Dog Pregnancy

The total gestation length for a dog is between 58 - 68 days with the average being 63 days.
 

Week 1 (Days 0–7): Mating and Fertilisation

Mother: No visible changes. Behaviour remains normal.

Puppies: Eggs are fertilised and travel to the uterus.

Note: Keep her on a normal diet and exercise regime.

Week 2 (Days 8–14): Early Cell Division

Mother: No physical changes yet. May become slightly quieter or more affectionate.

Puppies: Rapid cell division. Embryos move towards the uterine horns.

Week 3 (Days 15–21): Implantation

Mother: Slight decrease in appetite. Slight nipple enlargement possible.

Puppies: Embryos implant in the uterine lining. Development of the brain, spinal cord, and organs begins.

Note: Start providing high-quality puppy or pregnancy food.

 Week 4 (Days 22–28): Organ Formation

Mother: Possible morning sickness (vomiting or loss of appetite). Abdomen may start to firm slightly.

Puppies: Major organs forming. Embryos now around 14–15mm long (about the size of a small grape).

Note: Schedule an Ultrasound Scan appointment with us for the following week where we will be able to confirm the pregnancy.

Week 5 (Days 29–35): Puppy Features Forming

Mother: Clear weight gain. Increased appetite.

Puppies: Developing paws, claws, and whiskers. Gender can be distinguished internally.

Note: Increase food portions with high-calorie intake. Avoid strenuous exercise.

Week 6 (Days 36–42): Visible Pregnancy

Mother: Abdomen enlarges significantly. Mammary glands enlarge and may produce early milk (colostrum).

Puppies: Foetal skeletons ossify (harden). Fur and distinct puppy features develop.

Week 7 (Days 43–49): Final Growth Phase

Mother: Shedding hair around nipples to prepare for feeding. Nesting behaviour begins such as digging bedding and becoming restless.

Puppies: Gaining strength. Getting into birthing position within the uterus.

Week 8 (Days 50–57): Preparing for Whelping

Mother: Milk production increases. Appetite may decrease slightly. Nesting intensifies.

Puppies: Fully formed and just growing bigger.

Note: Set up the whelping area fully. Monitor her closely for signs of early labour.

Week 9 (Days 58–68): Whelping

Mother: Body temperature drops (below 37.2°C) about 24 hours before labour. Signs of labour: panting, pacing, digging and refusal to eat.

Puppies: Ready to be born.

Note: Have emergency vet contact handy in case assistance is needed during whelping.

Basic Whelping Supplies

Whelping Box
Provides a safe, contained space for the mother to give birth and care for her puppies.

Clean Towels and Blankets
Useful for drying puppies and keeping the whelping area clean and warm.

Heating Pad or Heat Lamp (for Puppies)
Helps maintain the puppies' body temperature, especially if the mother is away.

Disposable Gloves
For hygiene during the birthing process.

Sterilised Scissors and Dental Floss
For cutting and tying umbilical cords if necessary.

Digital scales for Weighing Puppies
Monitoring weight gain is crucial for assessing puppy health.

Notepad for Recording Weights and Times
Keeping detailed records helps track each puppy's development.

Puppy Milk Replacer (in case needed)
Essential if the mother is unable to nurse.

Bulb Syringe (for Clearing Airways)
Helps remove mucus from the puppies' airways to ensure they can breathe properly.

Thermometer (for Mum)
Monitoring the mother's temperature can help predict labour onset.