Dog Pregnancy Calculator

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A dog that bred on 5 Sep 2024 has an approximate due date of

Thursday, November 7, 2024

The due date could fall between 2 Nov and 12 Nov. Learn more about the Key Gestation Milestones.

63 Days Until Birth
Photo of calculator author Wes NolteCreated by Wes Nolte.Last updated May 13, 2024.

Dog Gestation Milestones

Here's a list of key milestones in dog pregnancy, broken down by stages:

PhaseTimeCharacteristics
Fertilization and Early PregnancyWeeks 1-2 Starting 5 Sep
  • Mating and Fertilization: Successful mating leads to fertilization.
  • Embryo Formation: Fertilized eggs form embryos and travel to the uterus.
Embryo ImplantationWeek 3 Starting 20 Sep
  • Implantation: Embryos implant in the uterine lining.
  • Early Signs of Pregnancy: Slight behavioral changes might be noticeable.
Fetal DevelopmentWeek 4 Starting 27 Sep
  • Veterinary Confirmation: A vet can confirm pregnancy through palpation or ultrasound.
  • Visible Physical Changes: Enlargement and darkening of nipples; slight abdominal enlargement.
Rapid Growth PeriodWeeks 5-6 Starting 27 Sep
  • Ultrasound Viability: Heartbeats are detectable via ultrasound.
  • Significant Physical Changes: Noticeable increase in the mother's abdominal size; increased appetite.
Preparation for BirthWeek 7 Starting 18 Oct
  • Fetal Development Completion: Puppies develop most features by now.
  • Nesting Behavior: The mother may start looking for a place to give birth.
Pre-Labor StageWeek 8 Starting 25 Oct
  • X-ray Viability: An X-ray can show the number of puppies.
  • Physical Readiness: The mother's body prepares for labor; she may show signs of discomfort.
Final Week and LaborWeek 9 Starting 8 Nov
  • Labor Signs: Restlessness, nesting, loss of appetite, temperature drop.
  • Labor and Delivery: The onset of labor leading to the birth of puppies.
Post-Birth7 Nov
  • Immediate Postpartum: Ensuring all puppies are nursing and the mother is caring for them.
  • Veterinary Check-up: Post-birth check-up for mother and puppies.
Additional Milestones
  • Health Monitoring: Regular health check-ups throughout pregnancy.
  • Diet and Nutrition Adjustment: Increased and adjusted feeding as the pregnancy progresses.
  • Whelping Box Preparation: Setting up a comfortable birthing area before the due date.

How Do You Calculate a Dog's Due Date?

3 puppies sitting on the grass on a sunny day looking at the camera

Calculating a dog's due date primarily revolves around the date of mating since the exact moment of ovulation can be difficult to determine. Here's a simple step-by-step process to calculate a dog's due date:

  1. Determine the Date of Mating: Record the date(s) when the dog was bred. If there were multiple matings, note all the dates.
  2. Understand the Average Gestation Period: The average gestation period for a dog is about 63 days (or approximately 9 weeks), but it can range between 58 and 68 days.
  3. Use the First Mating Date as a Starting Point: If you know only one mating date, use this date. If there are multiple mating dates, you can either use the first date or an average of the dates for a rough estimate. Using the first mating date is commonly advised for simplicity.
  4. Add 63 Days to the Mating Date: Count 63 days forward from the mating date to estimate the due date.
  5. Consider the Range: Keep in mind the normal variation in gestation length (58 to 68 days). This means the dog could deliver a few days before or after the calculated due date.
  6. Monitor for Signs of Approaching Labor: As the estimated due date approaches, look for signs of labor like nesting behavior, restlessness, or loss of appetite.

Pregnancy Durations For Different Dog Breeds

Tabulating the pregnancy duration for different dog breeds isn't meaningful because the gestation period for dogs is generally consistent across breeds. However, there can be slight variations based on size and breed characteristics. The average gestation period for all dogs is about 63 days (or 9 weeks), but it can range from 58 to 68 days.

A table showing canine gestation length by size is better because size is a more relevant factor than breed in determining slight variations in gestation length:

Where:

  1. Small Breeds: Includes breeds like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Dachshunds.
  2. Medium Breeds: Includes breeds like Beagles, Bulldogs, and Cocker Spaniels.
  3. Large Breeds: Includes breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds.
  4. Giant Breeds: Includes breeds like Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Saint Bernards.

Dog Pregnancy Reference Table

Below is a reference table showing the due date for all days of the year.