Dog Pregnancy Calculator Week by Week
Use our Dog Pregnancy Calculator to track your dog's pregnancy week by week based on their conception date. This will help you monitor the stages of their pregnancy and prepare for the puppies' arrival.
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What Is a Dog Pregnancy Calculator Week by Week?
A dog pregnancy calculator week by week tracks the 63-day canine gestation period in weekly stages. Enter the conception date, and the calculator shows you exactly where your dog is in her pregnancy — what's developing, what she's feeling, what you should be doing, and when to schedule vet visits.
This page focuses on the week-by-week progression. For the estimated whelping date, use our Canine Due Date Calculator. For a general pregnancy overview, see the Dog Pregnancy Calculator. For pre-pregnancy timing, see the Dog Heat Cycle Calculator.
How the Dog Pregnancy Week-by-Week Calculator Works
The calculator uses the conception date (or breeding date) as the starting point and applies the standard 63-day canine gestation period:
- Week = (days since conception ÷ 7), rounded up
- Due date = conception date + 63 days (normal range: 58–68 days)
- Each week maps to specific milestones in the table below
If you know the ovulation date from progesterone testing, use that instead of the mating date — it's the most accurate starting point.
Dog Pregnancy Week by Week: The Complete Timeline
The table below is the core reference for this page. It covers all 9 weeks with what's happening on both sides — mother and puppies.
| Week | Days | Puppy Development | Mother's Changes | Care & Vet Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 1–7 | Fertilization; embryos divide as they travel toward the uterus | No visible signs; may be in season or just out of it | Note the mating date; avoid unnecessary medications |
| Week 2 | 8–14 | Embryos continue dividing; still free-floating in the uterus | No external signs; behavior normal | Keep normal routine; avoid stress and strenuous activity |
| Week 3 | 15–21 | Implantation in the uterine wall (days 16–18); embryonic discs form | Possible mild appetite change or morning-sickness-like signs | First vet visit for pregnancy confirmation (ultrasound ~day 21–25) |
| Week 4 | 22–28 | Major organs forming; heartbeats detectable on ultrasound | Nipples enlarge and darken; appetite may increase | Ultrasound to confirm viable pregnancies; begin prenatal nutrition |
| Week 5 | 29–35 | Fetuses take shape; skeletons begin to calcify; sex distinguishable | Abdomen starts to swell; clear weight gain; appetite up | Increase food by ~10%; consider fetal count via ultrasound or palpation |
| Week 6 | 36–42 | Fur, claws, and skin develop; puppies move and kick | Visible belly; possible back-arching or restlessness | Increase food 15–20%; X-ray for fetal count can be done after day 45 |
| Week 7 | 43–49 | Puppies finish developing; gain ~75% of birth weight this week onward | Nesting behavior begins; milk may be expressible; appetite high | Set up whelping box; reduce exercise intensity; twice-daily temperature tracking can start |
| Week 8 | 50–56 | Fully formed; positioning head-down for delivery | Restless, seeking solitude; temperature may drop within 24–48 hours of labor | Restrict visitors; watch for labor signs; prepare supplies |
| Week 9 | 57–63 | Whelping — puppies delivered, usually 10–60 minutes apart | Labor: nesting → contractions → delivery → placenta → nursing | Monitor closely; have emergency vet on call; record birth times and weights |
Key Veterinary Checkpoints During Pregnancy
Two or three vet visits are typical across a 63-day pregnancy. Timing matters:
| Checkpoint | Timing | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy confirmation | Days 21–25 | Ultrasound confirms viable embryos; heartbeats visible around day 25 |
| Fetal count | Days 45–55 | X-ray shows mineralized skeletons; most reliable way to count puppies |
| Pre-whelping check | Days 55–60 | Assess mother's health, position of puppies, and readiness for labor |
| Progesterone testing (optional) | Pre-breeding | Pinpoints ovulation — the most accurate due date reference |
| Whelping support (if needed) | Day 58–63 | Emergency support if labor stalls or complications arise |
Nutrition Changes Week by Week
Feeding needs shift gradually across pregnancy. Overfeeding early causes excess weight; underfeeding late affects puppy growth.
| Stage | Feeding Approach |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | Feed normal adult maintenance diet at usual amount |
| Weeks 5–6 | Transition gradually to a high-quality puppy/growth formula; increase by ~10% |
| Weeks 7–9 | Increase calories by 20–30% over maintenance; split into 3–4 smaller meals |
| Nursing | Free-feed; calorie needs can reach 2–3× maintenance depending on litter size |
Use our Dog Calorie Calculator by Breed as a baseline, then adjust upward for pregnancy and nursing.
