Dog Pregnancy Calculator

Welcoming a litter of puppies is a rewarding experience, but it requires careful preparation and knowledge. One of the first steps is to estimate the whelping (birthing) date. Our Dog Pregnancy Calculator helps you do just that, giving you a timeline to prepare for the new arrivals.

How to Estimate Your Dog's Due Date

The calculator estimates the whelping date based on the date of mating.

• Average Gestation Period: A dog's pregnancy lasts for approximately 9 weeks, with the average being 63 days from the date of conception.
• Calculation: Estimated Due Date = Date of Mating + 63 Days

It's crucial to understand that the date of mating is not always the date of conception. A female dog's eggs can remain viable for fertilization for several days after ovulation, and male sperm can survive in the female's reproductive tract for up to five days. Therefore, the actual whelping can occur anywhere from 58 to 68 days after mating. This calculator provides a reliable average to help you prepare.

Signs of Pregnancy in Dogs

In the early weeks, signs can be subtle. As the pregnancy progresses, you may notice:

• Behavioral Changes: Your dog may become more affectionate, or conversely, more withdrawn and seek solitude. A decrease in activity levels is also common.
• Appetite Changes: She might experience a temporary loss of appetite or 'morning sickness' in the first few weeks, followed by a significant increase in appetite as the pregnancy advances.
• Physical Changes:
  • Her nipples will become enlarged and darker pink around 25-30 days into the pregnancy.
  • A clear, odorless vaginal discharge may be present around the one-month mark.
  • Weight gain will become noticeable around day 35, and her abdomen will start to swell. She could gain 20-50% of her original weight.
• Nesting Behavior: In the final week or two, she will begin "nesting" – shredding bedding, digging, and seeking a quiet, private place to give birth.

Veterinary Care During Pregnancy

A veterinarian's guidance is essential for a healthy pregnancy.

• Pregnancy Confirmation: A vet can confirm pregnancy through several methods: abdominal palpation (around days 28-30), ultrasound (after day 25), or a hormone test (after day 21). An X-ray in the final weeks (after day 45) is the most accurate way to count the number of puppies.
• Nutrition: Your vet will recommend a high-quality, digestible puppy food for the mother, starting around the fourth week of pregnancy, to provide the necessary nutrients for the growing litter.
• Whelping Box: Prepare a whelping box—a safe, warm, and comfortable enclosure—for her at least one to two weeks before the estimated due date so she can get accustomed to it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I get a more accurate due date?

A veterinarian can perform hormonal assays (measuring progesterone levels) around the time of ovulation to pinpoint the conception date more accurately. An ultrasound can also help determine the gestational age of the fetuses.

How many puppies will she have?

Litter size varies greatly depending on the breed, size, and age of the dog. Small breeds may have 1-4 puppies, while large breeds can have 8-12 or more. An X-ray after day 45 of pregnancy is the best way to get an accurate count.

What are the signs of labor?

The most reliable sign is a drop in rectal temperature from the normal 101-102.5°F (38.3-39.2°C) to below 99°F (37.2°C). This usually occurs 12-24 hours before labor begins. Other signs include restlessness, panting, shivering, loss of appetite, and nesting.