If your dog is pregnant, you’re likely wondering what to expect in the coming weeks. Whether you’re a breeder or a pet parent whose dog had an unplanned rendezvous, knowing what’s happening during each stage of your dog’s pregnancy is vital for ensuring a healthy mom and healthy puppies.
A typical dog pregnancy lasts between 58 and 71 days, with an average of 63 days. Some breeds, like French Bulldogs, may carry their pups for a few days longer.
This guide breaks down the stages of week by week pregnancy in dogs, offering insights into the changes your dog will experience, tips for providing the best care, and what to look for as labor approaches. We’ll help you navigate this exciting journey and ensure your canine companion has a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Early Stages: Weeks 1-3
During the first few weeks of dog pregnancy, there aren’t many outward signs that your dog is pregnant. Here’s what’s going on inside.
Week 1: Fertilization and Early Development
Dog pregnancy begins when sperm fertilizes an egg.
During these early weeks, the embryos are on the move, traveling from the upper to the lower part of the uterus.
It’s important to maintain your dog’s current weight during the first couple of weeks. You’ll want to keep feeding your dog high-quality food rich in vitamins.
Weeks 2-3: Continued Embryo Development
The embryos continue to develop, but there aren’t many visible signs of pregnancy.
Some pregnant dogs experience morning sickness, and it typically happens around days 30-35 of the pregnancy. If your dog starts vomiting, it doesn’t necessarily mean she’s sick, but you’ll want to keep an eye on her.
Veterinary Confirmation
Your vet can confirm the pregnancy as early as weeks 3-4. If you suspect your dog is pregnant, it’s a good idea to schedule a checkup to confirm and to discuss any dietary or lifestyle changes that may be needed.
Mid-pregnancy: Weeks 4-6
By this point, you may start seeing some telltale signs of pregnancy, such as increased appetite or fatigue.
Week 4: Early signs and veterinary confirmation
If you suspect your dog is pregnant, your veterinarian can confirm with a physical exam. The vet may also use an ultrasound to assess the litter size and health of the pups. Palpation, or feeling the dog’s abdomen, is typically effective between 21 and 35 days of gestation.
Week 5: Significant fetal growth
During weeks 5 and 6, the puppies gain about 75% of their weight, so it’s important that your dog is eating a nutrient-rich diet.
Your veterinarian may advise you to switch your dog to puppy food at this point to ensure she’s getting enough calories and nutrients to support the growing puppies.
Week 6: Physical changes in the mother
You’ll likely start to notice some visible physical changes in your dog, such as an increased abdomen size. Even though she’s pregnant, it’s still a good idea to give her regular exercise, as long as you don’t overdo it.
Late Pregnancy: Weeks 7-9
As your dog enters the final weeks of pregnancy, she’ll need extra care and monitoring as you prepare for the whelping (birthing) process.
Week 7: Preparing for Whelping
At week 7, it’s time to get the whelping box ready. This is a designated, safe space where your dog can give birth and care for her puppies during their first few weeks of life. A good whelping box should be easy for the dog to enter and exit but secure enough to keep the puppies contained.
You’ll also notice that your dog’s mammary glands are starting to enlarge as she begins to produce milk. This usually happens around weeks 7-8.
Week 8: Estimating Litter Size
Around week 8, your veterinarian can use X-rays to estimate the number of puppies your dog is carrying. X-rays are most effective after 42-45 days of gestation but are best performed after day 55, once the puppies’ skeletons are more developed and easily visible on the X-ray.
During this late stage of pregnancy, it’s important to reduce your dog’s activity level. Avoid strenuous exercise and long walks, and allow her plenty of rest.
Week 9: Final Preparations and Signs of Labor
As week 9 approaches, you’ll want to monitor your dog closely for signs that labor is imminent. Nesting behavior, such as digging or rearranging bedding, is normal as whelping nears.
Other signs of impending labor include restlessness, panting, and a decrease in body temperature. A dog’s normal body temperature is around 101-102.5°F (38.3-39.2°C). About 24 hours before labor begins, her temperature may drop to 99°F (37.2°C) or lower.
Checking your dog’s temperature regularly during this final week can help you anticipate the start of labor and ensure you’re prepared to assist if needed.
Labor and Delivery
So, the big day has finally arrived! Here’s what you can expect as your dog goes into labor:
Stage 1 of Labor
The first stage of labor can last 12 to 24 hours. During this time, your dog’s cervix will start to dilate, and she might exhibit behaviors like panting, restlessness, and nesting (shredding paper or blankets to make a cozy spot).
Stage 2 of Labor
This is the active labor stage, where the puppies are actually delivered. This stage can last anywhere from 1 to 24 hours. Puppies are usually born one at a time, with about half an hour to an hour between each one, but sometimes it can take up to two hours.
It is crucial to seek veterinary attention if your dog is actively straining for more than two hours without producing a puppy, or if you suspect any other complications.
Stage 3 of Labor
Stage 3 happens right alongside Stage 2. This is when the placentas are expelled. This process completes after the delivery of all the placentas.
Potential Complications
It’s important to monitor your dog closely during labor. Call your veterinarian immediately if:
- Labor lasts for more than 24 hours
- Puppies are delivered more than 2 hours apart
- You notice any signs of distress, such as excessive bleeding or your dog exhibiting extreme pain.
Being prepared and knowing what to expect will help you navigate this exciting, and sometimes stressful, time. Remember, when in doubt, always consult with your veterinarian.
Postpartum Care for Mother and Puppies
Once the puppies arrive, the focus shifts to caring for both the mother dog and her new litter.
Mother’s Care
It’s vital to provide a quiet, comfortable, and clean environment for the mother dog. Minimize traffic and noise around her whelping box. Continue to feed her a high-quality, nutrient-rich diet formulated for lactating dogs, and ensure she has constant access to fresh water.
Puppy Care
Newborn puppies are completely dependent on their mother. Monitor the puppies closely to ensure they are nursing regularly and gaining weight. If a puppy seems weak, isn’t nursing, or is crying excessively, contact your veterinarian immediately. Keep the puppies warm and dry, and maintain a clean environment to prevent infection.
Veterinary Check-up
Schedule a postpartum veterinary check-up for both the mother dog and her puppies. The vet will assess the mother’s overall health, check for signs of infection or complications from the birthing process, and advise on proper nutrition. The puppies will also be examined to ensure they are healthy and thriving. This check-up is crucial for identifying and addressing any potential health issues early on.
In Conclusion
Throughout your dog’s pregnancy, remember that regular veterinary care is essential for her well-being and the health of her puppies.
As we’ve discussed, proper nutrition, appropriate exercise, and careful monitoring are all key to a successful pregnancy. From the moment of conception until the whelping process is complete, your dog will need extra care and attention.
Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your veterinarian or a qualified canine reproduction specialist. With the right care and support, you can help ensure a safe and healthy outcome for both your dog and her litter.