Welcome to the ultimate resource for expectant dog owners! We understand the excitement and concerns that come with a canine pregnancy. That's why we've created the best Canine Pregnancy Calculator to help you track your dog's pregnancy progress every step of the way.
Our easy-to-use calculator provides an estimated due date for your mated bitch by simply entering the date of the first mating. You'll also find a detailed calendar of what to expect week-by-week, giving you all the information you need to ensure a healthy and successful pregnancy for your furry friend.
See here for more information on caring for your dog during pregnancy.
How to calculate dog pregnancy?
If you suspect that your dog may be pregnant, it’s important to check the signs of dog pregnancy. For most females, breeding is recommended between the tenth and fourteenth day of estrus, although ovulation can occur earlier or later. It’s typical to schedule two matings, 24 to 48 hours apart.
Using our dog pregnancy calculator, we can estimate that gestation typically lasts around 63 days, but can vary between 58 to 68 days.
If you know the mating date, your vet can confirm the pregnancy 28 days later through a palpation test.
If the mating date is unknown, a simple and painless ultrasound can estimate the gestational age and due date.
Additionally, X-rays can be taken later in the pregnancy to see the puppies’ development, and your vet may check the level of relaxin hormone to confirm pregnancy.
Dog due date, labor, and pregnancy
Dogs can get pregnant between the ages of 2 to 6 years, with their highest fertility occurring during their second or third heat, which occurs every 5 to 11 months. During pregnancy, the dog will consume more food and gain weight. Lab tests may show anemia and elevated white blood cell count, but it’s important to note that false pregnancies are common in dogs.
Several factors can affect the number of puppies, including the dog’s breed (large dogs typically give birth to 8-12 puppies while small dogs have 1-4), amount of the male’s sperm, breeding time, the health of the female, and the dog’s uterus condition from previous pregnancies.
By using our dog gestation period calculator, you can track the development of your dog’s pregnancy and estimate when labor will begin. During labor, your dog’s temperature will decrease by 33.8°F. You may notice an increase in thirst and rapid breathing. As time nears, your dog may become restless and start to gather her toys in a safe and quiet place.
When the due date approaches, it’s crucial to prepare beforehand. Keep sterile gloves and sterilized scissors on hand, and have a bottle with prepared formula ready.
Once you have determined the due date for your new litter of puppies using the pregnancy calculator, it is important to follow these guidelines for their well-being:
- Avoid giving your pregnant dog certain medications, such as antibiotics or antifungal treatments. Inform your vet about the pregnancy as soon as possible. Pregnancy complications in dogs can range from minor issues to serious health risks, making it important to seek veterinary care throughout the gestation period.
- Ensure that your dog is eating enough food, especially during the second month of gestation, when she should consume 20-25% more than usual. By the end of pregnancy, the amount should increase to 50%, and during lactation, she should eat twice as much as usual.
- Puppies will begin to open their eyes after 8-10 days, but they won’t be able to see shapes until day 18. If they have difficulty with nursing, help guide them to their mother’s nipples.
- It’s important to keep puppies away from chocolate and other sweet treats, as they can be toxic. For additional information on potential hazards, please refer to our post regarding the toxicity of chocolate to dogs.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your new puppies have a healthy start to life. We hope our puppy’s due date calculator has been helpful in preparing you for their arrival!