Signs Your Dog is Pregnant | Timeline, Symptoms and Care Tips

Unusual changes in your female dog behavior or body in recent weeks are the major signs your dog is pregnant. It’s important to understand these 6 key signs that indicate pregnancy in dogs so you know how to best care for her health and needs.

This guide provides a complete timeline of the typical symptoms seen in pregnant dogs from early stages through to delivery and signs your dog is pregnant.

We’ll explore the physical and behavioral signs to watch out for, along with essential prenatal care recommendations and birthing preparation advice from experts

How Long Dogs are Pregnant?

Smaller dog breeds have shorter pregnancies around 55-63 days, while larger breeds tend toward the longer end at 63-68 days. The gestation length is determined by the species and is consistent among all dogs.

Toward the end of her pregnancy, a mother dog will begin producing milk and her abdomen will visibly enlarge as the puppies continue to grow. In the last few days, she may develop a waxy substance from her nipples known as colostrum.

Most dogs give birth uneventfully, with the process taking several hours from the first puppy’s arrival to the last. Keeping an eye out for signs your dog has gone into labor after about 63 days helps ensure a smooth whelping for both mom and her new litter.

Your Dog is Pregnant | 6 Signs to Look For

Every dog owner knows it’s very difficult to determine exactly what is happening with our dogs. They can’t always voice their needs and show concerns directly to us.

This is especially true when they are expecting. Dog body and behaviors will provide clues over the course of several weeks if she has indeed fallen pregnant after mating. its very important to recognize these signs of your dog pregnancy.

Enlarged Nipples and Breasts

As early as 2-3 weeks after conception, dog nipples start to enlarge slightly from their normal size and shape. By 4 weeks, most will notice pink or dark pigmentation developing around the nipples as extra blood flow arrives.

Between 5-6 weeks, nipples will enlarge up to 5 times their normal diameter and change texture, feeling tense or rubbery. By 7 weeks, the whole mammary gland underneath will visibly swell, feeling firm rather than soft. Daily checks allow close monitoring of slow but steady progression.

Morning Sickness

For the first 3 weeks especially, an expectant mother may nip out for a brief vomiting episode 1-2 times per day. This is her body response to rising hormone levels. To limit dehydration risks, provide small but frequent access to fresh, clean water.

Bland foods like boiled chicken with rice or yogurt can soothe an queasy stomach. Anti-nausea medication may help if she’s losing weight – visit your vet for advice. Though unpleasant, this phase usually passes by 4-5 weeks.

Change in Appetite

From week 3 onward, appetite will slowly rise approximately 30% to meet her body’s massively increased calorie needs. Weigh and measure meals to track a steady 10-15% weight gain over weeks 4-7. You may notice her belly appearing more filled-out after meals.

Allow small, frequent meals rather than large once-daily portions to feel fully satiated. Monitor intake of high-calorie treats which could cause obesity issues.

Enlarged Abdomen

As Dog grow rapidly from weeks 4-6, the belly will protrude more prominently each day. Most notice a firm, rounded swelling low down by 6 weeks. Between weeks 6-7 it feels quite tight. With each wiggle and twitch of puppies at 7-8 weeks, the skin stretches taut like a drum. Daily belly rubbing soothes while allowing you to map the swell’s changes in size, shape and hardness.

Nesting Behaviors

Maternal instincts kick in around 1-2 weeks prior to the due date. Expect restlessness, sniffing out quiet areas, shredding materials for her nest. Providing a secure, comfortable whelping box with soft bedding aids the natural birthing process.

Positive Pregnancy Test

if observing signs leaves any doubt, a vet can confirm through a simple urine test from 3-4 weeks after breeding. An ultrasound may also allow viewing the growing puppies from 3 weeks onward. Early detection allows for prenatal care.

How to Care Your Pregnant Dog

Caring your pregnant dog requires some key adjustments to her diet, health routines and living arrangements as she nears her due date. Ensuring she has the proper nutrition, medical care and safe space.

