Vet Guide to Dog Pregnancy in 2025:Care,Gestation & Whelping Advice🩺🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Bringing a litter into your home is a joyful and profound experience—but it also comes with big responsibilities. In this guide, we’ll explore every step of your dog’s pregnancy journey—gestation, nutrition, health care, and whelping prep—so you can feel confident in supporting both mom and pups. This content is written by Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, drawing from authoritative veterinary sources (PetMD, GreatPetCare, VIN Partners) and our Ask A Vet Blog Voice: professional, warm, and reassuring. 😊

1. 🗓️ Gestation Timeline: What to Expect

Dog gestation typically lasts 57–72 days, with an average around 63 days (~9 weeks), regardless of breed or age.

Trimester Breakdown

• Weeks 1–3 (1st Trimester): Implantation occurs. Most dogs show few physical signs, though some may have mild nausea or reduced appetite.
• Weeks 4–6 (2nd Trimester): Fetuses begin rapid growth. Physical signs such as a slight bump, nipple enlargement, appetite changes, and modest weight gain become noticeable.
• Weeks 7–9 (3rd Trimester): Abdominal enlargement is obvious. Nesting behavior, energy shifts, and dietary demands prepare mom for birth.

2. 🔎 Signs & Confirmation of Pregnancy

Early signs include:

• Mild vomiting (“morning sickness”).
• Swollen belly and nipples.
• Increased appetite or loss of appetite.
• Nesting behaviors (dragging blankets, digging).
• Weight gain and behavioral shifts (clinginess or irritability).

Confirming Pregnancy

• Relaxin blood test: Detectable ~22–27 days post-breeding.
• Abdominal ultrasound: Visual confirmation & fetal monitoring as early as ~21 days.
• Palpation: Experienced vets may feel uterine swellings between ~28–35 days.
• X‑rays: Fetal skeletons visible ~45 days onward—great for puppy counts.

3. 🥗 Nutrition: Fueling a Healthy Pregnancy

Proper nutrition supports healthy development and easy delivery—but needs to be carefully balanced.

Before Breeding

• Ensure a high-quality adult diet with ≥28 % protein, ~17 % fat, and appropriate calcium/phosphorus levels (Ca 1–1.8 %, P 0.8–1.6 %).
• Aim for an ideal body condition score (BCS) of 4–5/9 before mating.

During Pregnancy

• Weeks 1–5: Consider a modest ~10 % increase in food volume (no supplements).
• Weeks 6–9: Increase caloric intake by ~25 %, switching or blending in puppy/growth formulas.
• Last 10 days: Free-feeding with smaller, more frequent meals helps counter belly pressure and loss of appetite.

Postpartum & Lactation

• After whelping, energy needs may double to quadruple; continue puppy formula for high calorie, balanced nutrition.
• Avoid supplements unless vet-approved—as excess calcium can cause eclampsia.
• Limit treats to lean, protein-rich options—high-calorie toppers may be helpful under veterinary guidance.

4. 🏥 Veterinary Care & Safe Medications

Engage veterinary support early and throughout pregnancy to monitor mom and pups—and ensure safe parasite control.

• Schedule wellness checks early and ~45 days post-breeding (before X-rays).
• Maintain parasite prevention (heartworm, fleas, ticks) using pregnancy-safe products, e.g., ivermectin, selamectin, fipronil.
• Avoid modified-live vaccines during pregnancy—consult vet for any essential boosters.
• Some medications (e.g., oxytocin, antibiotics) may be administered during labor or postpartum if medically indicated.

5. 🧩 Preparing for Whelping (Labor)

Whelping Basics

The whelping process includes:

• Stage 1: Cervical dilation, restlessness, nesting, occasional vomiting—lasts hours to ~24h.
• Stage 2: Active labor, 10–30 mins per puppy typically; may pause between pups—monitor carefully.
• Stage 3: Delivery of placentas continues after pups—normal process.

Signs of Difficulty (Dystocia)

• No contractions >30 mins, or >4 hours without progression → call vet.
• Green/black discharge (meconium), heavy bleeding, severe straining or maternal distress needs urgent care.
• Possible causes: uterine inertia, fetus too large, malpositioned pups, infection or metabolic issues like low calcium/glucose.

Home Setup: Whelping Area

• Use a quiet, warm (≃75°F), low-sided whelping box lined with washable bedding or pads.
• Have essentials ready: digital thermometer, bulb syringe, clean towels, heating source, vet phone/info.
• Monitor body temperature daily late in pregnancy—drop below ~100°F suggests whelping within 24h.

6. 📊 How Many Puppies to Expect

Average litter = 4–6 pups, but ranges widely (1–12+), depending on size, age, genetics, season, and breeding method.

• Small breeds may have 1–4 puppies; large breeds often yield 7+, occasionally exceeding 15 or more.
• X-rays around day 45 are the most accurate way to estimate litter size pre-whelping.

7. 🌀 False Pregnancy (Pseudopregnancy)

Some unspayed dogs may exhibit pregnancy signs—nesting, lactation, weight gain—despite not being pregnant.

• Occurs around 6–8 weeks post-heat due to normal progesterone/prolactin shifts.
• Diagnosis is by vet (exam and sometimes ultrasound); resolves in ~2–3 weeks.
• Spaying before the first heat prevents recurrence—ask your vet about safe timing.

8. ✅ Summary Checklist

• ✅ Vet confirmation (ultrasound, blood test, palpation)
• ✅ Nutritional adjustment (10–25 % ↑ food volume; delay supplements)
• ✅ Continue parasite prevention
• ✅ Monitor body temp daily in late pregnancy
• ✅ Prep whelping box and supplies 2–3 weeks before due date
• ✅ Know when to call your vet (dystocia or prolonged labor)
• ✅ Post-birth: continue puppy diet, monitor mom & pups, and consider Ask A Vet.

Support & Expert Help

💡 During this life-changing time, rely on qualified advice:

• Ask A Vet: Real-time veterinary support via chat/video—for pregnancy questions, whelping concerns, lactation issues.
  
• Your veterinarian remains the top authority—especially for ultrasounds, X-rays, or emergency help.

Wishing you and your soon-to-arrive puppies a healthy, smooth journey. Contact Ask A Vet anytime for expert guidance. 🐕🍼