Free Tool
Dog Pregnancy Calculator
Calculate your dog's due date and whelping timeline.
Enter your dog's mating date to estimate her due date. Dogs are pregnant for an average of 63 days (typically 57–65 days) — use our free calculator to track every stage of your dog's pregnancy.
Please choose a valid mating date.
- Days pregnant
- Days remaining
- Current week
- Current stage
Based on an average 63-day gestation. Actual delivery commonly falls within 57–65 days, so treat this date as a target window, not a guarantee.
Dog Pregnancy Timeline
Week 1–3 · Implantation
Your dog usually shows no visible changes yet. Appetite is normal or slightly reduced. Fertilized eggs implant around week 2–3. Keep her diet and exercise routine normal and avoid strenuous activity. An ultrasound from day 28–30 can confirm pregnancy.
Week 4–6 · Symptoms appear
The clearest stage: nipples enlarge and turn pink, some dogs show "morning sickness," the belly starts to round out, and appetite increases noticeably. An X-ray around day 45 can confirm puppy count and due date. Switch to a high-protein, high-energy diet with smaller, more frequent meals.
Week 7–9 · Final stretch
The abdomen is clearly enlarged. Puppy movement is often felt after day 50. Mammary glands develop further and nesting behavior may appear. Body temperature typically drops from a normal 101–102.5°F to 98–99°F about 24 hours before labor — the most reliable labor signal. Prepare a whelping box and a quiet space.
This timeline covers general, commonly cited stages of canine pregnancy. Always confirm pregnancy, puppy count and due date with your veterinarian.
Signs Your Dog Is Pregnant
- Nipple changes — around week 3–4, a pregnant dog's nipples enlarge and turn pink.
- Appetite changes — some dogs eat less early on, then noticeably more after week 4.
- Morning sickness — a few dogs vomit during early pregnancy, usually around weeks 3–4.
- Weight gain and belly growth — noticeable from week 4–5 onward.
- Lower energy — your dog may sleep more and tire faster than usual.
- Nesting behavior — in the final week, she may gather bedding or hide away in quiet spots.
Whelping Checklist
- Set up a whelping box in a quiet, warm, draft-free room.
- Take your dog's temperature daily in the final week — a drop below 99°F usually means labor begins within 24 hours.
- Have clean towels, sterile scissors and iodine ready for the birth.
- Keep your vet's emergency number on hand.
- Prepare a heat source for the puppies — newborns can't regulate their own body temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are dogs pregnant?
On average 63 days from ovulation, with a normal range of about 57–65 days (VCA). Counted from the mating date instead, the range widens to roughly 58–72 days, since mating can happen a few days before actual ovulation.
How do I know if my dog is pregnant?
Early signs include enlarged, pinker nipples and appetite changes. An ultrasound around day 28–30 can confirm pregnancy, and an X-ray around day 45 can confirm puppy count.
When can I feel puppies move?
Usually around day 50 or later (week 7–8), gently pressing on the abdomen may reveal movement.
What should I feed a pregnant dog?
Switch to a high-protein, high-energy diet (often puppy food) starting mid-pregnancy, and feed smaller, more frequent meals while keeping water available.
Can dogs have a false pregnancy?
Yes. A false (phantom) pregnancy can cause nesting, milk production and weight gain without any puppies actually present. Symptoms usually resolve on their own within 2–3 weeks — but see a vet if they persist or seem severe.
How many puppies will my dog have?
It varies a lot by breed and individual dog: small breeds average around 1–5 puppies per litter, while large breeds average 6–12. An X-ray around day 45 gives the most accurate puppy count before birth.
What are the signs of labor?
Restlessness, panting, loss of appetite, and nesting behavior are common in the final days. The most reliable signal is a drop in body temperature below 99°F — most dogs go into labor within 24 hours of that drop.