Breeding a dog entails a lot of responsibilities, and an owner should be completely ready to compromise.

If breeding your dog has been a consideration for a while or you have already gone ahead to breed, it is important to know the obligations that come alongside Pre and Post dog pregnancy. 

You should be familiar with how to go about pre-breeding screening tests, emergency C-sections, choosing a suitable mating partner for your canine and lots more. Ensuring that the puppies are well-bred after a successful birth is also vital. 

When your canine is expecting puppies, you will probably be restless, “What should I expect”? “What do you feed a pregnant dog”? “What are the signs and symptoms of dog pregnancy”?. Go ahead and read this article to have an understanding of what dog pregnancy encompasses and how you can provide quality care for your pregnant dog. 

How Long Are Dogs Pregnant For? Dog Gestation Period

The gestation period is approximately the same for all types of canine breeds. That said, depending on the breed, it is very natural for a dog’s gestation duration to vary by ten days at most. 

Generally, dogs’ gestation period lasts between 58 to 68 days, and they are pregnant for at least an average of 63 days – which is accurately 9 weeks.

You can count a dog’s gestation period from her ovulation day till the day she finally gives birth, and the gestation period is divided into 3 trimesters – exactly 21 days each -. 

Understanding Dog Pregnancy

If, as a dog owner, you have decided to breed your dog to get puppies, you may need to know all it takes to successfully breed your dog. The steps below should be taken to achieve a successful breeding/reproduction process. 

The Process Of Dog Reproduction

1. The Preparation Stage ( Tests To Determine Vaginal Sensitivity And Culture):

A vaginal swab will be performed on your female dog and tested to identify the virus or bacterial growth. This process aims to ensure that the vagina is uninfected and safe before natural mating or insemination of the semen.

Conducting a vaginal swab test serves to get rid of any microorganisms like viruses or bacteria that can kill sperm; this way, a misconception is unlikely to occur. 

Also, the stud dog will benefit from this test because he will be saved from the possibility of getting infected by the bitch through natural mating. 

The preparation stage is also important because it provides a healthy and balanced body system for the bitch to manage conception and normal pregnancy perfectly. 

If there are any infections or negative microorganisms observed, the veterinarian will determine effective antibiotics that will contribute to the wellness of the bitch. 

Be careful to administer correct antibiotics; however, because bad antibiotics may cause more harm than good, the infection might spread more too. 

2. The Ovulation Timing Stage ( A Determination Of The Perfect Mating Or Insemination Date):

The best way to determine a dog’s ovulation time is to take a great deal of progesterone ( the female dog’s hormone responsible for reproduction) blood test. 

It is generally accepted that the blood progesterone levels of a female dog can determine if ovulation is about to or has occurred. 

An accurate progesterone blood test can provide you with the perfect mating or insemination time. This test plays a role in improving the efficiency of the breeding process, and veterinarians & breeders always have 100% confidence that the stud dog and bitch are mating at the perfect time.

A veterinarian should be consulted to monitor your bitch’s progesterone level. 

3. The Semen Analysis Stage:

The stud dog should also be accurately tested; an analysis of its semen provides information on whether he is fertile enough for the process or not. 

The semen analysis process entails an evaluation of the ejaculate colour, ejaculate volume, motility and concentration of the sperm, sperm total estimate, and sperm proportion – accurately done through normal morphology -. 

Although an estimation of the sperm count is done during the semen analysis, sperm quality is still more important, whatever quantity is estimated.

The stud dog’s health, libido and well-being are also analysed during the semen analysis stage/process.

4. Natural Mating:

This is the most commonly practised mating/breeding process between dogs. The natural mating process is described as positioning a stud dog and a bitch ( on heat ) together and encouraging them to mate however they please.

Before natural mating occurs, the two dogs are not to see each other for some time, and this will ensure 100% breeding accuracy. 

5. The Insemination: 

This is another popular choice for breeders that are uninterested in the natural mating process. In this process, sperm from a stud dog – mostly frozen – is surgically implanted into the reproductive organs of a bitch on heat. 

This is usually done when she is under the influence of general anaesthesia on her ovulation day. Remember that a bitch’s ovulation day is determined by vaginal cytology and progesterone level assay. 

The insemination breeding procedure actually provides an excellent conception rate, and a large litter size is assured. 

Key Factors Influencing Canine Pregnancy

Now that you know all about the dog reproduction/breeding process, an insight into the maternal or paternal factors that may influence canine pregnancy and, possibly, the health status of her puppies/litters would be of great help too. 

