How long are dogs pregnant?
Pregnancy in dogs lasts about 63 days from ovulation, but the observable window from breeding is wider: 58-68 days is considered normal. The difference comes from sperm surviving several days and from the gap between mating and ovulation.
Because the range is wide, a single breeding date is only an estimate. Your vet can narrow it down with an ultrasound around day 25-30 or an X-ray after day 45, when puppies’ skeletons are visible.
A simple care timeline
Confirmation usually happens at the first ultrasound. From there, your vet will advise on nutrition, parasite prevention and exercise. Most pregnant dogs do well on their regular complete diet for the first few weeks, then move to a growth or puppy formula as energy needs rise.
- Week 1-4: confirm pregnancy with your vet; avoid unnecessary medication.
- Week 5: increase calories gradually; set up a quiet nesting area.
- Week 6-7: X-ray can count puppies; keep her exercise gentle.
- Week 8-9: take her temperature daily if your vet recommends it; watch for labour signs.
Warning signs during labour
Call your vet if she has strong contractions for more than 30 minutes without a puppy, if more than 2-3 hours pass between puppies with no progress, if a puppy is visibly stuck, or if she is bleeding heavily. A green discharge before the first puppy can also signal an emergency.
This tool is for planning, not for breeding advice. Breeding should involve health screening, a vet check and a plan for the puppies before mating, not after.