Dog pregnancy guide

Find out everything you need to know about dog pregnancy, from the earliest signs your dog may be expecting to preparing for labour and caring for newborn puppies. 

Whether you’re planning to breed from your dog or think she may be pregnant already, this guide will help you feel informed, confident, and prepared to care for your pooch every step of the way.

We’ll cover:

• How long is a dog pregnant for?
• Signs of a bitch in heat
• Early signs of dog pregnancy
• Dog pregnancy stages: week by week
• Vet check ups for your pregnant dog
• Appetite and nutrition advice for pregnant dogs
• How do I prepare for my dog giving birth?

How long is a dog pregnant for?

A dog's gestation period, or pregnancy, typically lasts between 58 and 68 days, with an average of around 63 days (approximately nine weeks). This timeframe can vary slightly depending on the breed and size of your dog.

As with humans, dogs experience three trimesters of pregnancy, each at around 21 days in length. Understanding these stages can help you provide the best care for your expectant pooch and prepare for the arrival of her puppies.

Females that haven't been spayed are at risk of getting pregnant, so you need to decide as early as possible whether you want your bitch to breed. However, dog pregnancy isn't always apparent until the later stages. If you know the exact mating date, you can estimate when your dog is due, but it's important to know what signs to look out for.

Signs of a bitch in heat

Bitches can have 1-3 seasons a year from puberty until old(er) age, dependent on the breed they are and health and lifestyle factors. Most bitches tend to come into 'heat' (aka, become fertile) twice a year.

This lasts between 12 and 21 days on average, but can vary a lot between dogs. Expect changes in her behaviour during this time due to the hormone imbalance she is experiencing, and her interest in mating will increase.

Examples are tensing of the rear legs and waving her tail for a male to catch her scent, and lifting her hind quarters towards them when they approach.

At the beginning of the cycle the vulva swells and blood is present in the vaginal discharge. However, swelling will decrease and the discharge could change colour as the cycle advances. She may also urinate more and seem nervous and easily distracted, or more alert than usual.

For more information, read our guide on what to do when your dog is in heat. 

Early signs of dog pregnancy

Wondering how to tell if your dog is pregnant? Spotting the early signs of dog pregnancy can be tricky, as many symptoms don't appear until several weeks after mating. However, there are some subtle changes you might notice, including:

Changes in appetite 

Some dogs experience a temporary loss of, or decrease in, appetite during the first few weeks after mating and conception, similar to humans. This typically occurs around weeks three to four and usually only lasts a few days.

Nipple changes

One of the earliest physical signs is enlargement and darkening of the nipples, which may become more prominent from around week four.

Behavioural shifts

Your dog may become more affectionate or, conversely, seek more quiet time alone. She might also seem more tired than usual.

Vaginal discharge

A small amount of clear discharge from the vulva can sometimes occur in early pregnancy. A small amount of clear discharge can sometimes occur, but any coloured, foul-smelling, or persistent discharge should be checked by a vet.

Bear in mind some bitches can experience phantom pregnancies, where all of the same signs are exhibited without any puppies having been conceived. Your vet can confirm whether your dog is pregnant.

Dog pregnancy stages: week by week

Understanding what happens during each stage of dog pregnancy can help you provide appropriate care and know what to expect as her bump grows! This includes both the physical changes in her body and the behavioural changes you may notice along the way.

Weeks 1-3: The first trimester

During the first three weeks, there are very few visible signs of pregnancy. The fertilised eggs travel to the uterus and begin to implant in the uterine wall around day 16. By the end of week three, the embryos are less than 1cm long.

Your dog may seem her usual self during this time, though some bitches experience mild nausea or become a little quieter than normal. There's no need to change her diet or exercise routine just yet, just give her some fuss!

Weeks 4-6: The second trimester

This is when pregnancy becomes more noticeable. Between days 25 and 35, your vet may be able to feel the developing puppies through your dog's abdomen, and an ultrasound scan can confirm pregnancy from around day 25.

You’ll also notice your bitch’s weight begins to increase about halfway into the pregnancy, between days 28 and 35. 