Here are the key causes of canine pregnancy failure: 

• An insufficient release of the hormones that sustain a pregnancy.
• Imbalance of the thyroid ( Hyper or Hypothyroidism )
• Administration of corticosteroids during pregnancy 
• Uterine / Uterus inflammation
• Infections like canine herpesvirus or brucellosis
• A benign uterine polyp or cancerous tumour of the uterus
• Reproductive tract abnormalities ( Mostly hereditary )
• Abnormalities of the vagina. Maybe a vaginal trauma or cancer (Mostly hereditary )
• Poorly timed breeding
• Attempting to breed a sexually immature bitch
• Ovarian cyst or cancer
• Autoimmune diseases
• Irregular oestrous cycle
• E coli, renal failure, Cushing’s disease, or urea plasmolysis. 
• Malnutrition (nutritional deficiency)
• Too much physical activity
• Medications like topical or oral steroids
• Low progesterone levels

All of these factors can seriously interfere with a canine’s fertility or affect its ability to carry a pregnancy until it is time for due birth. If a dog successfully conceives regardless, the puppies are prone to inherit one or two of the hereditary diseases mentioned above. 

The Length Of Dog Pregnancy

Based on accurate research, their gestation period can vary by several days, mostly 10. A dog’s pregnancy is generally expected to last for 58 days at least and 68 days at most, with 63 days being the average number for most dogs.

Although expected to last for accurately nine months, some human pregnancies vary slightly by several days, even after nine months. 

Dogs, too, are expected to be due at exactly nine weeks, but the length of some dogs’ gestation periods still differ slightly by several days, while some become due at exactly nine weeks (63 days).

All breeders should take accurate note of when their bitch was successfully bred, then download a gestation calculator to help determine their due dates accurately.

How Pregnancy Duration Can Vary Between Different Breeds

The gestation period of a dog or any mammal is the time it takes for a foetus to develop properly. Generally, this begins with fertilisation and ends with the successful delivery of the offspring. 

Normally, veterinarians provide breeders with the date of when delivery is likely to occur; this is calculated as 63 days (nine weeks) after the beginning of a pregnancy (Conception).

Yet approximately 70% of dogs deliver at exactly 63 days, and the other 30% deliver within an extra 10 days outside of their estimated due date. 

This actually happens even if a veterinarian calculates a dog’s due date using an ultrasound machine. The gestation length of dogs varies considerably due to several factors that may have interfered with the pregnancy or the health of the bitch, and it is very normal.  

Pregnancy length can also vary between different dog breeds because of nature (heredity, genetics, the pregnancy/gestation pattern of a particular breed etc.). 

Breeders have to keep at the back of their minds that accurate calculations regarding pregnancy due dates have absolutely nothing in nature.

Read Also: Understanding Down Syndrome In Dogs: Comprehensive Guide And Care Tips

Stages Of Dog Pregnancy

The following stage-by-stage canine gestation guide will help you understand everything you need to know about puppy development. 

You will also get to better understand the changes in your dog’s behavioural patterns as she progresses through each pregnancy stage until delivery is due.

The Early Stage: Signs And Symptoms

The stages of a dog’s pregnancy encompassing pregnancy signs and symptoms are week 1 to week 4. Below is a detailed description: 

Week 1

After breeding, conception takes place; week 1 of pregnancy starts counting immediately after an egg fertilises. A breeder must not expect any behavioural & physical changes at this stage until at least week 2 to week 3. 

Week 2

Week 2 is day 8 – 14. 

On week 2, implantation occurs when the fertilised eggs finally reach the dog’s uterus. You may notice implantation bleeding, which is slightly pink ( No cause for alarm, this is normal); this is the first sign representing successful breeding. 

Some dogs may also tend to sleep a lot or become moody & overly emotional. 

Week 3

Week 3 is days 15 to 21. 

On Week 3, she may display a change in appetite, vomiting, excess need to urinate, sensitivity, developed breast tissues & more mood swings than in Week 2. 

This should not come off as a surprise since implantation has occurred and the embryo development process has started as well. 

Week 4

Week 4 is days 22 – 28. 

During week 4, you should be able to feel the fetus in the uterus, and you should also be able to see the fetus using an ultrasound machine. 

Your dog’s spinal cord will begin to develop at this stage, and the fetus will also begin to develop (Specifically facial features). The uterus of a pregnant dog is also packed with protective fluids for the fetus at this stage. 

After this process, the puppy will only be felt again after some weeks. In addition, your dog’s feeding pattern and appetite will drastically change, so it is best to offer her different varieties of healthy meals at this stage of pregnancy.

The Middle Stage: Physical And Behavioural Changes

The stages of a dog’s pregnancy encompassing physical and behavioural changes are from week 5 to week 6. Below is a detailed description: 

Week 5

Week 5 is days 29 – 35. 

During week 5 of a dog’s pregnancy, the entire organs of her fetus begin to develop, and you can tell if it is male or female with close observation (Although not accurately).

The developed features of the pups at this stage are legs, toes, nails, whiskers, eyes, nose, and buds. Your dog’s stomach will swell noticeably as its puppy takes up more space in her stomach.