Exercise Guidelines During Pregnancy
- Weeks 1–4: Normal activity; avoid high-impact sports and rough play
- Weeks 5–6: Reduce intensity; short walks and swimming are ideal
- Weeks 7–9: Gentle, frequent, short walks only; avoid jumping and stairs when possible
- Throughout: Avoid extreme heat; keep sessions brief and low-impact
- After whelping: Rest for the first week; resume gentle walks as advised by your vet
Signs of Approaching Labor
- Rectal temperature drop below 99°F (37.2°C) — usually within 12–24 hours of labor
- Nesting: shredding bedding, digging, seeking a quiet spot
- Restlessness and pacing
- Frequent panting or shivering
- Loss of appetite or vomiting
- Clear or blood-tinged vaginal discharge
- Licking the genital area repeatedly
For a full whelping timeline and stage-by-stage labor signs, see our Canine Due Date Calculator page.
Warning Signs: When to Call the Vet Immediately
| Warning Sign | Why It's Serious |
|---|---|
| Strong contractions for 30+ minutes with no puppy delivered | Possible obstruction or malposition |
| More than 2–4 hours between puppies with active straining | Uterine inertia or blockage |
| Green or black discharge before the first puppy | Placental separation — emergency |
| Temperature above 103°F (39.4°C) | Possible infection (metritis) |
| Severe lethargy, collapse, or seizures | Eclampsia or other critical condition |
| Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy | Possible miscarriage or placental issue |
| Due date passed by 2+ days with no labor signs | Possible fetal death or complication |
Preparing for Whelping
Whelping Box Setup
- Introduce it 1–2 weeks before the due date so she can adjust
- Low sides for easy access, high enough to contain newborns
- Warm, draft-free, quiet location
- Clean absorbent bedding (towels or vet bedding)
- Heat source for puppies (heating pad on low, covered) with space for the mother to move away
Supply Checklist
- Clean towels and washcloths
- Sterile scissors and unwaxed dental floss
- Bulb syringe for clearing airways
- Digital thermometer and lubricant
- Kitchen scale for weighing puppies at birth and daily
- Notebook for birth times, weights, placentas
- Emergency vet phone number posted visibly
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Pregnancy
How long is a dog pregnant?
About 63 days from ovulation (range 58–68 days from mating). Small breeds may whelp a day or two earlier; large breeds may go slightly later.
How do I calculate my dog's due date?
Add 63 days to the mating or ovulation date. For a precise estimate, use our Canine Due Date Calculator.
When can pregnancy be confirmed?
Ultrasound can confirm pregnancy around days 21–25. Heartbeats are visible around day 25. X-ray for fetal count works best around days 45–55.
How many puppies will my dog have?
Litter size varies widely by breed, age, and health — from 1–2 in toy breeds to 10+ in large breeds. The only accurate way to know is an X-ray around day 45–55.
What should I feed a pregnant dog?
Normal adult food through week 4, then transition to a growth/puppy formula and gradually increase. By weeks 7–9, feed 20–30% more calories split across 3–4 meals. After whelping, free-feed during nursing.
Can I exercise my pregnant dog?
Yes — moderate, low-impact exercise is beneficial. Short walks and swimming are ideal in weeks 5–9. Avoid high-impact activity, jumping, and extreme heat.
How do I know labor is starting?
A drop in rectal temperature below 99°F (37.2°C), usually within 12–24 hours of labor, is the most reliable sign. Combine with nesting, restlessness, panting, and appetite loss.
What if my dog's due date passes?
Contact your vet immediately. A pregnancy running 1–2 days past the estimated date — especially if confirmed by progesterone timing — can indicate complications that need intervention.
Is it normal for a pregnant dog to have morning sickness?
Mild appetite changes and occasional vomiting in weeks 3–4 are common. Persistent vomiting, lethargy, or refusal to eat warrants a vet visit.
Should I let my dog eat the placenta?
It's normal behavior, but limit it to 1–2 placentas. Count placentas to ensure one passed per puppy — retained placentas can cause infection.
What's the difference between this calculator and the canine due date calculator?
This page shows the full pregnancy progression week by week — what's developing, what to do, when to schedule vet checks. The Canine Due Date Calculator focuses on estimating the whelping date itself.
Related Dog Pregnancy and Breeding Tools
- Canine Due Date Calculator — whelping date estimate
- Dog Pregnancy Calculator — general pregnancy overview
- Dog Heat Cycle Calculator — track estrus cycles
- Puppy Weight Calculator — track newborn growth
- Puppy Growth Calculator — monitor development after birth
- Dog Calorie Calculator by Breed — feeding during pregnancy and nursing
When to Consult Your Veterinarian
This dog pregnancy calculator week by week provides an educational timeline based on the average 63-day gestation period. It does not replace veterinary care. Contact your veterinarian to confirm pregnancy, estimate the fetal count, and set the most accurate due date — especially if you have progesterone test results. Seek emergency care immediately for warning signs like prolonged straining without delivery, green or black discharge, high fever, collapse, or if the due date passes without whelping.