Welcoming the pitter-patter of tiny paws into your home is an exciting time for you and your dog. Find out how to spot the signs of a pregnant dog and how long dogs are pregnant for here.
Whether you’re in the early stages of planning your dog’s pregnancy or you think your dog is already expecting, the Purina PetCare team will guide you through the signs and tell you all about the dog gestation period. Being prepared will help to make your dog’s pregnancy as simple and stress-free as possible for her – and you.
Female dogs are able to get pregnant when they come into season, which, after their first season, happens about once every 6-7 months. This fertile period is also known as ‘being in heat’ and lasts for up to three weeks.
The early part of your bitch’s season is designed to attract suitors but she will not be ready to mate. This means she is likely to get into altercations with amorous males, who will be strongly attracted to her and can be very persistent! It can even put you in danger if you try to intercede. It is only later in her season when she will be receptive – and often extremely enthusiastic to accept their attentions.
This means that you may need to adjust your walking routine to avoid other dogs, and definitely keep her on a lead throughout her season.
Breeding should always be planned well in advance, and you want to avoid any accidents – which can happen in seconds.
As pregnancy can be expensive, emotional and not without health risks, breeding is often best left to the experts. If you have no plans to breed from your dog, you may want to consider getting your dog neutered. Talk to your vet about this and see our neutering your dog page for more information.
How long are dogs pregnant?
The dog gestation period usually lasts between 61 and 65 days, but you may not notice any obvious physical changes in your dog until they are already well into their term. There’s no such thing as an at-home dog pregnancy test, so you’ll have to look out for common dog pregnancy signs yourself.
"Expecting puppies is exciting, but can be a strain on your dog. The Purina Pet Care Team make sure you have all the information you need to help keep mum healthy during this time."
What are the signs of dog pregnancy?
If your dog is pregnant, you may notice the following symptoms.
- A slight mucus discharge may occur around one month after mating.
- Her teats may become more prominent in colour and size around 30 days after mating, and you may also see them produce a semi-clear fluid.
- Similar to our “morning sickness”, your dog may vomit a little in the early stages of pregnancy. If this continues, or you have any concerns, speak to your vet.
- She will start to gain weight from around day 35 of her pregnancy, which will gradually increase by up to 50% above normal.
- You should be able to notice her swollen tummy from around day 40, although first-time mums, and bitches carrying a small litter, may not show as much.
- She may act a little quieter than usual, or her appetite might drop in the early stages. These signs can also indicate a problem, so speak to your vet if you’re concerned.
- Your pregnant dog’s appetite will increase in the second half of pregnancy, so be prepared to change her diet accordingly.
When does a pregnant dog start to show?
A pregnant dog doesn’t typically show physical signs of pregnancy until about day 40 of pregnancy. Around this time, her belly will begin to noticeably expand, continuing to do so for around three weeks. Her nipples will also enlarge and in the final week of pregnancy, she may leak milk.
Is your dog pregnant? Dog pregnancy diagnosis
Your vet can confirm a pregnancy with either a dog pregnancy test, which measures her hormone levels, from days 21-25 of her term, or by ultrasound from day 20-22. From around day 30 your vet will be able to carry out a physical examination to count how many puppies your dog is having.
This may not always be accurate, so be aware that you could have more puppies on the way than you thought!
What to do when your dog goes into labour
Although your dog should be able to handle pregnancy and labour herself, being on stand-by to offer soothing words can put them at ease, and also allow you to step in should anything unexpected happen. You should also let your vet know so they know to be on stand-by.
Your pregnant dog will give you plenty of hints to let you know their labour is beginning and the pups are on their way. But if you want to find out more, read our guide to things to look out for during dog labour.
You may notice your bitch looking for somewhere quiet to give birth towards the end of her pregnancy – although she may have started nesting earlier. You can help her by creating a ‘nest’ in a quiet, warm area where she is comfortable. Read tips for a healthy pregnancy for more advice on caring for your pregnant bitch.
In most cases, dogs deliver puppies smoothly and you shouldn’t have to interfere. However sometimes things don’t go so smoothly. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately:
- Straining but no pup – if your dog has been straining for 20+ mins without producing a puppy there could be a problem that will need veterinary attention.
- Discoloured discharge.
- Bleeding – anything more than a few drops of blood or slightly bloody discharge is abnormal.
- Exhaustion – if labour goes on for a long time, she could become exhausted and stop straining.
- Stuck puppy – sometimes large puppies or puppies delivered backwards can get stuck and she will need vet help.
- If she gives birth to any dead puppies or any of the puppies seem unwell in any way.
- Also if she goes more than a few days over her due date (72 days).
Now you know all about dog gestation periods and what pregnancy signs to look out for. Want more advice on dog pregnancy? Read our guide to feeding your dog during pregnancy, next.
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