How long is a dog's pregnancy?
A dog's pregnancy (also called gestation) typically lasts 63 days (about 9 weeks) from the date of conception. However, the actual range can be 58–68 days depending on when ovulation occurred relative to breeding.
Because sperm can survive in the female's reproductive tract for several days, the breeding date and conception date may not be exactly the same. This calculator uses 63 days from the breeding date as the most likely due date.
Dog Pregnancy Stages — Week by Week
Weeks 1–3 (Days 1–21)
Fertilization and embryo implantation. No visible signs yet. The mother may show slight behavioral changes.
Weeks 4–5 (Days 22–35)
Pregnancy can be confirmed by a vet via ultrasound. Appetite may increase and nipples become more prominent.
Weeks 6–7 (Days 36–49)
Belly visibly grows. Puppies' skeletons begin to harden. The mother needs more food — switch to puppy formula.
Weeks 8–9 (Days 50–63)
Final stretch. Prepare a quiet whelping area. Watch for nesting behavior, restlessness, and a drop in body temperature 12–24 hours before labor.
Key Milestones by Day
Counting from the breeding date, these are the dates worth marking on a calendar:
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Breeding date — the calculator counts from here |
| Day 7–14 | Embryos travel to the uterus and implant |
| Day 21 | Morning sickness may appear; appetite can dip |
| Day 25–30 | Ultrasound can confirm pregnancy |
| Day 30–35 | Nipples enlarge and darken; appetite returns |
| Day 40 | Belly visibly rounds; switch to puppy food |
| Day 45 | X-ray can count puppies accurately |
| Day 50 | Puppies are fully formed; set up the whelping box |
| Day 58 | Start taking temperature twice daily |
| Day 63 | Expected due date (normal range 58–68) |
For a fuller account of what happens inside each week, read our dog pregnancy week-by-week guide.
Not Sure She's Pregnant Yet?
Before day 25 there is no reliable test, but there are early behavioural and physical hints — appetite changes, nipple enlargement, tiredness, and a quieter mood. None of them are proof on their own, and false pregnancy is common in dogs, which is why a vet visit around day 25–30 is the only way to be certain.
Our guide to the early signs of dog pregnancy walks through what to look for week by week, and what is more likely to be something else.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a dog's pregnancy?
A dog's pregnancy (gestation) typically lasts 63 days (about 9 weeks) from the date of conception. The actual range can be 58–68 days depending on when ovulation occurred relative to breeding.
When can I confirm my dog is pregnant?
A vet can typically confirm pregnancy via ultrasound from day 25–35, or by palpation around day 28–35. Blood tests for relaxin hormone are accurate from day 25 onwards.
What are the first signs of dog pregnancy?
Early signs include reduced appetite, mild morning sickness (around weeks 3–4), nipple enlargement, behavioral changes (more affectionate or withdrawn), and slight weight gain.
What should I feed my pregnant dog?
During the first half of pregnancy, regular adult food is fine. From week 5 onwards, gradually switch to a high-quality puppy food (higher protein and calories). By the last weeks, she may need 25–50% more food than normal.
How many puppies will my dog have?
Litter size depends mostly on breed size and the mother's age. Small breeds typically have 1–4 puppies, medium breeds 4–6, and large or giant breeds 6–10 or more. First litters are usually smaller than later ones. Only an ultrasound or X-ray after day 45 can give an accurate count — X-ray is the more reliable of the two because the puppies' skeletons are visible by then.
What are the signs that labour is starting?
The clearest signal is a drop in rectal temperature from the normal 38–39°C to below 37.8°C, which usually happens 12–24 hours before labour. Alongside that you will see nesting behaviour, restlessness, panting, refusing food, and sometimes shivering. Once hard contractions begin, the first puppy normally arrives within an hour — if it does not, call your vet.