Whether it’s a Great Dane or the tiny Chihuahua, the gestation period in dogs is the same—approximately nine weeks. Pregnancy in dogs (all breeds) lasts about 60 to 64 days. The canine reproductive life varies greatly between breeds, especially when it comes to the onset of puberty. Small breed dogs typically begin having estrus (heat) cycles earlier, around 4 to 6 months of age, while large breeds typically start later, between 12 to 24 months of age. The estrus cycles can vary between individual dogs, typically lasting 7 to 10 days. Some dogs may cycle as briefly as 2 days, while others may cycle as long as 21 days. Female dogs cycle throughout their lives; they do not experience menopause (the cessation of reproductive cycles due to age) as human females do.
Gestation is the period when the young are developing in the mother’s uterus. In dogs, gestation usually lasts for about 9 weeks (63 days), although puppies may be delivered between 58 and 68 days.
Signs of Pregnancy in Dogs
There are no practical blood or urine tests available to confirm pregnancy in dogs. The earliest possible diagnosis may occur 26 to 35 days after breeding when a veterinarian can sometimes detect pregnancy by palpating the abdomen. Radiographs (x-rays) are usually effective for diagnosis after 45 days.
During the first 5 weeks of pregnancy, there are few noticeable changes. After the fifth week, weight gain becomes more apparent, especially with large litters. If only 1 or 2 puppies are present, the mother may gain little weight until shortly before birth. Abdominal enlargement is generally noticeable in the last 3 weeks.
From the fifth week onward, the nipples and mammary glands increase in size and become darker in preparation for breastfeeding. Your dog may seem a little quieter than usual, but aside from this, there are usually no other visible signs of pregnancy until the sixth or seventh week. At this point, the abdomen begins to expand as the puppies grow larger. The dog may need to urinate more often than usual. By the eighth week, the dog’s breasts will become significantly larger, and they may start secreting a whitish, transparent liquid. If the liquid has a normal appearance, there’s no cause for concern.
Two weeks before the scheduled delivery date, it’s important to decide where the puppies will be born and have all necessary equipment ready. While the delivery date typically doesn’t vary more than one or two days before or after, it’s always possible for the puppies to arrive a week early, in the middle of the night, or in an unexpected location. Make sure to keep a close eye on your dog as the delivery date approaches, especially if the pregnancy has been difficult, as she may attempt to go off on her own to give birth.
During pregnancy, the female dog may show a change in behavior, particularly in the last few weeks. As the uterus enlarges with the developing puppies, your dog may become restless, seek seclusion, and may even soil the house. In the final weeks, she might shred papers, blankets, or bedding as part of her “nest building” instinct. During the last two weeks, your dog may become irritable and should be given space, especially around small children.
Good nutrition is essential for healthy puppies and mothers. During the first 4 weeks of pregnancy, nutritional needs change little. However, feeding high-protein foods, such as eggs, lean meats, or liver, is a good practice. In the last 5 weeks, your dog’s nutritional needs nearly double, so fresh water should always be available to meet the increased fluid demand. Your veterinarian may recommend a special diet or vitamins.
Female dogs that are not mated during their heat cycles may suffer from false pregnancies 8 to 9 weeks after the heat has ended. In these cases, the dog’s body prepares for delivery, even though it is not actually pregnant. Some dogs may dig in the earth, prepare nests, and even collect toys or other objects, defending them as if they were real puppies. Some may even produce milk. False pregnancies are not harmful to a dog’s health and usually last no more than 4 days, but they can cause distress and recur with each heat cycle. If this happens, consult your veterinarian for advice on how to manage and possibly prevent these episodes in the future.