Due to the fact that there is less room for heavy meals at this stage, light meals should be served frequently.

You May Like: Health Problems Common in Red Nose Pitbull

Week 6

Week 6 is days 36 – 42 

The fetus will advance continuously, and pigmentation will also begin to develop. Eyelids can be observed in this stage, but they remain closed until roughly 10 days after delivery. 

Your pregnant dog may start showing signs of discomfort and may start whelping; vomiting will also be consistent due to the pressure exerted against her stomach by the developing fetus.

Additionally, there will be a discharge of clear/transparent fluid from the canine’s vulva, and this is very normal. 

The Final Stage: Preparing For Labour And Birth

The stages of a dog’s pregnancy encompassing preparation for labour and birth are week 7 to week 9. Below is a detailed description: 

Week 7 

Week 7 is days 43 – 49. 

At week 7, the puppy is extensively developed and begins to assume the right position to prepare for delivery. This is when you can possibly feel the puppy move when you touch your dog’s abdomen. 

The breast tissues of your dog are noticeably developed at this stage and may have some breast milk in them. 

You may also observe extreme burnout or tiredness in your dog, and she may even start looking for a place she can whelp. 

At week 7, you may need to purchase a box for whelping.

Week 8

Since week 7 is days 43 – 49, week 8 is days 50 – 56. At this stage, the pup develops fur and fully envelopes the uterus. As your dog advances through this stage, some physical activity may occur.

While the fetus assumes the right position for birth, your dog will start digging bedding in the whelping box you purchased for her. Don’t worry about this behaviour; it is natural for her to nest in preparation for labour. 

Week 9 

With week 8 being days 50 – 56, week 9 is days 56 – 63. Right now, the puppy is ready for delivery and may be in a still position while they wait for labour and delivery to commence. 

A dog will appear nervous, stressed, restless and show signs of discomfort when she is ready to give birth. Labour is likely to occur during this stage. To determine if labour is due, you may begin to take temperature readings of her rectum roughly every 12 hours.

The normal temperature of a dog is 100 – 101 degrees Fahrenheit: if the temperature drops to as much as 97 – 96 degrees for two readings consecutively, labour will be due at least within the next 24 hours.

Stages Of Dog Labour

Labour occurs in three stages, and while labour takes place, a medical expert with dog labour experience should be consulted to supervise, just Incase the dog experiences labour complications. 

The First Stage Of Labour

This stage prevails for about 12 to 24 hours; during this stage, the uterus undergoes contraction but contraction may not be outwardly observed yet. The dog will be restless, reject the food, vomit too much, pant loudly or show severe signs of labour. 

The Second Stage Of Labour

During the second stage of labour, the bitch gives birth to her new puppies. If there are up to seven puppies, birthing each should take at least 30 to 60 minutes, it should not take more than two hours at most.

Breeders should take their pregnant dog for an x-ray to determine the number of pups to expect. If maybe five pups, you would know that stage two is complete once the bitch delivers all five.

The Third Stage Of Labour

The placenta is delivered from five to fifteen minutes after giving birth to the puppy, during the dog’s third stage of labour. If up to seven puppies are born, seven placentas will be delivered together.

Factors Influencing the Length of Dog Pregnancy

It is quite normal for the gestation period of different breeds to differ. Still, regardless of this being normal, understanding the different factors that make the gestation period of dogs will be of help. Let’s get right into it! 

The Main factors that contribute to the variation of gestation length in dogs are:

Dog Size / Mass

Large dogs are liable to produce large offspring, so their gestation period is usually longer. Small dogs, on the other hand, have shorter gestation periods.

The Level Of Development 

Some dogs give birth to extremely developed puppies, but their gestation periods are longer than usual. There is no cause for alarm, as this is normal.

The Number Of Prior Births 

The gestation duration of bitches that have conceived once or twice before is usually shorter than the ones who are experiencing pregnancy for the first time. 

Maternal Nutrition

The diet of a pregnant dog should be kept as balanced as possible, and this is important because malnutrition could affect the pregnancy, the gestation period, the health of the mother, & the health of her unborn puppies. 

Number Of Puppies In The Womb 

Short or long gestation durations also depend highly on the number of puppies in the womb. Literally speaking, a large litter could cause a short gestation period because plenty of puppies occupy too much space, which could cause a quick birth. 

If your bitch is pregnant with just one or two puppies, then the total gestation duration won’t exceed at least 68 days under normal health circumstances. 

The Dog’s Breed 

Although the accurate due date for dogs is within 58 – 68 days, some breeds have a very different approach to pregnancies, gestation lengths and due dates. 

The Dog’s Health 

A dog’s health, if negative, causes adverse effects on its pregnancy or gestation period. Canines require quality rest, adequate nutrition and proper exercise when pregnant. 

