Dog Pregnancy Calculator

To determine your dog’s due date without relying on an online calculator, follow these steps:

1. Record the date when your dog mated. If the exact date is unknown, you can estimate based on your dog’s behavior.
2. Refer to a calendar and add 63 days to the mating date. This will provide an approximate date for when your dog is expected to give birth.
3. Keep in mind that the delivery date may vary, as some dogs may give birth as early as 58 days or as late as 68 days after mating. In rare cases, dogs may take longer than 70 days to deliver. To account for this, determine a date range from the mating date within which your dog may give birth.
4. Mark these dates in your calendar so you can be prepared for your dog’s labor and delivery.
5. If your dog has not given birth by the 70th day or later, it may be wise to consult your veterinarian.

Human pregnancies usually last nine months, but for dogs, it is much shorter, averaging around nine weeks. However, this is just an average, and the puppies may arrive anywhere between 56 and 70 days. If your dog goes into labor before eight weeks or hasn’t given birth by ten weeks, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. If you are unsure if your dog is pregnant, check for signs of dog pregnancy first.

Week 1

In the first week after mating, fertilized eggs travel down to the uterus and implant on the uterine wall. This results in hormonal changes, but no noticeable physical changes yet. During this time, there is no need to change your dog’s routine or feeding habits.

Week 2

During week two, the embryos will begin to develop into blastocysts, and they will burrow into the uterine wall. Your dog may experience a slight increase in appetite and require extra food to support the growing embryos. However, you should avoid overfeeding her and stick to her regular diet unless advised otherwise by a veterinarian.

Week 3

During week three, the embryos will continue to develop and start to resemble puppies. Your dog’s nipples will begin to enlarge, and she may start to produce a milky discharge. It’s important to provide your dog with proper nutrition to support the developing fetuses. You can consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate diet for your dog during this period.

Week 4

By week four, the fetuses will be around 1 inch long and will start to look like miniature dogs. This is the time to take your dog to the veterinarian for an ultrasound to determine how many puppies she is carrying. You can also expect your dog to gain weight as the fetuses continue to grow. It’s important to feed your dog a high-quality diet and ensure she gets plenty of rest during this time.

Week 5

By the end of week 5, you should be able to feel the puppies moving inside your dog’s belly. This is a thrilling moment and a sign that the pregnancy is progressing well. However, it’s important to avoid excessive handling of your dog’s belly to prevent any potential harm to the puppies.

Overall, week 5 marks a significant stage in your dog’s pregnancy as the puppies’ organs begin to form and your dog starts to put on considerable weight. It’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian regarding your dog’s diet and to start preparing for the delivery.

Week 6

At this point, your dog’s belly will become noticeably larger, and you may even feel the puppies moving inside her.

It’s important to continue feeding your dog a nutritious diet and providing plenty of fresh water.

You may also want to consider setting up a comfortable area for your dog to give birth and care for her puppies.

Week 7

The puppies’ skeletons will begin to form, and their coats will start to grow.

Your dog may experience more significant weight gain during this week, and she may start to show signs of nesting behavior.

It’s important to keep a close eye on your dog during this time, as some dogs may develop complications during pregnancy.

Week 8

As the puppies continue to grow, you may notice that your dog’s belly has dropped, indicating that the puppies are getting ready for birth.

Your dog may become more restless and start to pace, pant, or whine.

This is a good time to take her temperature, as a sudden drop in temperature may indicate that she is about to go into labor.

Week 9

At this point, your dog will give birth to her puppies.

Make sure to provide a comfortable and quiet area for her to deliver her puppies and be prepared to assist her if necessary.

After giving birth, your dog will need plenty of rest and care, including regular feedings and monitoring for any signs of complications.

Overall, it’s important to work closely with your veterinarian throughout your dog’s pregnancy to ensure that she and her puppies stay healthy and happy.