Diet and Nutrition for Pregnant Dogs

Pregnant dog needs extra calories and nutrients to support her growth. Starting in the first trimester, transition her diet to a formulated gestation or dog food they are higher in calories, protein, vitamins and minerals.

Feed her 30% more than normal by gradually increasing her portions over several meals throughout the day. Doing so ensures her nutritional requirements are met to build quality tissue and organs for herself while also nourishing the fetuses. Consult your veterinarian about ideal weight gain rates and foods suitable for your dog specific needs during this delicate time.

Limit other treats, table scraps or chews which could cause nausea or interfere with absorption of balanced nutrients from her diet. Weekly weight checks by your vet help ensure she’s gaining properly without becoming overweight.

Health and Comfort

Schedule checkups at 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks with your vet to monitor your pregnant dog. They can check fetal heartbeats, estimate litter size and discuss vaccinations. Make sure all other pets in the home are vaccinated to protect the newborns.

Allow extra rest by providing a soft, cozy bed and permitting lying on her sides for comfort in later pregnancy when her belly is largest. Gentle tummy rubs and light exercise like short walks aids circulation and prevents muscular pain. However, refrain from anything too energetic or long in duration during the final 3 weeks as it poses risks to the fetuses.

Nesting and Whelping

Two weeks before her due date, set up a private whelping area with elevated sides, warm bedding and temperature control. Line it with towels or soft fabric that’s easy to wash between each litter. Cut back on time spent in the whelping box so she retains her natural scent profile there.

When signs of labor emerge like restlessness, reduced appetite and vaginal discharge, call your vet for guidance on next steps. With any concerning issues, don’t delay – it’s always better to consult a professional during this critical stage.

What to Do if Dog Is Pregnant?

If you’ve noticed these pregnant signs in your dog like enlarged nipples or change in appetite that indicate your dog is expectant, it’s important to act promptly to ensure her healthy pregnancy. Proper prenatal care and preparation for the big arrival will help support both mama and her puppies to be. Some key steps you’ve to take:

Schedule a Vet Check

Call your vet as soon as you suspect pregnancy. vet will perform ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and estimate new dog size. They’ll also listen for heartbeats and check dog weight . This early vet care ensures any issues are addressed promptly.

Update Vaccinations

Pregnant dogs need protection from infectious diseases. Most core vaccines like DA2PP are considered safe in early pregnancy. Your vet will recommend timing of boosters or titer tests to ensure mom transfers immunity to her puppies during late pregnancy and nursing. They can address any other concerns and clarify a prenatal care plan.

Adjusting Diet for Expecting Dogs

A growing litter places high demands on mom’s diet. Transition her meal plan starting around week 3 by gradually increasing portions of a specially formulated gestation or puppy kibble. These provide 30% more calories plus extra calcium, DHA and other key nutrients for strengthening her bones and supporting fetal development. Weight gain should be steady at 1/2 to 1 lb per week until birth.

Prepare the Birthing Area

About 2 weeks before the due date is calculated, designate a quiet, low-traffic region and set up bedding in a clean, draft-free box or large pen. Use old towels, blankets or straw for nesting comfort and absorbency during labor.

How long is a dogs in labor?

The duration of labor in dogs typically ranges from 2 to 16 hours total. A mother dog will spend this time delivering her puppies one by one, with periods of rest between each birth.

Labor progresses in stages from initial contractions starting active delivery, to the birth of the first puppy usually within an hour. Further puppies then follow at 10-30 minute intervals on average.

Although it can vary depending on litter size and her experience, most dogs will complete the full birthing process within 6 to 8 hours from start to finish of delivering all puppies and expelling the last placenta.

Larger or first time mother dogs may take closer to the full 16 hours in labor from early contractions through passage of the final pup and afterbirth. Proper care ensures a safe whelping for both mama and pups.