Free tool
How long are dogs pregnant?
About 63 days from mating on average, with a normal range of 58 to 72 days. Enter the mating date and we will show the due date and a calendar of checkups.
Estimated due date
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If your dog goes past the end of the normal range, or labor drags on without progress, contact your veterinarian.
Why is the due date only an estimate?
Dog pregnancy lasts a fairly constant 64 to 66 days from the surge of luteinizing hormone (LH), which comes about 2 days before ovulation. Mating, however, can happen several days before or after ovulation, and sperm survives in the reproductive tract for several days. So counted from mating, the normal range is as wide as 58 to 72 days. If the breeder ran progesterone tests, your veterinarian can work out the date much more precisely.
Frequently asked questions
How long are dogs pregnant?
Dog pregnancy lasts about 63 days from mating on average. Because sperm survives for several days and mating can happen before ovulation, the normal range counted from mating is wide: about 58 to 72 days. Counted from the LH surge, pregnancy is much more predictable at 64 to 66 days.
How can I tell if my dog is pregnant?
Only your veterinarian can confirm it: an ultrasound from about day 25 (reliable after day 28), a relaxin blood test from about day 30, or an X-ray after day 45. Changes in behavior, appetite or enlarged nipples also happen in false pregnancy, so they are not proof.
How do I know how many puppies my dog will have?
The most accurate way is an X-ray taken after day 55 of pregnancy, when the puppies' skeletons are well mineralized. Knowing the number of puppies helps you tell whether whelping is finished.
What are the signs a dog is about to give birth?
Rectal temperature usually drops to about 37 °C (98.6 °F) 8 to 24 hours before whelping. The dog becomes restless, looks for a spot and "digs" at her bed. Take her temperature twice a day from about day 58.
Sources
- 1Merck Veterinary Manual – Whelping and Queening in Dogs and Cats (Davidson, reviewed Jun 2025)merckvetmanual.com
- 2Merck Veterinary Manual (pet owner) – Management of Reproduction in Dogsmerckvetmanual.com
- 3VCA Animal Hospitals – Breeding for Pet Owners: Pregnancy in Dogsvcahospitals.com
- 4Concannon PW. Physiology and Clinical Parameters of Pregnancy in Dogs. WSAVA 2002 (VIN)vin.com
Results are estimates and do not replace advice from a veterinarian.
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