How Long Are Dogs Pregnant? Dog Pregnancy Timeline

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How Long Are Dogs Pregnant? dog gestation cycle

“How long are dogs pregnant?” Regardless of breed or size, a dog’s gestation period typically lasts between 63 to 65 days. Dogs have three trimesters during pregnancy, the same as humans, however, their gestation period is shorter.

Here’s a breakdown of a dog’s pregnancy divided into three trimesters, with symptoms and development stages for each trimester.

First Trimester (Days 0-21)

• Fertilization and Early Development:
  • Days 0-7: After mating, fertilization occurs, and the fertilized eggs begin their journey to the uterus.
  • Days 8-14: The fertilized eggs start to develop into embryos as they move to the uterine wall.
  • Days 15-21: The embryos implant into the uterine lining, beginning their early development.
• Symptoms:
  • Most dogs do not show any obvious signs of pregnancy during the first trimester.
  • Some dogs may experience slight morning sickness, leading to reduced appetite or mild nausea.
  • Behavior changes such as increased affection or lethargy may be noticed.

Second Trimester (Days 22-42)

• Embryo Development and Fetal Growth:
  • Days 22-28: The embryos develop into fetuses. Their organs start forming, and the skeletal structure begins to develop.
  • Days 29-35: The fetuses continue to grow, and the mother’s abdomen starts to enlarge slightly.
  • Days 36-42: The fetuses’ features become more distinct, and they grow rapidly.
• Symptoms:
  • Noticeable increase in appetite as the dog needs more nutrition to support fetal growth.
  • Clear vaginal discharge might be observed around day 30.
  • Mild weight gain and slight abdominal enlargement.
  • Some dogs may begin to exhibit nesting behaviors as they prepare for delivery.

Third Trimester (Days 43-63)

• Final Fetal Development and Preparation for Birth:
  • Days 43-49: The fetuses are almost fully developed, with distinct features. They start moving into the birth position within the mother’s womb.
  • Days 50-57: The mother’s abdomen is now significantly larger, and you may be able to feel the puppies moving inside.
  • Days 58-63: The final stage of pregnancy, where the dog prepares for labor and delivery.
• Symptoms:
  • Significant weight gain and a very pronounced abdominal enlargement.
  • Restlessness and increased nesting behaviors as the mother prepares a place to give birth.
  • Milk production may begin, and the teats may become more prominent.
  • As labor approaches, the dog may refuse food and become anxious or uncomfortable.
  • Visible signs of labor, including contractions, may begin, leading to the delivery of the puppies.

Labor and Delivery (End of Third Trimester)

Days 58-63: Active labor begins, and the dog gives birth to the puppies. This stage can last from a few hours to up to a day, depending on the number of puppies.

Tests Needed to confirm pregnancy in dogs

To confirm pregnancy in dogs, several tests can be conducted at different stages of the pregnancy. Here are the most common methods:

Ultrasound

• Timing: Typically performed between days 25-35 of pregnancy.
• Details: Ultrasound is one of the most common methods to confirm pregnancy. It allows the veterinarian to visualize the developing fetuses in the uterus and assess their health. It can also help determine the number of puppies, although this may not always be accurate.
• Benefits: Safe, non-invasive, and provides real-time images of the puppies. It can also detect fetal heartbeats.

Palpation

• Timing: Best performed between days 28-35 of pregnancy.
• Details: A veterinarian can manually feel the dog’s abdomen to detect the presence of developing fetuses. The fetuses feel like small, firm nodules during this stage.
• Benefits: Non-invasive and can be done during a routine veterinary visit.
• Limitations: Less accurate, especially in overweight or large dogs, and only effective during a narrow window of the pregnancy.

Relaxin Hormone Test

• Timing: Can be conducted as early as days 21-28 of pregnancy.
• Details: This blood test detects the hormone relaxin, which is produced by the placenta after the embryos have implanted. A positive test indicates pregnancy.
• Benefits: Fairly accurate and can detect pregnancy early. It’s useful in cases where other methods are inconclusive.
• Limitations: False negatives can occur if the test is done too early, or if the dog is carrying a small litter.

