How long are dogs pregnant?
A dog's pregnancy (gestation) lasts about 63 days, or nine weeks, counted from ovulation. Because a female can be bred a few days before or after she ovulates, and sperm can survive in her reproductive tract for several days, the time from breeding to birth varies more: most litters arrive between 58 and 68 days after breeding.
due date = date of first breeding + 63 days
Example: a dog bred on March 1 has an estimated due date of May 3, with puppies most likely between April 28 and May 8.
If your vet did progesterone tests during the heat cycle, the due date can be narrowed down to a day or two: about 63 days after ovulation, or 65 days after the LH surge. Small breeds and litters with many puppies often deliver a little early; single-puppy litters sometimes run late.
Dog pregnancy calendar at a glance
| Days after breeding | What happens |
|---|---|
| 0–6 | Fertilization in the oviducts |
| 16–21 | Embryos implant in the uterus |
| 25 and later | Ultrasound and relaxin blood test can confirm pregnancy |
| 28–35 | Vet can feel the pregnancy by palpation |
| 35–42 | Belly grows visibly; start increasing food |
| 45 and later | X-ray can count the puppies |
| 49–56 | Puppies move; prepare the whelping box |
| 57 onward | Check her temperature twice daily |
| 58–68 | Whelping (birth) |
Caring for a pregnant dog
Feeding: for the first five weeks most dogs need no extra food. From week six, energy needs rise steadily; by the end of pregnancy she may need up to 50% more calories than usual. Many vets recommend switching gradually to a high-quality puppy (growth) food in the last third of pregnancy and keeping her on it while she nurses. Our dog food calculator includes a setting for the last three weeks of pregnancy.
Exercise: regular, gentle walks keep her fit for labor. Avoid jumping, rough play and strenuous exercise in the last weeks.
Vet visits: a check-up to confirm pregnancy around day 25–30 and an x-ray after day 45 are common. Ask your vet before giving any medication, dewormer or flea and tick product.
Signs of labor
- Rectal temperature drops below about 99 °F (37.2 °C), usually 12–24 hours before labor
- Restlessness, nesting, digging in the bedding
- Panting, shivering, refusing food
- Visible contractions and straining
Call your vet if she strains hard for more than 30 to 60 minutes without delivering a puppy, if more than 2 to 4 hours pass between puppies with more expected, if there is green or bloody discharge before the first puppy, or if she has not started labor by about day 68 after the first breeding.
Frequently asked questions
How long are dogs pregnant?
Dogs are pregnant for about 63 days, or nine weeks, counted from ovulation. Counted from the breeding date, puppies usually arrive between day 58 and day 68, because ovulation and the breeding day do not always match.
How do I calculate my dog's due date?
Add 63 days to the date of the first breeding. If your dog was bred more than once, count from the first breeding and expect a slightly wider window. Progesterone testing during the heat cycle gives the most accurate due date.
When can a vet confirm that my dog is pregnant?
An ultrasound can confirm pregnancy from about day 25 after breeding, and a relaxin blood test from about day 25 to 30. An x-ray after about day 45 shows the puppies' skeletons and is the best way to count them.
What are the first signs of pregnancy in a dog?
Early signs are subtle: a short drop in appetite around week three, pinker and slightly larger nipples, and sometimes calmer behavior. A visibly larger belly usually only appears from week five or six.
How do I know my dog is about to give birth?
Take her rectal temperature twice a day from about day 57. A drop below about 99 °F (37.2 °C) usually means labor will start within 24 hours. Nesting, restlessness, panting, shivering and refusing food are other common signs.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Breeding Soundness and Management of Pregnancy in Dogs; Parturition in Small Animals.
- American Kennel Club (AKC): canine pregnancy and whelping guidance.
This calculator gives estimated dates for general information. It is not veterinary advice. Every pregnancy is different; work with your veterinarian throughout the pregnancy and whelping. Last updated: October 2026.