Dog Pregnancy Stages: Week-by-Week Guide

Dog Pregnancy Overview

The canine gestation period averages 63 days (about 9 weeks) from the date of ovulation. However, because breeding and fertilization timing can vary, pregnancy may appear to range from 58-68 days based on when mating occurred.

Dog pregnancy is divided into three trimesters:

First trimester (Days 1-21): Fertilization, implantation, early embryo development
Second trimester (Days 22-42): Rapid growth, organs form, fetuses become recognizable
Third trimester (Days 43-63): Final development, weight gain, preparation for birth

Signs Your Dog Is Pregnant

Pregnancy signs develop gradually over the first few weeks:

Timeframe	Signs to Watch For
Week 1-2	Few visible signs; possible slight decrease in appetite
Week 2-3	Nipples enlarge and become pinker; possible morning sickness
Week 3-4	Decreased activity; increased affection; clear vaginal discharge
Week 4-5	Appetite returns and increases; weight gain begins; belly starting to show
Week 5-6	Visible abdominal swelling; noticeable weight gain; frequent urination
Week 6-7	Obvious pregnancy; puppy movement may be felt; mammary development
Week 8-9	Nesting behavior; milk production; restlessness; seeking birthing spot

Confirming Pregnancy

Ultrasound (days 25-28): Can confirm pregnancy and detect heartbeats
X-ray (day 55+): Best for counting puppies (skeletons are visible)
Blood test: Relaxin hormone test available after day 22-27

Week-by-Week Puppy Development

Week 1 (Days 1-7): Fertilization

What's happening: Sperm travels to the eggs and fertilization occurs. The fertilized eggs begin dividing into cells while traveling toward the uterus.

Mother's changes: No visible signs. Continue normal feeding and activity.

Care tips: Maintain normal routine. Avoid major changes or stress.

Week 2 (Days 8-14): Cell Division

What's happening: Embryos continue dividing. By day 14, they begin implanting in the uterine wall.

Mother's changes: May notice slight behavior changes. Some dogs become more affectionate or quieter.

Care tips: Continue regular diet. Avoid rough play or strenuous activity.

Week 3 (Days 15-21): Implantation Complete

What's happening: Embryos are fully implanted. Placenta begins forming. Embryos are about 1cm long.

Mother's changes: Nipples begin to enlarge and darken ("pinking up"). Possible morning sickness or appetite decrease.

Care tips: If appetite decreases, offer smaller, more frequent meals. Avoid medications unless vet-approved.

Week 4 (Days 22-28): Organ Development Begins

What's happening: Major organs begin forming - heart, spine, eyes, face. Embryos are now about 1.5cm. Heartbeats can be detected via ultrasound around day 25.

Mother's changes: Appetite typically returns and may increase. Clear vaginal discharge is normal. Some weight gain.

Care tips: Schedule vet visit for ultrasound confirmation. Begin avoiding activities that could cause abdominal trauma.

Critical Period Alert:

Days 22-35 are critical for fetal development. Avoid all medications, chemicals, and vaccines during this time unless specifically approved by your vet. This is when organs are forming and fetuses are most vulnerable.

Week 5 (Days 29-35): Rapid Growth

What's happening: Fetuses develop toes, claws, and whisker buds. They grow from 1.5cm to about 4cm. Sex organs develop.

Mother's changes: Abdomen begins to swell noticeably. Weight gain accelerates. Increased appetite.

Care tips: Begin transitioning to puppy food for higher nutrition. Increase food by about 15-25%.

Week 6 (Days 36-42): Features Develop

What's happening: Puppies develop skin pigmentation and markings. Eyelids form. Fetuses are about 6cm long.

Mother's changes: Belly is clearly enlarged. Nipples darken further. May be uncomfortable lying in certain positions.

Care tips: Feed smaller, more frequent meals as stomach capacity decreases. Provide comfortable, supportive bedding.

Week 7 (Days 43-49): Coat Develops

What's happening: Puppies develop hair coat. Skeleton is fully formed and calcifying. They're about 9cm long. You may feel puppies moving.

Mother's changes: Mammary glands enlarge as milk production begins. May shed belly hair (nesting prep). Increased rest.

Care tips: Schedule pre-whelping vet visit. Begin preparing whelping area. Avoid strenuous exercise.

Week 8 (Days 50-56): Nesting Begins

What's happening: Puppies are fully formed and gaining weight rapidly. They're moving into birthing position. Skulls haven't fully hardened (allows passage through birth canal).

Mother's changes: Nesting behavior - digging, rearranging bedding, seeking quiet spots. Colostrum may leak from nipples. Appetite may decrease.

Care tips: Introduce whelping box. Begin taking rectal temperature twice daily (normal: 101-102°F). Have emergency supplies ready.

Week 9 (Days 57-63+): Final Preparation & Birth

What's happening: Puppies are fully developed and ready for birth. They're positioned head-down in the birth canal.

Mother's changes: Temperature drop to below 99°F signals labor within 12-24 hours. Restlessness, panting, nesting intensifies. May refuse food.

Care tips: Monitor closely. Keep whelping area ready. Have vet's emergency number available.