Here are 7 indications that your dog might be pregnant:

1. Behavioral Changes – Dogs may exhibit early signs of pregnancy through changes in their behavior. Hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause your dog to act differently from their usual behavior. For instance, your dog may become more affectionate, seek more attention, and act more loving and caring. Conversely, some dogs may prefer being alone and avoid social interactions that do not involve feeding.
2. Changes in Appetite – As the pregnancy progresses, your dog may develop an increased appetite despite no increase in activity levels. Due to their heightened nutritional and energy demands, pregnant dogs may consume more food and appear less full after regular-sized meals.
3. Reduced Activity – Pregnant dogs may also have less energy and be unable to engage in their usual activities with you as before. You may notice your dog sleeping more often and being less active throughout the day. If the change is significant, it’s advisable to seek veterinary care to ensure that there is no underlying issue.
4. Darker Nipples – During pregnancy, you may notice a color change in your dog’s nipples, which may turn a darker red and appear larger and rounder.
5. Enlarged Mammary Glands In addition to the nipples, some pregnant dogs may experience mammary gland enlargement. While this can also happen after birth, some dogs’ glands enlarge during pregnancy, with milk occasionally leaking from the nipples.
6. Increased Abdominal Size – As your dog’s pregnancy progresses, her belly will expand. The gestation period for dogs is about 63 days, and the abdominal size may not appear pregnant until a few weeks before the due date. However, an enlarged belly does not necessarily indicate pregnancy, and if you suspect any issues, you should take your dog to the vet.
7. Nesting Behavior – As the due date approaches, your dog may exhibit nesting behavior, where she looks for a comfortable, quiet, and dark place to have her puppies. Your dog may try to remove bedding material and seek solitude during this time.

Dogs can experience a condition known as pseudopregnancy or false pregnancy, where their bodies mimic the symptoms of pregnancy despite not being pregnant. This can include the development of enlarged mammary glands and milk production, which can be easily mistaken for real pregnancy. To confirm whether or not your dog is actually pregnant, it is recommended to get an X-ray of their belly after the 45th day of suspected pregnancy. It’s important to note that dogs can experience multiple false pregnancies throughout their lifetime.

There’s no need to be alarmed, as false pregnancy is a natural occurrence and doesn’t usually cause any health problems for your dog. As the condition runs its course, the milk production will decrease, and your dog will return to their normal self.

Determining if a dog is pregnant can be an exciting time for any dog owner. However, if you are unsure of when your dog mated, confirming the pregnancy may be a bit difficult. In such cases, opting for a pregnancy ultrasound may be worth considering. This test will allow you to confirm your dog’s pregnancy and estimate how far along she is in her pregnancy.

The cost of a dog pregnancy ultrasound can vary depending on where you live and the vet you choose. Typically, the price can range between $300 and $500. It’s best to call your local vet to confirm their pricing before scheduling an appointment.

If you’re unsure whether your dog is pregnant or not, you can always call your local vet for guidance or to schedule an appointment. A veterinarian can provide you with useful information and guide you through the process. Additionally, talking with a veterinarian can help alleviate any stress or anxiety you may have regarding the situation.

Another reason you may want to get an ultrasound is to see how many pups you may have!

Determining when your dog is about to go into labor can be an important aspect of preparing for the delivery of her puppies. Monitoring your dog’s body temperature is a common way to predict when labor is imminent. Your veterinarian may advise you to monitor your dog’s temperature in the days leading up to the expected delivery date to establish a baseline. The normal rectal temperature for dogs ranges from 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

As delivery approaches, your dog’s temperature will typically drop to just below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature change is a sign that your dog will most likely go into labor within the next 24 hours. By keeping an eye on your dog’s temperature and tracking changes in her behavior, you can be better prepared for the arrival of her puppies. However, it’s important to keep in mind that each dog’s pregnancy is unique, and there may be variations in body temperature and other indicators. Consulting with your veterinarian can help you understand what to expect and ensure that your dog and her puppies are healthy throughout the pregnancy and delivery process.