We’ve all been there: You go to the vet’s office for a check-up and your dog is acting like she’s got some kind of stomach flu. Then, the vet tells you that your beloved fur baby is pregnant!
But how long are dogs pregnant? How long will they be carrying those puppies around? And what should you expect when it comes time to give birth? We’ve got answers to all these questions, and more.
We’ll tell you everything you need to know about how long dogs are pregnant, so that when your furry friend comes home with a new litter of puppies in tow, you’ll be ready for anything!
The reproductive cycle in dogs!
Dogs have four distinct stages in their reproductive cycle: proestrus, estrus, diestrus and anestrus. Each stage is characterized by different hormone levels and behaviours.
⦁ Proestrus is the first stage of the cycle and lasts for about 9 days. During this time, the dog’s body prepares for ovulation with rising levels of estrogen. She may show behavioural changes such as increased urination (to mark her territory), restlessness or moodiness. However, she will not yet allow mating to take place.
⦁ Estrus is the second stage of the reproduction cycle and generally lasts between 3-21 days depending on breed/individual dog. This is when ovulation occurs and mating can take place successfully leading to pregnancy. The female’s behaviour during this time includes a decreased interest in food, constant solicitation of males through flirting behaviours such as tail wagging, leg lifting, pawing at him, etc.
⦁ Diestrus follows closely after Estrus if fertilization has occurred & implantation takes hold in uterus wall; it typically last 58-65 days but could be shorter or longer depending individual dogs & breeds.
⦁ If no fertilization has occurred then Anestrus starts which signals “resting phase” until next breeding season where Proestrus begins again.
How long are dogs pregnant?
The average dog pregnancy lasts 63 days, but this can vary depending on the breed of dog. Smaller breeds tend to have shorter pregnancies, while larger breeds may carry their puppies for up to 72 days. If you’re wondering how long your dog’s pregnancy will last, ask your veterinarian for an estimate based on her size and breed.
During the first few weeks of pregnancy, your dog’s body is preparing for childbirth. Her belly will begin to swell as the puppies grow and her nipples will become darker and larger. She may also gain weight and start to eat more than usual.
Labour and delivery
As her due date approaches, you may notice that your dog is nesting: she’ll build a nest out of blankets or other soft materials in preparation for delivery. She may also seem restless or anxious in the days leading up to labour.
The early stages of labour can last 12-24 hours, during which time your dog’s cervix will dilate fully and contractions will help push the puppies down into her birth canal. You may see some discharge from her vagina at this point. When she goes into active labour, each contraction will result in one puppy being born; this stage usually lasts 30-60 minutes per puppy.
After all the puppies are born, your dog will expel the placentas and clean her offspring with her tongue. She may also eat some of the placentas, which helps to push out any remaining afterbirth material and can help reduce uterine bleeding.
How to know if a dog is pregnant?
If you’re wondering whether your dog is pregnant, there are a few ways to tell. Hormone tests, palpation, X-rays, and ultrasound can all give you clues as to whether or not your furry friend is expecting.
⦁ Hormone tests are often the first step in determining pregnancy. A simple blood test can measure levels of relaxin, a hormone that’s only present when a dog is pregnant. Your vet will likely also do a physical exam at this time, feeling for any signs of puppies in the uterus.
⦁ X-rays may be taken later on in the pregnancy to get an idea of how many puppies are inside (though they won’t show much detail).
⦁ Ultrasounds provide the clearest picture and can help determine exactly how many weeks along your pup is in her pregnancy.
So if you’re suspecting that your dog might be expecting some little ones soon, talk to your veterinarian about doing some testing!
How to take care of your dog when she is expecting?
As your dog’s due date approaches, you may be wondering how to best take care of her during this special time. Here are a few tips on how to take care of your dog when she is expecting!
⦁ Keep up with her normal routine as much as possible. This includes walks, mealtimes, and playtime. Avoiding big changes will help keep your dog calm and comfortable.
⦁ Provide plenty of food and water at all times. An expectant mother needs about 30% more calories than usual, so make sure her bowl is always full! If she starts eating more or drinking more water than usual, adjust accordingly.
⦁ Make sure she gets enough exercise but don’t overdo it – long walks are fine but strenuous activity isn’t necessary. Short leash walking around the block several times a day should suffice.
⦁ Limit visitors during the last few weeks before delivery; too many people coming in and out can stress her!
⦁ Keep an eye on her nesting behaviour – if she starts gathering blankets or toys into a pile, that means she’s getting ready to have her puppies! Make sure the area where she chooses to nest is warm, quiet, and safe from other pets or small children.
⦁ Most importantly – relax! Once things get going they usually go smoothly & quickly. Enjoy this special time with your furry family member!
The Bottom Line
We hope this blog post has been helpful for you! Pregnancy in dogs can be a challenging time, but it’s also an exciting one. You’ll have to be patient with your dog, but that’s always true when raising puppies.
If you’re interested in learning more about dog pregnancy, check out our other content on the topic. We love to share information and support with our readers!
Leave a Reply