The Dog’s Age 

Younger dogs are strong enough to handle the responsibilities of being pregnant. Older dogs do not have it the same, and they are usually worn out and too tired to handle it until birth is due. 

Potential Complications That May Affect Pregnancy Duration

The potential reasons why a particular bitch’s puppy is overdue are usually not known by its caretaker. But here are some major causes of late delivery for dogs in general: 

• A possibility of death in the womb. The puppy may have died in the womb of its mother.
• Under-development of the offspring
• Hereditary diseases
• The puppies may be too big
• Malnutrition
• Narrow pelvis
• Disability for the uterus to contract
• The puppy may be stuck. ( Not in the right position )

How To Care For A Pregnant Dog

There are certain commitments, compromises and responsibilities that a breeder must acknowledge in order to properly care for his or her pregnant dog throughout all of its pregnancy stages. 

You must be committed to providing her with a healthy & balanced diet, you must compromise your time and money for regular veterinary check-ups and care, and you must take responsibility for her grooming and exercise needs. 

Nutrition

During pregnancy, a dog’s intake can be of great value or detrimental to her pregnancy and health. There may be no need for dog-friendly supplements because pregnancies can be sensitive to just about anything. 

As her appetite for food increases, just provide her with more of a healthy natural diet. Remember that due to pregnancy, the meals served should be easily digestible and contain protein in a higher percentage than all other classes of food present in the diet.

If you want to serve a homemade meal, eggs can be a great start to naturally boost protein and carbohydrates. To naturally boost their intake of calcium, you can serve cottage cheese in appropriate amounts to her evening meals.

There are many dog-friendly natural meals that can provide every vitamin and mineral for your pregnant dog and desist from any sort of supplements as long as she is pregnant. The potency of supplements can cause too much harm than good to your canine. 

Your dog’s veterinarian can also suggest proper meals for her based on her weight, size, age, breed & trimester stage. 

Exercise Requirements

Strenuous activities or exercises should be limited during pregnancy, especially from week 1 to week 3. Implantation takes place in week 2, and strenuous activities can integer with the process resulting in pregnancy failure. 

After week 1 to week 3, under normal health conditions, taking your dog out for a small run or walk is alright. Once week 7 – week 9 approaches, gentle walks should take effect to maintain her overall physical fitness and health without much stress. 

Regular Veterinary Check-Ups And Care

A veterinary clinic visit should be made during the first trimester of pregnancy. Keep up consistent communication with the doctor and do all that he or she advises to ensure that the fetus develops perfectly as it should. 

After the first trimester, if your bitch starts displaying any behavioural pattern that is unusual and different from the normal signs and symptoms, you should consult your veterinarian immediately. 

Avoid administering topical or oral steroids, vaccinations or any kind of human medications to your dog; also, avoid giving her human foods or fruits. 

Roundworms, hookworms and other parasites of the intestines are liable to be passed down from mother to offspring during her gestation period. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a vet for deworming advice. 

The vet will know the best & safest deworming medicine to administer and when best to administer deworming medication to your canine. 

When To Consult A Veterinarian

Ensure to recognise potential pregnancy complications because they are liable to occur during any pregnancy stage of your dog, especially the week 9 stage. 

Aside from early to middle-stage pregnancy complication signs, we will provide some labour signs below; read them to understand when to seek a vet’s help.

Make sure that you call your dog’s veterinarian immediately if: 

• The canine has been pregnant for over 68 days (Nine weeks plus) 
• Stage one of labour has lasted for 24 hours or more without any signs of delivery
• Contractions are strong and consistent for half an hour or more without any signs of delivery (Puppies)
• There are more puppies in the womb to be delivered, and her resting phase has lasted for about 40 minutes plus.
• Vaginal discharge is bloody or foul-smelling during labour
• There is excessive vomiting during the gestation period 
• There is no production of milk in the dog’s breast tissues
• The breast tissues are inflamed or swollen
• Her body temperature drops from 100 degrees Fahrenheit to 98 or less
• Her abdomen is hardened
• She starts licking her genitals a lot

FAQ

Conclusion

The length of some dogs’ gestation period varies slightly by several days, while some become due at exactly nine weeks (63 days). This is completely normal, but sometimes the gestation period may prolong because of the factors that delay canine pregnancy.

You should be familiar with how to go about the processes of dog breeding, such as The stages of the vaginal swab, ovulation timing & semen evaluation. Ensuring that the puppies are well-bred after their birth is also vital. 

Understanding potential pregnancy complications is also important so that you will determine when a veterinarian is needed. 

Please share this article with other dog owners on your social media; knowledge on how to tackle dog pregnancy and gestation period will also be of great use to them. 

You can feel free to comment on your thoughts about this article and ask all the questions you need to ask, and you will be replied to shortly after. Thank you.