Pregnancy in the dog lasts around 63 days. With proper monitoring and a bit of preparation, whelping usually goes smoothly — as long as you know the signs that say "I need help".
Stages & milestones
We confirm the pregnancy by ultrasound, around day 25, and count the puppies by X-ray, around day 45. For the dates, take a look at the pregnancy calculator.
Sort it out in advance
Tell us the expected date so we're on standby. And keep the emergency number handy in the final days — better to have it and not need it.
Preparing for the birth
Set up a quiet, warm "nest" a week or two ahead, so she gets used to it. Just before birth, body temperature drops below 37.5 °C — a good sign that, within the next 24 hours, the time has probably come.
The stages of labour
In the first stage she's restless, panting, "nesting" (6–12 hours). In the second the puppies arrive, roughly one every 30–60 minutes, with visible straining. In the third the placenta is passed after each puppy.
When to call IMMEDIATELY
Don't wait at all if you see:
- Strong straining for over 30 minutes with no puppy
- Over 2 hours between puppies while you know more remain
- Green or dark discharge with no puppy following
- Exhaustion, trembling or severe pain in the mother