Dog Pregnancy Week-by-Week Timeline (With Symptoms)
A complete week-by-week guide to dog pregnancy, including early symptoms, fetal development, and your care checklist. Updated for 2025, with clear signs and tips for every stage.
A dog’s pregnancy typically lasts around 63 days (9 weeks), but symptoms and physical changes appear gradually and can vary from dog to dog. Whether you’re a breeder or your dog became pregnant unexpectedly, understanding the timeline helps ensure a healthy pregnancy and birth.
This updated 2025 week-by-week guide explains all the symptoms, developmental stages, and care tips you need to know. For an estimated due date, try the Dog Pregnancy Calculator.
How Long Are Dogs Pregnant?
Dogs are typically pregnant for 58–68 days, with the average pregnancy lasting about 63 days from conception. Small variations happen depending on:
- The dog’s size
- Breed differences
- Number of puppies
- Ovulation timing
Because exact conception can be difficult to determine, breeders estimate due dates using heat cycle timing or a calculator like the Dog Pregnancy Calculator.
Dog Pregnancy Week-by-Week Timeline
Below is a complete breakdown of each week, including symptoms in the mother and puppy development milestones.
📅 Week 1 (Days 0–7): Fertilization
- Fertilization occurs after mating
- No visible changes in behavior or appetite
- Normal activity and energy levels
Puppy development: Cells begin dividing and forming early embryos.
📅 Week 2 (Days 7–14): Early Cell Development
- No noticeable symptoms yet
- Some dogs experience mild tiredness
- Continue regular diet and activity
Puppy development: Embryos travel into the uterus for implantation.
📅 Week 3 (Days 14–21): Implantation
- Mild morning sickness may begin
- Slight appetite decrease
- Nipples may become slightly pinker
Puppy development: Embryos implant into the uterine lining.
📅 Week 4 (Days 21–28): Early Pregnancy Confirmed
- Nipples enlarge
- Mild discharge may appear
- Possible behavior changes (clinginess or moodiness)
At this stage, a veterinarian can confirm pregnancy via ultrasound. Weight gain should remain minimal.
📅 Week 5 (Days 28–35): Rapid Fetal Growth
- Visible weight gain begins
- Increased appetite
- Belly starts to round out
Puppy development: Organs begin forming, and fetuses grow rapidly.
📅 Week 6 (Days 35–42): Body Changes Intensify
- Belly becomes noticeably larger
- Nipples darken and enlarge
- Milk glands begin forming
Puppy development: Coat and bone structure start forming.
📅 Week 7 (Days 42–49): Nesting Instincts Begin
- Mother may start nesting behavior
- Reduced appetite as belly expands
- Can feel puppy movement when touching the abdomen
📅 Week 8 (Days 49–56): Preparing for Labor
- Significant belly enlargement
- Milk production begins
- Restlessness or pacing
- Nesting intensifies
Puppy development: Puppies reach full size and position for birth.
📅 Week 9 (Days 56–63): Labor Approaching
- Drop in body temperature to ~98°F (36.7°C)
- Panting or trembling
- Refusal to eat
- Seeking isolation
Birth is typically within 24 hours after the temperature drop.
Dog Pregnancy Care Timeline
| Week | Owner Checklist |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Maintain normal exercise; no diet changes yet. |
| 3–4 | Monitor appetite; book a vet ultrasound. |
| 5–6 | Increase calorie intake slightly; reduce intense exercise. |
| 7–8 | Prepare whelping box; track weight and behavior. |
| 9 | Monitor temperature twice daily; watch for labor signs. |
Early Pregnancy Symptoms in Dogs
- Reduced appetite or mild nausea
- Increased affection or clinginess
- Slight nipple enlargement
- Mild fatigue
Early signs are easy to miss. Confirmation is best done via ultrasound around Day 25–30.
Late Pregnancy Symptoms in Dogs
- Large, firm abdomen
- Milk production
- Nesting behavior
- Heavy panting
- Low appetite before labor
How to Use the Dog Pregnancy Calculator
You can estimate your dog’s due date using:
- The first mating date
- The ovulation window
- Veterinarian-confirmed conception timing
Try the Dog Pregnancy Calculator to get:
- Estimated due date
- Current pregnancy stage
- Weekly development breakdown
When to Call a Veterinarian
- Green or foul-smelling discharge
- No puppies after strong contractions for 30+ minutes
- More than 2 hours between puppies
- Extreme lethargy or collapse
These can indicate an emergency like uterine inertia or puppy distress.
Conclusion
A dog’s pregnancy is an exciting but delicate 9-week journey. Understanding the week-by-week changes helps you provide proper care, prepare for labor, and spot issues early.
For an estimated due date and pregnancy tracking, use the Dog Pregnancy Calculator.
FAQ
How long is a dog pregnant?
Most dogs are pregnant for about 63 days, though anywhere from 58–68 days is normal.
What are early signs of pregnancy in dogs?
Reduced appetite, mild nausea, enlarged nipples, and increased affection are common early symptoms.
When can a vet confirm pregnancy?
Pregnancy is usually confirmed by ultrasound between Days 25–30.
What are signs labor is starting?
A temperature drop below 98°F, nesting, panting, trembling, and refusal to eat are common signs labor is near.