Dogs are pregnant for about 63 days, or roughly 9 weeks. A normal pregnancy can range from about 57 to 72 days after breeding, because it is hard to know the exact day eggs were fertilized. A vet can confirm pregnancy with an ultrasound from about day 25.
Maybe your dog seems hungrier than usual. Maybe she is sleeping more or acting extra clingy. Or maybe you know she was with a male dog and you want to be ready.
Either way, the first question is usually the same: how long are dogs pregnant?
This guide explains how long dog pregnancy lasts, the early signs, what happens each week, how to care for a pregnant dog, and what to expect when puppies arrive.
How Long Is a Dog Pregnancy?
The average dog pregnancy lasts about 63 days from the day of ovulation. That is a little over two months.
Counting from the day of breeding can be tricky. Sperm can live inside a female dog for several days. Eggs also need time to mature after they are released. This means the puppies may be conceived a few days after the actual mating. That is why due dates are often given as a range of about 57 to 72 days from breeding.
Pregnancy length is about the same for all breeds. A Chihuahua and a Great Dane are both pregnant for around 9 weeks.
Early Signs Your Dog Is Pregnant
In the first few weeks, there may be no clear signs at all. Many dogs look and act normal for the first month.
As the pregnancy goes on, you may notice:
- Changes in appetite: Some dogs eat less early on. Later, they get much hungrier.
- Mild morning sickness: A little vomiting around week 3 or 4 can happen.
- Tiredness: Your dog may sleep more and play less.
- Bigger, darker nipples: Usually around days 25 to 30.
- Clear discharge: A small amount of clear or light mucus from the vulva around one month in.
- Weight gain and a bigger belly: Usually easy to see from about day 40.
- Behavior changes: Some dogs get extra cuddly. Others want more alone time.
- Nesting: In the last week, your dog may dig at blankets or hide in quiet spots.
These signs can also come from other causes, including a false pregnancy. A vet visit is the only way to know for sure.
How Vets Confirm a Dog Pregnancy
There are no home pregnancy tests for dogs. Human tests do not work on dogs. Your vet has a few options:
| Test | When It Works | What It Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound | From about day 25 | Confirms pregnancy and puppy heartbeats |
| Blood test (relaxin) | From about day 25 to 30 | Confirms pregnancy |
| Belly exam (palpation) | About day 28 to 35 | Vet may feel small swellings |
| X ray | After about day 45 | Counts puppies by their skeletons |
The X ray near the end is very helpful. Knowing how many puppies to expect tells you when your dog is done giving birth.
Dog Pregnancy Week by Week
Weeks 1 to 2 (Days 1 to 14)
The eggs are fertilized and travel to the uterus. Your dog will look and act normal. Keep her routine the same.
Week 3 (Days 15 to 21)
The embryos attach to the lining of the uterus. Some dogs have a small appetite drop or mild tummy upset.
Week 4 (Days 22 to 28)
The puppies start to form. Their spine and face begin to develop. This is a good time for your vet visit and ultrasound. Avoid rough play and hard exercise.
Week 5 (Days 29 to 35)
The puppies grow fast. Their toes, claws, and whiskers form. Your dog may begin to gain weight. This is a good time to slowly start increasing her food.
Week 6 (Days 36 to 42)
Her belly gets bigger and her nipples get darker. The puppies' coat and skin color develop. Many owners switch to a high quality puppy food around this time.
Week 7 (Days 43 to 49)
The puppies' bones harden. Your dog may shed belly hair to get ready for nursing. Set up a whelping box, a safe area where she will give birth.
Week 8 (Days 50 to 57)
You may see or feel the puppies moving. Your dog may start nesting. Let her get used to the whelping box. Milk may appear a few days before birth.
Week 9 (Days 58 to 65)
Labor is close. Your dog may be restless, pant, pace, and refuse food. Start checking her temperature twice a day.
How to Care for a Pregnant Dog
Food
For the first 4 to 5 weeks, feed your dog her normal food in her normal amounts. From about week 5 or 6, slowly increase her food a little each week. By the end of pregnancy, she may need about 25 to 50 percent more food than usual.
