Has your dog been eating too many scraps, or could that growing belly mean she is pregnant?! Before we get too excited about an adorable litter of puppies, we need to support our dog who is about to be a mother. What are the best ways to care and comfort our dog during pregnancy? Canine experts have researched what to expect when our dog is expecting so we can be the best dog caretaker (and future puppy grandparent!) to our best friend.
Dog Pregnancy Timeline or “Gestation Period”
Lucky dog! The length of a dog’s pregnancy may shock you. While human pregnancy can last from 9-10 months, a dog’s pregnancy is a fraction of that time. Dog pregnancy (or gestation period) lasts between 57 and 72 days, and average around 63 days or 9 weeks. If you want to learn more about the dog pregnancy timeline or breeding dogs in general, there are helpful resources written by veterinarians, like The Complete Book of Dog Breeding: The A-Z of Canine Breeding, Including How and When to Breed Dogs, Pregnancy, Puppy Care, Registration, and More.
Dog Pregnancy Signs Week by Week
There are a few milestones we can follow during course of the 9-week gestation period. Read on to learn more about signs and symptoms of pregnancy during each phase of a dog’s pregnancy.
- Weeks 1 to 3: Cue the morning sickness! After fertilization of the eggs, the growing embryos may impact your dog’s energy levels and appetite. You may notice increased food sensitivities in your dog. Vomiting may occur, and your dog may need additional rest and relaxation. If you suspect your dog may be pregnant, a veterinarian can detect early pregnancy with an ultrasound or blood test.
- Weeks 4 to 6: Dogs continue to gain weight and begin to swell around their midsection. Week 5 is when embryos change into fetuses. A veterinarian will be able to detect the puppies heartbeats around 25 weeks. You may notice appetite increase around this stage of pregnancy because puppies will begin to develop quickly! The pregnant dog’s nipples will enlarge and darken. You may even notice a pregnant dog’s nipples leak colostrum, or “first milk” which will allow them to nurse their puppies after birth.
- Weeks 7 to 9: Symptoms of pregnancy are the most obvious. Your dog’s caloric consumption will increase between 25-50% to allow puppies the most nutrients to grow prior to birth. Week 9 is when puppies will make their appearance! “Whelping” (or labor) is when a dog gives birth to puppies. Labor can be anticipated by taking your dog’s temperature. A dog’s average temperature ranges between 99-102 degrees, but their temperature will drop a few degrees when labor is imminent.
Caring for Your Dog During Pregnancy
Your dog will be growing fast during pregnancy. There are ways to keep them comfortable and relaxed during the process, and also prepare for birth! The most important part of your dog’s pregnancy is to find a veterinarian you trust to support you in the process. Some veternarians may or may not be interested in supporting in this process, so it’s important to ask as soon as you confirm the dog’s pregnancy. Whether or not you will help your dog give birth, it is important to have a professional to contact in case of questions or an emergency.
Supplies During Dog Pregnancy
The second big question is for you! Will you be the one to help deliver puppies into the world? If so, it is helpful to have supplies. This 52-piece Puppy Whelping Kit plus Scale and Bottle Feeding Supplies can support you in the process of your dog giving birth. Also, dogs need a cozy place to give birth that feels contained and comfortable. This sturdy Whelping Box can serve as a safe and contained space for your dog to give birth and also stay close to her pups. If you feel additional separation may be helpful, there are 2-room Whelping Boxes as well. Some may want to cuddle and sleep, while others may be more curious and explorative! So it’s helpful to have larger spaces as puppies grow and begin to move around.
To learn more about puppy development, check out Outdoor Dog World’s post titled “How To Potty Train a Puppy” or “When Do Puppies Open Their Eyes?“
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