Dog Pregnancy Calculator Week by Week: A Complete Guide for Pet Parents
Welcoming puppies is thrilling! Explore the 63-day dog pregnancy journey and find out how to prepare for the delightful chaos of tiny paws at home.
Admin
8/13/20254 min read
This dog pregnancy calculator week-by-week guide will break down what’s happening inside your furry mama, from the first signs of pregnancy to the grand finale (a.k.a. the whelping process). We’ll cover symptoms, care tips, and even some weird-but-normal things that might freak you out (spoiler: green discharge is a thing).
So grab a coffee, maybe some treats for the expecting mom, and let’s dive in.
How Long Are Dogs Pregnant?
First things first—dog pregnancies are short. Like, "blink-and-you’ll-miss-it" short. On average:
- Gestation period: 63 days (9 weeks)
- Range: 58–68 days (small breeds tend to deliver earlier, large breeds later)
Unlike humans, dogs don’t get a leisurely 9-month bake time. Their pregnancies are more of a sprint than a marathon, which means you’ll need to keep a close eye on your pup as D-day (Delivery Day) approaches.
### Dog Pregnancy Timeline: Week-by-Week Breakdown
To make things easier, we’ll track the pregnancy week by week, including physical changes, behavior shifts, and vet checkup reminders.
Week 1-2: The Mystery Phase
What’s happening?
- After mating, sperm meets egg, and fertilization happens.
- The fertilized eggs travel to the uterus but haven’t implanted yet.
What you’ll notice:
- Absolutely nothing. Seriously, your dog is just living her best life.
- Some dogs might have a slight "mating hangover" (extra naps, mild moodiness).
What to do:
- Keep her routine normal.
- Avoid strenuous exercise (no doggy CrossFit just yet).
Week 3: Implantation Begins
What’s happening?
- The embryos implant into the uterine lining.
- Hormone levels (progesterone, relaxin) start rising.
What you’ll notice:
- Slight appetite changes (some dogs eat more, others less).
- Nipple darkening (they might look a little pinker).
- Morning sickness? Rare, but some dogs get mild nausea.
What to do:
- Schedule a vet visit around Day 25–30 for a palpation test (the vet can feel tiny lumps in the uterus).
Week 4: Puppy Shapes Forming
What’s happening?
- Embryos develop into tiny fetuses.
- Organs, spines, and facial features start forming.
What you’ll notice:
- Weight gain (but not much—maybe 10% more than usual).
- Increased thirst (pregnancy = extra fluids needed).
- Behavior changes: Some dogs get clingy; others want space.
What to do:
- Switch to high-quality puppy food (more calories & nutrients).
- No more belly rubs? Some dogs become protective of their midsection.
Week 5: The "Is She Pregnant or Just Chunky?" Phase
What’s happening?
- Puppies grow rapidly (now about the size of walnuts).
- Fur, claws, and whiskers begin developing.
What you’ll notice:
- Visible belly growth (bye-bye, waistline).
- Nipples enlarge and may leak a little (totally normal).
- Increased appetite (she’s eating for 5+ now).
What to do:
- Ultrasound time! (Day 28–35) to confirm pregnancy & count puppies.
- Smaller, frequent meals to prevent bloating.
Week 6: Wiggly Little Beans
What’s happening?
- Puppies’ skeletons harden.
- They start moving (but you won’t feel it yet).
What you’ll notice:
- Major belly expansion (hello, beach ball dog).
- Less energy—she may waddle instead of run.
- Nesting instincts kick in (shredding blankets, rearranging beds).
What to do:
- Set up a whelping box (a safe, cozy spot for delivery).
- Avoid jumping or rough play (protect those growing pups).
Week 7: Hair Everywhere & X-Ray Time
What’s happening?
- Puppies now have fur!
- Their organs are fully developed.
What you’ll notice:
- Hair loss around the belly (hormones = weird shedding).
- Milk production starts (nipples may leak colostrum).
- Restlessness (she’s preparing mentally for labor).
What to do:
- X-ray at the vet (Day 45+) to count puppies and check positioning.
- Start taking her temperature twice daily (normal: 101–102.5°F; a drop to 98–99°F means labor is 24 hours away).
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Week 8: The Home Stretch
What’s happening?
- Puppies are fully formed, just putting on weight.
- They’re now crowding Mom’s organs (hence the constant peeing).
What you’ll notice:
- Huge belly and waddling (walking is a struggle).
- Loss of appetite (pressure on the stomach = less room for food).
- Nesting intensifies (digging, panting, rearranging).
What to do:
- Keep her calm (no stress before labor).
- Prepare your whelping kit (towels, gloves, puppy scales, emergency vet number).
Week 9: Let the Puppy Party Begin!
What’s happening?
- Puppies are ready to arrive any day.
What you’ll notice:
- Temperature drop (labor is near!).
- Restlessness, panting, and vomiting (normal pre-labour signs).
- Contractions begin (she may whine or pace).
What to do:
- Stay calm and supervise (most dogs handle labor like champs).
- Call the vet if:
- No puppy after 2 hours of active labor.
- She’s straining with no results.
- Green discharge appears before the first puppy (could indicate distress).
Post-Birth: What Now?
Once the puppies arrive:
Let Mom clean them (she’ll chew off umbilical cords).
Ensure all placentas are passed (count them—should match puppy count).
Keep the area warm & quiet (stress is bad for nursing).
Final Thoughts
Tracking your dog’s pregnancy week by week ensures you’re prepared for every step, from the first suspicious nipple change to the chaotic joy of newborn puppies.
Pro Tip: Bookmark this guide (or print it, because let’s be real, your phone will die at the worst moment). And remember, while nature usually handles things just fine, always have your vet on speed dial—because puppies, like toddlers, have a knack for drama.
Now go spoil that mama dog—she’s earned it. 🐾
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