How long are dogs pregnant?
Dogs are pregnant for about 63 days (9 weeks) from ovulation. Counted from the breeding date, birth (whelping) usually happens between day 58 and day 68, because sperm can live in the female for several days and the eggs need time to mature after ovulation. If your vet timed ovulation with progesterone blood tests, the due date is accurate to about a day either side.
Whelping window = breeding date + 58 to 68 days
Dog pregnancy timeline
| Day after breeding | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1-20 | Fertilized eggs travel to the uterus and implant around day 16-20. No visible signs. |
| 21-30 | Some dogs have mild morning sickness or eat less. Nipples may get pinker. |
| 25-30 | Ultrasound can confirm pregnancy and heartbeats. A relaxin blood test works from about day 28. |
| 28-35 | A vet may feel the puppies by palpation. |
| 35-45 | Belly and weight start to grow. Start increasing food slowly, switching to a puppy or growth food. |
| 45-55 | Puppy skeletons show on x-ray, so the vet can count them. |
| 55-58 | Have the whelping box set up in a quiet, warm spot, and let her get used to it. |
| 56-68 | Check her temperature twice a day. A drop below about 99°F (37.2°C) means labor is likely within 24 hours. |
Worked example
A dog bred on March 1 is due around May 3, and could whelp any time between April 28 and May 8. An ultrasound is possible from March 26 and an x-ray from April 15.
When to call the vet
- She is past day 68 from the first breeding (or 64 from ovulation) with no labor.
- Strong straining for 30 to 60 minutes without a puppy, or more than 2 to 4 hours between puppies.
- Green or dark discharge before the first puppy, heavy bleeding, fever or great distress.
Breeding other animals? The pet gestation calculator covers cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, horses and more. Plan the puppies' growth with the puppy weight calculator.
Sources: Merck Veterinary Manual, breeding and reproduction of dogs; veterinary theriogenology guidance on gestation length (63 ± 1 days from ovulation).
Frequently asked questions
How long is a dog pregnant?
About 63 days, or 9 weeks. Counted from the first breeding, most dogs give birth between day 58 and day 68.
How can I tell if my dog is pregnant?
A vet can confirm it by ultrasound from about day 25, with a relaxin blood test from about day 28, or by feeling the belly around day 28 to 35. Visible signs like a bigger belly usually appear only after day 40.
How many puppies will my dog have?
Litter size depends on breed size: small breeds often have 1 to 4 puppies and large breeds 6 to 10 or more. An x-ray after day 45 lets the vet count them.
What are the first signs of labor in dogs?
Restlessness, nesting, refusing food, panting and a drop in rectal temperature to below about 99°F (37.2°C), usually 12 to 24 hours before the first puppy.
Can a dog give birth at 58 days?
Yes, when counted from the breeding date, day 58 is within the normal range. Puppies born much earlier may be premature and need a vet's help.
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Last updated October 2026.