How Long are Dogs Pregnant? Everything to Know

If your dog is pregnant, you might wonder how long for dog pregnancy? The short answer is about 63 days. But a lot more goes into dog pregnancy than just how long it lasts. Read on to find out how to tell if your dog is pregnant, what tests veterinarians can do, how to care for your pregnant dog, and what to expect during labor.

Signs your dog is pregnant

Early pregnancy can be hard to detect without testing. However, as more time goes on you may notice several symptoms.

• Increase in appetite
• Appetite changes
• Weight gain
• Morning sickness vomiting
• More easily tired
• Swollen nipples
• Swollen belly
• More affectionate
• Irritable

Please note that false pregnancy and other more serious things can cause these symptoms. It’s important to see a veterinarian to rule anything more serious out.

Tests to tell if your dog is pregnant

Blood tests can be performed to test for the hormone relaxin. However, false positives are possible if it’s done too early in the pregnancy or if your dog is only pregnant with 1 or 2 puppies. After 3-4 weeks after mating, a veterinarian might also perform a trans-abdominal palpation where they feel for enlargement of the uterus. Abdominal ultrasound is the preferred method of diagnosis by veterinarians and can be performed as early as week 3 of pregnancy. An x-ray done around week 7 of pregnancy can determine how many puppies the litter contains.

Caring for a pregnant dog

Food

You should not need to change your dog’s food so long as you feed them high-quality dog food with real meat as the first ingredient and at least 25% protein. (If you’re in need of an upgrade, consider Front of the Pack. They have minimal ingredients and leave our dogs happy.) You might be tempted to give your dog significantly more food at the beginning of pregnancy, but try holding off.

You want to avoid making your dog obese at the end of pregnancy because it can make labor more challenging and add extra stress to the puppies. During about the first 40 days of pregnancy, your dog’s dietary needs are about the same as those of a young adult dog. Because your dog is growing puppies, however, it is crucial that she does NOT lose weight or condition during this time. After about six to eight weeks, you’ll want to increase her caloric intake by 30-60%, depending on the litter size.

Due to your dog’s uterus expanding to hold the puppies, your dog will have little room for food in their stomach. Because of this, rather than increase the size of your dog’s meals, you’ll want to increase the number of meals your dog has. Folic acid and essential amino acids supplements may benefit the growing puppies. As always, consult your veterinarian about your dog’s needs.

Exercise

In early pregnancy, you can safely continue your regular walks. However, as your dog gets larger and closer to her due date, It is critical to NOT overwork your dog. Listen to your dog. If you see they are overly tired, best to let your dog rest.

If your dog is pregnant, be sure to prioritize her changing needs. Consult your veterinarian with any concerns you might have and be sure to enjoy the journey of puppy grandparenthood. (PS If you want inspiration for some cute puppy names, look no further.)