Many vets suggest switching to a high quality puppy food or a food made for "growth and reproduction" in the last few weeks. It has extra calories and nutrients. Keep her on this food while she nurses.
Because her belly gets crowded, smaller meals more often are easier for her to eat.
Do not give calcium supplements during pregnancy unless your vet tells you to. Too much calcium before birth can raise the risk of a dangerous condition called eclampsia after the puppies are born.
Exercise
Gentle daily walks are good for her. They help keep her strong for labor. Avoid jumping, rough play, and long, hard runs, especially in the last few weeks.
Vet Care
Visit the vet early in pregnancy and again near the end. Ask your vet about:
- Safe worming medicine
- Flea treatments that are safe in pregnancy
- Vaccines (most are given before breeding, not during pregnancy)
- Any medicine she already takes
Never give any medicine to a pregnant dog without asking your vet first.
A Calm Home
Keep her stress low. Limit visitors and keep other pets from bothering her, especially as her due date gets close.
How Many Puppies Will My Dog Have?
Litter size depends mostly on breed and size.
- Small breeds: Often 1 to 4 puppies
- Medium breeds: Often 4 to 6 puppies
- Large breeds: Often 6 to 10 or more puppies
Age and health matter too. Very young and older dogs often have smaller litters. A late pregnancy X ray is the best way to know how many to expect.
Signs Your Dog Is Going Into Labor
Temperature drop: A dog's normal temperature is about 101 to 102.5°F. Within about 24 hours of labor, it often drops below 100°F. Take her rectal temperature twice a day in the last week.
Other signs:
- Restlessness and pacing
- Heavy panting
- Shivering
- Digging and nesting
- Refusing food
- Licking her vulva
- Vomiting
The Stages of Dog Labor
Stage 1: This lasts about 6 to 12 hours, sometimes longer. Your dog is restless and uncomfortable. Contractions are starting inside, but you may not see them.
Stage 2: This is when puppies are born. You will see strong pushing. Puppies usually arrive every 30 to 60 minutes. Some dogs rest up to 2 hours between puppies.
Stage 3: The placenta comes out after each puppy. Count them. There should be one for each puppy.
Most dogs give birth without help. Stay close, stay calm, and let her do her job.
When to Call the Vet Right Away
Call your vet or an emergency vet if:
- She strains hard for 30 to 60 minutes and no puppy comes out
- More than 2 hours pass between puppies and you know more are inside
- She has green or black discharge before the first puppy is born
- A puppy is stuck in the birth canal
- She has heavy bleeding
- She is shaking, weak, or collapses
- It has been more than 24 hours since her temperature dropped and labor has not started
- She goes past 70 days from breeding with no signs of labor
It is a good idea to have your vet's number and an emergency clinic's number ready before the due date.
What Is a False Pregnancy?
Some dogs show signs of pregnancy even when they are not pregnant. This is called a false pregnancy. It usually happens about 6 to 8 weeks after a heat cycle.
The dog may:
- Build a nest
- Make milk
- Gain weight
- Mother toys like puppies
False pregnancy usually goes away on its own in a few weeks. See your vet if it lasts longer or your dog seems unwell.
Ending
So, how long are dogs pregnant? About 63 days, or just over 9 weeks. The exact timing can vary by a week or so depending on when the eggs were fertilized.
Visit your vet early, feed her well, keep her calm, and learn the signs of labor. With good care and preparation, you can help your dog through a safe, healthy pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dog be pregnant for 70 days?
It can happen if you count from the breeding date, since conception may happen days later. Still, call your vet if your dog passes 70 days without labor.
Can a dog get pregnant on her first heat?
Yes. Many dogs can get pregnant on their first heat, which may happen as early as 6 months old.
How often do dogs go into heat?
Most dogs go into heat about every 6 months. Small breeds may cycle more often. Giant breeds may cycle less often.
Can I use a human pregnancy test on my dog?
No. Human pregnancy tests do not work on dogs.
Can a dog have puppies from more than one father?
Yes. If a female mates with more than one male during the same heat, one litter can have puppies from different fathers.
When can I spay my dog after she has puppies?
Most vets suggest waiting until the puppies are weaned, often around 6 to 8 weeks after birth or later. Ask your vet.