X-ray (Radiography)

• Timing: Best performed after day 45 of pregnancy.
• Details: X-rays can reveal the number of puppies by showing their skeletal structures, which are visible after about 45 days of gestation.
• Benefits: Highly accurate in determining the number of puppies and assessing the size and positioning of the fetuses, which is useful for planning the delivery.
• Limitations: Involves exposure to low levels of radiation, so it’s typically used later in pregnancy.

Abdominal Ultrasound with Doppler

• Timing: Performed during the later stages of pregnancy (after day 30).
• Details: This specialized ultrasound can assess the blood flow in the fetuses and placenta, helping to evaluate the health and viability of the puppies.
• Benefits: Provides detailed information about fetal well-being and can detect issues such as placental insufficiency.

Each of these tests has its own advantages, and a veterinarian may recommend one or more of them depending on the dog’s specific situation and the stage of pregnancy.

Dog Pregnancy Timeline. dog pregnancy gestation period

The below dog pregnancy calendar by days is based on the data on “correct pregnancy”.

• 1st: Day of the first mating, from which the pregnancy countdown begins. But the calendar date of mating may not coincide with the date of fertilization by 1-6 days, which is due to the ability of sperm to remain “viable” for up to 7 days and the moment of release of eggs from the ovaries, which can occur before or a few days after mating.
• 2nd: Sperm are sent to the eggs for subsequent fertilization. On this day, it is also necessary to conduct a control mating.
• 3rd: Sperm reach the fallopian tubes.
• 4th: Eggs are fertilized, resulting in the formation of zygotes.
• 5-11th: Zygotes move through the fallopian tubes to the uterus, and embryonic membranes form around them.
• 12-14th: The size of the zygotes is approximately 0.6 mm. They enter the uterus and are fixed by villi in its mucous membrane, and the outer and mucous membranes serve as the basis for the formation of the placenta
• 15th: After the embryos are fixed on the uterus, the process of organ formation begins in them, so it is important to protect the pregnant dog from any stress and strain.
• 16th: The development of the embryos continues: they grow up to 1 mm. At this stage, slight hair loss is possible in the abdomen and nipples. The latter may increase slightly and become more pink.
• 17th: The embryos begin the process of forming the head, body, spine and nervous system.
• 18-19th: Embryos grow to 2 mm, their internal organs continue to develop, and the front and back limbs are formed.
• 20th: The embryos continue to form the nervous system and internal systems, and their size is up to 4 mm.
• 21st: The embryo grows to 5 mm and the heart begins to develop. The fact of pregnancy can already be established by ultrasound diagnostics: the embryos are still indistinguishable, but their fetal membranes can be seen.
• 22nd: An ultrasound can be done to confirm pregnancy. At this time, transparent discharge from the vagina, decreased appetite, vomiting, and lethargy are possible.
• 23-24th: The size of the future fetus is almost 1 centimeter, the formation of the eyes, nose, ears, jaws, and liver begins. These days are considered ideal for ultrasound.
• 25th: The embryos begin to grow limbs, the spine, and the foundations for future teeth are laid. Their size is 1.4 cm.
• 26th: Embryos grow to about the size of a walnut, so an experienced dog breeder can determine the fact of pregnancy by palpating the animal’s abdominal cavity with his fingers. From this time on, active games or movements should be limited to prevent injury to the future offspring.
• 27-29th: This time is suitable for diagnosing pregnancy both by ultrasound and by palpating the abdomen, since the embryos have already grown to almost 1.7 cm. They begin to “calcify” the skull and jaws.
• 30th: The “calcification” process continues, and the embryo increases to 2 cm.
• 31st: The growth of vibrissae (“sensory hairs”) in the area of ​​the nose, eyebrows and chin begins.
• 32nd: The second half of pregnancy begins: the embryos now pass into the status of a fetus, and their weight is approximately equal to 20% of the weight with which newborns are born.
• 33rd: The fetus is already 2.7 cm in size, it is growing and developing intensively, the bones of the ribs and limbs are strengthening. Around this time, the palate tightens, so the chemicals and drugs used can lead to irreversible consequences.
• 34th: The dog’s belly visibly increases, it behaves more “quietly” and calmly.
• 35th: An increase in appetite is observed, but the dog should not be overfed so as not to harm it and the future offspring. By this day, it should eat at least three times a day.
• 36th: The fetuses begin to actively grow: their size already reaches 3.5 cm. All important body systems have already been formed, bones continue to grow, shoulder blades are formed and fur begins to grow, development and primary sexual characteristics of the offspring.
• 37-39th: The body and bones of the fetuses continue to actively grow.
• 40th: The size of the fetuses increases to 6.5 cm, they have already completed the process of forming all internal organs and eyes, although they are still closed. Fingers also begin to form, the bones of the spine grow.
• 41-43rd: The process of finger formation and spine growth continues.
• 44th: The uterus increases significantly, and it occupies the main space of the abdominal cavity, the dog’s mammary glands noticeably grow, and the fur around them falls out. By palpation, it will already be possible to feel the future offspring, but it is not yet possible to determine their number. At this time, it is necessary to exclude any types of activity (running, jumping, etc.).
• 45-47th: The size of the fetuses is almost 9 cm, the pelvic bones continue to form and grow.
• 48-49th: There is a noticeable increase in the size of the abdomen, restlessness appears in behavior, and the dog spends a lot of time licking the nipples.
• 50th: In the area of ​​the abdominal walls, you can see the movement of the puppies, because they have already grown to 12 cm, have a formed body and weigh about 75% of the weight of newborns.
• 51st: Minor milk secretions from the mammary glands are possible (especially during the second and subsequent pregnancies).
• 52-54th: The abdomen continues to grow and the animal spends most of its time resting and licking itself. Using an X-ray, you can already find out the number of fetuses.
• 55-57th: The size of each fetus is almost 14-15 cm.
• 58th: Milk begins to flow when pressing on the nipples.
• 59th: Pregnancy is considered full-term, so labor can begin at any time. About 8-24 hours before this, the dog’s body temperature drops to 36°C.
• 60-62nd: The fetuses grow to 16 cm, and their body is covered with fur on the muzzle, tail, belly, and paws.
• 63rd: Shortly before labor, the amniotic fluid begins to discharge in the form of a pale yellow liquid of a viscous consistency and the process of opening the cervix begins, the “corpora lutea” dissolve.
• 64-65th: Approximate date of labor (normal periods are considered to be between 57-69 days). due to changes in hormonal levels, active contractions of the uterus begin, resulting in contractions. In large and medium breeds, the size of newborn offspring fluctuates between 16-22 cm.

