Dog Gestation Calculator
Enter the breeding date to calculate your dog's expected due date. Dog pregnancy lasts 58-68 days with an average of 63 days. See the full pregnancy timeline and milestones.
Pregnancy Timeline
How Long Are Dogs Pregnant?
Dog pregnancy (gestation) lasts 58 to 68 days, with an average of 63 days from the date of ovulation. When counting from the first breeding date, delivery typically occurs between day 60 and 64. The variation depends on the timing of ovulation relative to breeding and the specific breed.
Small breeds may deliver slightly earlier (day 59-63), while large and giant breeds may carry slightly longer (day 63-67). First-time mothers may also deliver a day or two later than experienced mothers.
Dog Pregnancy Week-by-Week
| Week | Days | Development |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 1-7 | Fertilization occurs. Cells begin dividing. No visible signs. |
| Week 2 | 8-14 | Embryos travel to uterus. Cell clusters form. Still no visible signs. |
| Week 3 | 15-21 | Embryos implant in uterine wall. Some dogs may show appetite changes. |
| Week 4 | 22-28 | Embryos become fetuses. Vet can confirm pregnancy via ultrasound. Morning sickness possible. |
| Week 5 | 29-35 | Fetuses develop toes, claws, and whiskers. Belly begins to grow. Increase food by 25%. |
| Week 6 | 36-42 | Puppies develop pigmentation and eyelids. Belly noticeably larger. Nipples darken. |
| Week 7 | 43-49 | Puppies are fully formed. Hair grows. X-ray can count puppies. Start nesting area preparation. |
| Week 8 | 50-56 | Milk production begins. Puppy movement visible. Reduce exercise. Feed smaller, frequent meals. |
| Week 9 | 57-63 | Nesting behavior. Temperature drop (below 99°F) signals labor within 24 hours. Delivery imminent. |
Signs of Labor in Dogs
- Temperature drop: Body temperature drops below 99°F (37.2°C) 12-24 hours before labor
- Nesting behavior: Scratching, digging, rearranging bedding
- Loss of appetite: Refuses food in the 12-24 hours before labor
- Restlessness: Pacing, panting, unable to settle
- Vomiting or shivering: Common in early labor stages
When to Call the Vet: Contact your veterinarian if no puppies are born within 24 hours of the temperature drop, if more than 2 hours pass between puppies, if the mother strains for more than 30 minutes without producing a puppy, or if the pregnancy exceeds day 70.
Related Calculators
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- Puppy Due Date Calculator — Countdown to puppies
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- 90 Days From Today — General date calculator