• Week 4: Your dog's nipples may start to swell and darken. Some dogs develop a clear vaginal discharge.
• Week 5: During the second half of the pregnancy your pet's abdomen (belly) may increase in size by as much as 20%-50%, meaning she will likely find moving around more difficult than usual. Her appetite will increase, and she'll need more calories to support the developing litter.
• Week 6: The pups are growing rapidly now. Your dog's abdomen may make it difficult for her to eat large meals, so offer smaller, more frequent portions of high-quality puppy food or a diet suitable for pregnant dogs.

Weeks 7-9: The third trimester

The final weeks of pregnancy bring the most significant changes as your dog prepares for birth. 

Bear in mind that a heavily pregnant dog could appear more defensive than usual, so try not to agitate or aggravate her with lots of unfamiliar people and sounds. Some can experience depression, but speak to your vet because there might be something else other than pregnancy that needs addressing.

Furthermore, ensure that any young children understand the importance of leaving the dog alone when she needs it during this time.

• Week 7: Your dog's mammary glands will swell noticeably, and you may see milk starting to appear. Hair loss around the belly area is normal and nothing to worry about.
• Week 8: You may be able to see or feel the puppies moving in your dog's tummy. She'll begin nesting behaviour, searching for a comfortable, safe place to give birth. Look out for her taking items from around the home to place in her chosen spot, such as blankets and other soft furnishings. This is the ideal time to introduce her to the whelping box. Toward the end of the week she should begin to produce colostrum as her mammary glands swell, which happens before milk production starts. The pups are due at any time now, so make sure your dog avoids any rough play as this could lead to early labour.
• Week 9: You may notice some changes in your dog’s temperament during the final week of pregnancy, as she is likely to be quieter than normal as part of her preparation for the birth. Restlessness, salivating, and panting more than usual are examples of other changes.

Her appetite might decrease as birth approaches. Keep a close eye on her, and consider taking her temperature twice daily – a drop of about 1°C (often to below 37.2°C) usually indicates labour will begin within the next 12-24 hours, though this can vary.

What is a phantom pregnancy in dogs?

A phantom pregnancy, sometimes called a false pregnancy or pseudopregnancy, occurs when a dog develops pregnancy-like symptoms even though she isn’t expecting puppies. It's surprisingly common, affecting around 50–75% of unspayed female dogs at some point in their lives.

Phantom pregnancies are triggered by natural hormonal shifts after her season and can lead to behaviours such as nesting, producing milk, or caring for toys as if they were puppies. In most cases, these symptoms fade on their own within two to four weeks, but spaying is the only long-term way to stop phantom pregnancies from happening again.

Vet check ups for your pregnant dog

If you think your dog has mated or may be pregnant, a vet visit is an important first step. Your vet can safely confirm pregnancy and guide you on how best to care for her throughout each stage. 

Confirming pregnancy

If you suspect your dog is pregnant, your vet can confirm this using several methods:

• Ultrasound scan: This is the most reliable method and can detect pregnancy from around 25 days after mating. Ultrasound allows your vet to check the puppies' heartbeats and assess their development.
• Blood test: A blood test measuring the hormone relaxin can confirm pregnancy from around 25-30 days. However, false negatives can occur if the test is done too early or if your dog is carrying only one or two puppies.
• Abdominal palpation: Between three and five weeks, your vet may be able to feel the developing puppies by gently examining your dog's abdomen. This requires expertise and isn't always conclusive.
• X-ray: During the final two weeks of pregnancy (around day 45 onwards), an X-ray can accurately count the number of puppies, as their skeletal structures become visible. This helps you know how many puppies to expect during whelping.

Important: Never attempt to feel for puppies yourself, as incorrect handling could harm the developing puppies or even cause a miscarriage.

Ongoing vet care during pregnancy

Throughout the pregnancy you need to consult with the vet regarding nutritional information, exercise, and how best to care for your dog. The visits will be useful for treating any other ailments or conditions she might have, keeping her healthy and happy as her pregnancy progresses.

Remember to speak to your vet before using any flea and worming treatments at this time.

When to contact your vet if you’re worried

Most dog pregnancies progress without problems, but contact your vet immediately if:

• Your dog shows prolonged vomiting, weight loss, or seems unwell at any stage
• There's any unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• You suspect she may have had a miscarriage

If during labour and delivery:

• She's been straining for more than 30 minutes without producing a puppy
• More than two hours pass between puppies during labour
• She seems in severe pain, is excessively panting, or collapses
• A puppy appears stuck in the birth canal

If you’re worried but not sure whether an emergency trip to the vet is needed, an online vet consultation service like Joii Pet Care can offer reassurance and guidance. 