Early Signs of Pregnancy

The signs of pregnancy in dogs are very non-specific. They can go unnoticed at first, especially when the gestation has not been planned. They can also be confused with clinical signs of general illness: if in doubt, do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian.

• Weight Gain and Enlargement of the Belly

The most obvious sign will be weight gain and enlargement of the belly. However, this sign appears late in gestation, rather around 45-50 days of gestation. Weight gain will vary greatly from one dog to another and can be difficult to highlight in a dog that is already overweight.

• Increase in the Size of The Teats

Once again, this sign is quite evocative but appears late, around 30 days of gestation. The teats also generally appear darker, due to a greater blood flow at this level. At the end of pregnancy, milk flow may be observed at the level of the udders. The secretions are often quite transparent, then whitish shortly before giving birth.

• Variable Appetite

Depending on the female dog and the stage of pregnancy, the appetite may decrease or increase. Some bitches will have difficulty eating and will therefore need to be stimulated, because it is important that they have enough energy to cover the needs of the gestation. Some will on the contrary always be hungry without being able to be satisfied.

• Changes in Behavior

Again, nothing specific. Some dogs will be more cuddly while others will tend to isolate themselves and not want to be disturbed. During the same pregnancy, a dog’s behavior may change.

Mid to Late Pregnancy Signs

From the second month, the signs become obvious. These signs are…

• The animal begins to gain weight, the mammary glands swell, the belly increases in size.
• Active weight gain.
• When palpating the abdomen, the puppies are easily felt (this procedure is not recommended for owners of pregnant dogs to do on their own to avoid injury due to lack of professional experience).
• In dogs that have given birth, colostrum may be secreted on the 40th day. In primiparous dogs, milk may appear only before childbirth, or immediately after it.
• An indicator of impending childbirth is a decrease in rectal temperature. It drops sharply to 37-36⁰C 10-24 hours before the onset of labor.