Pregnancy Care Tips

Veterinary Care Schedule

Pre-breeding: Health check, vaccinations up to date, parasite testing
Days 25-28: Ultrasound to confirm pregnancy
Days 45-50: Pre-whelping exam, discuss birth plan
Day 55+: X-ray to count puppies (optional but helpful)

Exercise Guidelines

Weeks 1-4: Normal exercise, avoid rough play
Weeks 5-6: Moderate exercise, shorter walks
Weeks 7-9: Light walks only, let her set the pace
Throughout: No jumping, stairs in moderation, no swimming in late pregnancy

What to Avoid

Medications (unless vet-approved)
Flea/tick products (check safety for pregnant dogs)
Vaccinations during pregnancy
X-rays before day 45 (unless medically necessary)
Stressful situations
Contact with sick animals

Nutrition During Pregnancy

Proper nutrition is critical for healthy puppies and a healthy mother:

Stage	Food Type	Amount
Weeks 1-4	Regular adult food	Normal portions
Week 5	Transition to puppy food	Increase by 15-25%
Week 6-7	Puppy food	Increase by 25-50%
Week 8-9	Puppy food (small, frequent meals)	Free-feed or 3-4 meals daily

Why Puppy Food?

Puppy food is higher in calories, protein, calcium, and other nutrients that pregnant and nursing dogs need. Don't add calcium supplements unless specifically directed by your vet - this can cause problems during labor.

Preparing for Whelping

Preparation should begin around week 7-8:

Whelping Box Setup

Size: Large enough for mother to stretch out, with room for puppies
Sides: High enough to keep puppies in (8-12 inches), with one lower side for mother to enter/exit
Location: Quiet, warm (75-80°F), private area away from household traffic
Bedding: Washable towels or blankets (newspaper works too)
Rails: Optional "pig rails" around edges prevent mother from accidentally crushing puppies

Whelping Supplies to Have Ready

Clean towels (lots of them)
Sterile scissors and dental floss (for umbilical cords if needed)
Bulb syringe (to clear puppy airways)
Heating pad or heat lamp (puppies can't regulate temperature)
Digital thermometer
Puppy milk replacer (emergency backup)
Small scale for weighing puppies
Notebook for recording birth times and weights
Vet's emergency contact information

Signs of Approaching Labor

12-24 Hours Before Labor

* Temperature drops below 99°F (from normal 101-102°F)
* Restlessness and pacing
* Refusing food
* Nesting behavior intensifies
* Panting or shivering

Active Labor Beginning

* Clear or slightly bloody vaginal discharge
* Visible contractions (abdomen tensing)
* Straining and pushing
* Vomiting (sometimes)
* First puppy usually within 2-4 hours of active labor

Call Your Vet Immediately If:

* More than 2 hours of active straining without a puppy
* More than 4 hours between puppies
* Green/black discharge before first puppy
* Excessive bleeding
* Mother appears exhausted or in distress
* Puppy stuck in birth canal
* Temperature over 103°F

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a dog pregnant?▼

Dogs are pregnant for approximately 63 days (9 weeks) from conception. The gestation period can range from 58-68 days depending on when mating occurred and when the eggs were fertilized. Knowing your dog's breeding date helps predict the due date more accurately.

What are the first signs of pregnancy in dogs?▼

Early pregnancy signs include decreased appetite (week 2-3), nipple enlargement and pinking (week 2-3), decreased activity, and possible morning sickness. By week 4, you may notice weight gain and abdominal swelling. A vet can confirm pregnancy through ultrasound around day 25-28.

How many puppies can a dog have?▼

Litter size varies by breed and dog size. Small breeds typically have 1-4 puppies, medium breeds 4-8, and large breeds 8-12 or more. First-time mothers and older dogs often have smaller litters. An X-ray around day 55 can provide an accurate count.

What should I feed my pregnant dog?▼

Feed high-quality puppy food during the last third of pregnancy (weeks 6-9) when nutritional needs increase. Increase food portions gradually - by week 9, she may eat 25-50% more. Provide multiple smaller meals as her belly grows. Keep fresh water available and avoid supplements unless vet-recommended.

How do I know when my dog is about to give birth?▼

Signs of impending labor include: temperature drop below 99°F (12-24 hours before), restlessness and nesting, loss of appetite, panting and shivering, vomiting, and clear vaginal discharge. Active labor begins with visible contractions and straining. First puppy usually arrives within 2-4 hours of labor starting.

When should I take my pregnant dog to the vet?▼

Schedule vet visits at: 3-4 weeks for pregnancy confirmation via ultrasound, week 7-8 for X-ray to count puppies and check health, and immediately if you notice vaginal bleeding, fever, lethargy, or if labor exceeds 2 hours between puppies. Establish a relationship with an emergency vet before the due date.

The Bottom Line

Dog pregnancy lasts about 63 days (9 weeks) and involves rapid development from fertilization to fully formed puppies. Understanding each stage helps you provide appropriate care, nutrition, and veterinary attention throughout the pregnancy.

Key points to remember: confirm pregnancy with your vet around day 25-28, transition to puppy food during the last trimester, prepare your whelping area by week 7-8, and monitor for signs of labor as the due date approaches.

Having a strong relationship with your vet and knowing the warning signs that require emergency care gives you the best chance for a healthy mother and healthy puppies.