Animal Friends customers can access free 24/7 video consultations, and the service is also available to non-customers for a fee.

Appetite and nutrition advice for pregnant dogs

Your bitch could experience a loss of appetite during the early stages, or at the end of the pregnancy before birth. Consult your vet if any concerns arise about your dog’s appetite at any point during the pregnancy. 

In the third or fourth week of pregnancy, your dog may experience morning sickness that can affect their appetite and eating habits. It typically only lasts for a few days. Some dogs don’t vomit very much and others don’t at all.

During and after the fifth week of pregnancy, your bitch will need more food to ensure the growing puppies are receiving all of the nourishment they require. She will also need more protein in her diet. Switch to a high-quality dog food or a diet specifically formulated for pregnant and lactating dogs; these will provide the extra calories and nutrients she needs.

Caution: Overfeeding can cause excessive weight gain, so seek advice from your vet about how much food to give your furry friend. They will be able to calculate exactly how much she and her puppies need. 

By the final stages of pregnancy, your dog will usually need around one and a half to twice her usual food intake to support her growing puppies. As her tummy gets bigger and space gets tighter, switching to smaller, more frequent meals can help keep her comfortable and well nourished. 

Once the puppies arrive and she begins nursing, her energy needs jump up again; sometimes to two to four times her normal pre-pregnancy diet. This is completely normal – feeding hungry pups is hard work! 

Should I give my dog supplements?

Research shows that most healthy pregnant dogs get all the nutrients they need from a balanced, high-quality complete diet designed for growth or reproduction. Adding supplements without veterinary guidance isn’t recommended, as excess calcium or vitamins can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and after birth.

So, stick to a balanced, high-quality food and avoid adding supplements unless your vet specifically advises them, as they’ll know exactly what’s best for mum and her little ones!

Can I exercise my pregnant dog?

Yes, gentle exercise is beneficial during pregnancy and helps keep your dog fit for labour. Let her set the pace, avoid strenuous activity or rough play (especially from week eight onward), and stick to calm, regular walks with plenty of rest.

How do I prepare for my dog giving birth?

Before your dog gives birth, set up a whelping box where she can safely deliver and care for her puppies. The box should be large enough for her to stretch out with all her puppies, with sides high enough to keep puppies contained and protected from draughts, but low enough for her to step in and out easily. A puppy rail (also called a pig or bumper rail) can help prevent puppies from being accidentally crushed.

Place the box in a quiet, warm, and familiar area of your home where your dog feels secure and won’t be disturbed. Line it with newspapers or puppy training pads, which are absorbent and easy to replace as she begins nesting. 

Set the whelping box up at least two weeks before the due date and encourage your dog to sleep in it beforehand. Have clean towels, a safe heat source for newborn puppies, puppy milk formula, and your vet’s emergency contact details ready.

As the due date approaches, watch for signs of labour such as nesting behaviour, restlessness, and a drop in body temperature of around 1°C.

How long does dog labour last?

The first stage of labour (contractions and cervix dilation) can last 6-12 hours, though some dogs may experience this stage for up to 24 hours. During active labour, puppies are typically born 30-60 minutes apart, though gaps of up to two hours between puppies can be normal. The entire birthing process can take anywhere from a few hours to over 24 hours depending on litter size.

How many puppies can a dog have?

Litter size varies by breed and dog size. Smaller dogs typically have between one and four puppies, while medium-sized breeds average four to eight, and larger breeds may produce eight or more.

Final tips 

As a responsible pet owner who wants the best for their dog, you need to do everything you can to make her pregnancy happy, healthy, and successful.

Follow all of the vet’s advice you are given, and keep household stress as minimal as possible. Your vet will likely recommend a worming regimen for the bitch, starting from around day 40 of gestation (pregnancy) until the second day after the delivery of all puppies.

You can also explore our wider dog health advice for guidance on common conditions and symptoms.

Related resources:

• Get prepared for puppies
• Dog breed guides
• Dog training and behaviour