How Long Are Dogs Pregnant?

Essential Care, Safety, and Style Tips for Expecting Dogs

Quick answer

Most dogs are pregnant for about 63 days from conception. The normal window can be 56 to 72 days because exact conception can be hard to pinpoint. Tracking dates and watching for early signs will help you prepare.

Dog pregnancy timeline and what to expect

Heat and conception

Most females come into heat about twice a year. Conception typically happens mid cycle. If you are planning a litter, write down mating dates to estimate a due window.

Weeks 1 to 4

Changes can be subtle. Many dogs nap more, eat a bit less or a bit more, and may be slightly nauseous. A vet visit around day 21 can confirm pregnancy.

Weeks 5 to 8

Abdomen and nipples become more noticeable. Appetite often rises. Gentle daily walks are encouraged. Begin setting up a calm nesting area away from household traffic.

Days 56 to 63

Restlessness and nesting increase. Body temperature often drops slightly in the 24 hours before labor. Have your whelping supplies ready and your vet’s number saved.

Tips for care and safety during dog pregnancy

1. Veterinary checkups and planning

1. Confirmation visit around day 21 to discuss nutrition, parasite prevention, and expected due dates.

2. A later visit near day 45 to discuss puppy count with imaging if your vet recommends it and to finalize a whelping plan.

3. Ask your vet for an emergency plan and after-hours contact in case labor stalls or complications arise.

2. Nutrition that supports mom and puppies

1. Feed a complete and balanced diet with high quality protein and DHA.

2. Do not overfeed in the first half of pregnancy. In the last third, increase total calories gradually and split into several small meals each day.

3. Avoid new supplements unless approved by your vet. Calcium supplements are usually not advised during pregnancy.

4. Fresh water at all times. Keep the water bowl near the nesting space so she drinks often.

3. Exercise and weight management

1. Keep to calm, steady walks and light play.

2. Avoid strenuous running, jumping from high places, or rough play with bigger dogs.

3. Skip dog parks in the last weeks to reduce stress and infectious exposure.

4. Parasite prevention and vaccines

1. Continue vet-approved parasite prevention.

2. Vaccines are ideally updated before breeding. During pregnancy, most vaccines are avoided. Your vet will guide timing.

5. Medication safety

1. Never start pain relievers or over-the-counter meds without a vet.

2. If she needs dental work or sedation, plan timing with your clinic.

6. Grooming and skin care

1. Keep coat clean and dry.

2. Check collar fit weekly because her neck and body can fill out during pregnancy. Use the two-finger rule. If hair is long or mats easily, consider a rolled leather collar for comfort.

7. Nesting space and home setup

1. Choose a quiet room with easy cleanup. Add washable bedding and absorbent pads.

2. Keep the area warm and draft-free.

3. Limit visitors and supervise interactions with children and other pets.

8. Whelping kit checklist

Thermometer
Clean towels and receiving cloths
Disposable pads
Bulb syringe
Unwaxed dental floss and clean scissors
Iodine or equivalent for umbilical care if your vet advises it
Puppy scale
Notebook to record birth order and times
Phone numbers for your vet and the nearest emergency clinic
Puppy milk replacer and bottle set as a safety net

9. Signs of labor and when to call the vet

1. Stage one can bring nesting, panting, and restlessness.

2. Stage two brings visible contractions and puppy delivery. Time intervals can vary.

3. Call your vet if strong contractions last more than about thirty minutes without a puppy, if more than about two hours pass between puppies, if there is foul smelling discharge, or if mom seems in distress at any point.

10. Postpartum care

1. Offer water and a small meal when she is ready.

2. Keep pups warm and nursing.

3. Continue frequent outdoor breaks for mom.

4. Schedule her postpartum check.

Choosing the right Sambboho collar during pregnancy

A comfortable, correctly fitted collar matters even more while her body changes. Sambboho collars are handcrafted in full grain leather with artisan beadwork and the option to personalize the beadwork with her dog’s name.

 

• For everyday comfort, explore our full grain leather dog collars in multiple designs.

• For easy on-and-off during frequent potty breaks, choose a quick-release buckle dog collar.

• For gentle training and extra control, try our martingale dog collars.

• For peace of mind if she likes to hide or wander, our AirTag dog collars keep her location at hand.

• For balanced leash handling, explore our center D-ring dog collars.

• For long-coated breeds, we offer rolled leather collars to prevent matting.

Complete her look with a matching dog leash and coordinate the whole family with beaded horse browbands, hatbands, purse straps, beaded bracelets, and Apple Watch bands.
Discover everything in the full Sambboho collection.

Fitting tips while her body changes

1. Measure her neck snugly and add about one to one and a half inches for comfort.

2. Recheck fit weekly and again right after whelping.

3. If you notice rubbing or hair wear, switch to a rolled leather style.

For a deeper guide, see The Ultimate Guide to Dog Collars.

Preparing the home for the big day

1. Place the whelping area in a room where she already relaxes.

2. Introduce the new bed and pads early so she bonds with the space.

3. Keep lighting soft and traffic low.

4. Wash hands before handling newborns.

5. Keep a log of temperatures, appetite, and behavior in the final week.

After the puppies arrive

1. Expect more calories for nursing. Offer several meals and fresh water at all times.

2. Keep the area clean and dry. Replace soiled pads quickly.

3. Monitor each puppy’s weight daily for the first two weeks.

4. Continue gentle leash walks for mom and avoid group outings until your vet advises.

Related Sambboho reads

• What is the Best Collar Style for Your Dog’s Breed

• How Can Martingale Collars Help Train Your Dog

• Learn More About Rolled Dog Collars

• How to Pick the Best Dog Collars for Large Dogs

• Deep Chested Dog Breeds: Health, Care, Breeds to Know

See our full Sambboho Blog for more guides.

FAQ

How long are dogs pregnant?
About 63 days on average. Some deliver a bit earlier or later depending on breed and the exact day of conception.

What are early signs of pregnancy?
Slight appetite change, more naps, mild nausea, and a calmer demeanor. A vet can confirm after about three weeks.

How much should I feed an expecting dog?
Small steady meals with a gradual calorie increase in the last third of pregnancy. Ask your vet for the ideal target for her weight.

Is exercise safe during pregnancy?
Yes, calm daily walks are ideal. Avoid strenuous sessions and rough play, especially in the final weeks.

When should I be concerned during labor?
Strong contractions without a puppy for about thirty minutes, more than about two hours between puppies, foul smelling discharge, or visible distress. Call your vet right away.

What collar is best during pregnancy?
A soft full grain leather collar with a secure but comfortable fit. Consider quick release for easy on and off, martingale for gentle control, rolled leather for long coats, and Air Tag options for peace of mind.