Dog Whelping Process

It will be ideal if one of the family members takes a short vacation during whelping and takes care of the mother and her babies. This can be called a necessity if the dog is giving birth for the first time.

Stages of Labor

There are several rules to follow when arranging a maternity house for a dog:

• Choose a box based on the size of the dog. A box that is too small is as bad as one that is too spacious. The bitch should fit in it herself, and also leave room for the puppies.
• The sides of the box should not be lower than the height of the animal in a lying position.
• The bottom must be covered with a light cloth. Thanks to this, you can control the discharge before, during and after labor. 
• It all depends on how dogs give birth in stages. It happens that each stage passes quickly, and the whole process takes up to 6 hours. 
• If there are many puppies in the womb, this does not mean that the process will be extended. Rather, the opposite: the fewer puppies, the longer the process. In addition, the duration of pregnancy depends on the number of puppies.
• The most difficult will be the birth of the first puppy. The rest of the babies will be born faster. The interval between puppies can stretch up to half an hour.

Post-Birth Care:

After the end of the process, the dog will continue to have discharge for some time. If everything went well, in the first few hours it will be brown, over the next days white or yellowish. Bloody or any other discharge with an unpleasant odor is a clear sign of pathology, and therefore a reason to immediately consult a doctor. This may mean that the pet has some kind of injury or the placenta remains inside.

If the birth was successful, after a few hours it is necessary to change the bedding of the mother and puppies, offer the bitch something to drink. Feeding should be done more often, with small portions – so that the dog has time to eat and does not feel hungry.

Veterinarians recommend feeding the animal with specialized high-quality food, but if the pet eats food from the home table, you should know that its diet should contain proteins, fats, carbohydrates, the necessary set of vitamins, minerals and microelements.

How To Prepare For Dog Giving Birth?

See below how to prepare your dog for giving birth…

• Build A Nest

Create a private, calm, and peaceful area for your dog to give birth and care for the puppies. Line a sizable cardboard box, often known as a whelping box, with fresh bedding and puppy pads. To help her get used to it, add her own clean toys and blankets.

• Prepare Ahead Of Time

Assemble little blankets, nail clippers, and clean towels. If for some reason you must relocate the puppies away from their mother, microwaveable bean bags can offer warmth.

• Contact Your Vet

Speak with our knowledgeable veterinarians to learn the warning signals of labor and discomfort. While you should try to keep a low profile, you should always be there to help and step in when necessary.

• Be Ready For Caesarean Section

Dogs frequently give birth at night, necessitating an emergency cesarean section.

Frequently Asked Questions

how long is canine pregnancy?

A canine pregnancy typically lasts about 63 days from the time of conception, but it can range from 58 to 68 days. The exact duration can vary depending on the individual dog and breed.

gestation period of puppies?

The gestation period for puppies, which is the time from conception to birth, typically lasts about 63 days. This period can vary slightly, usually ranging from 58 to 68 days.

how long are puppies pregnant

Puppies themselves aren’t pregnant, but their mothers (female dogs) are. The pregnancy, or gestation period, for dogs lasts about 63 days from conception, with a possible range of 58 to 68 days.

how long are pregnant for dogs

Dogs are pregnant for approximately 63 days, with the gestation period typically ranging from 58 to 68 days.

Conclusion:

A pregnant dog should be provided with peace, protected from the annoying attention of children, and active games with a ball and running should be excluded. This does not mean that she should lie down for the entire period of gestation. 

For more detailed information and further guidance, consider exploring the following resources:

• Understanding Canine Pregnancy: Dive deeper into the signs and symptoms of canine pregnancy with our comprehensive guide. How to Tell if Your Dog is Pregnant.
• Breeding Insights: Learn about the breeding process and how many times a dog should mate to increase the chances of pregnancy. How Many Times Should a Dog Mate to Get Pregnant?
• Pregnancy Timeline: Get familiar with the timeline from mating to birth to better prepare for your dog’s pregnancy journey. How Long Does It Take a Dog to Get Pregnant?

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