can make them have less appetite. Although, for the reason that all dogs differ from each other, pregnancy might have a totally different effect on others, such as increased appetite or extreme behavioral changes.

How many puppies will there be in one litter?

In an average litter, there are 5 to 7 puppies, however, this number may vary from breed to breed. The size of the dog also contributes to the number of puppies.

Smaller-sized breeds tend to have 2 to 5 puppies at max in a litter. Whereas larger breeds could have up to 15 puppies in one litter.

What should I feed my dog while she is pregnant?

First of all, the owner of the pregnant dog should always consult a veterinarian and act accordingly. However, it is advisable to give the pregnant dog food that is rich in protein, and fat, and also contains a high amount of calcium and phosphorus for the proper bone formation in the puppies and enough milk for nursing.

What should I do when my dog is in labor?

First of all, you should consult with your veterinarian on what to do in such cases. However, when a dog goes into labor, the best thing to do is to keep a little distance and observe her.

Typically, dogs do not need much help when giving birth, unless there is a complication. Yet, you should provide your dog with a whelping box, a heating pad and blankets for the puppies, and many clean towels to clean up the puppies.

How long has a dog been in labor?

The length of the labor usually lasts many hours, depending on the breed. Dogs with slim skulls, like the Dobermans and Collies, usually deliver their puppies faster. While breeds with a wider skull usually are in labor for a longer period of time.

What are the stages of labor for a dog?

There are three stages during dog labor and delivery. During the first stage, the female dogs are restless, panting, pacing, or showing a nesting type of behavior. In the second stage, they deliver the puppies. Then, during the third stage, the fetal membranes and the placenta are coming out.

Is labor for dogs the same as for humans?

Yes, dogs can also experience pain during labor hours, but humans tend to need much more help and medical surveillance during delivery.

What if my dog does not want to take care of her puppies after giving birth?

Female dogs usually have a natural mothering instinct and exactly know how to take care of the puppies, when they are born. Nevertheless, sometimes a dog just does not want to take care of or nurse her puppies. If your dog does not want to, you should take care of the newborn puppies, by feeding them, keeping them warm, and having them checked out by the vet.

What are the symptoms of lack of maternal behavior?

The female dog does not want to clean the newborn puppies, she often abandons them, and she does not want to feed them. In extreme cases, the female dog can become aggressive towards her puppies, in such cases, she might attack or even kill her puppies. There are a few key symptoms of a lack of maternal behavior in dogs.

For one, the dog may not retrieve or care for her puppies as she should. Additionally, the dog may seem indifferent to her litter and fail to clean them or keep them warm.

Finally, the dog may be aggressive towards her puppies or ignore them altogether. If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it's important to get help from a vet right away.

Puppyhood is a critical time for development, and without proper maternal care, the puppies could face serious health problems down the road.

What are the causes of lack of maternal behavior?

The problem with or the complete lack of maternal behavior can be caused by multiple things, including stress or fear, illness of the mother, cesarean section, or simply the fact that this is her first litter of puppies.