Dog Pregnancy

The total gestation length for a dog is between 58 - 68 days with the average being 63 days.

Week 1 (Days 0–7): Mating and Fertilisation

Mother: No visible changes. Behaviour remains normal.

Puppies: Eggs are fertilised and travel to the uterus.

Note: Keep her on a normal diet and exercise regime.

Week 2 (Days 8–14): Early Cell Division

Mother: No physical changes yet. May become slightly quieter or more affectionate.

Puppies: Rapid cell division. Embryos move towards the uterine horns.

Week 3 (Days 15–21): Implantation

Mother: Slight decrease in appetite. Slight nipple enlargement possible.

Puppies: Embryos implant in the uterine lining. Development of the brain, spinal cord and organs begin.

Note: Start providing high-quality puppy or pregnancy food.

Week 4 (Days 22–28): Organ Formation

Mother: Possible morning sickness (vomiting or loss of appetite). Abdomen may start to firm slightly.

Puppies: Major organs forming. Embryos now around 14–15mm long (about the size of a small grape).

Note: Schedule an Ultrasound Scan appointment with us for the following week where we will be able to confirm the pregnancy.

Week 5 (Days 29–35): Puppy Features Forming

Mother: Clear weight gain. Increased appetite.

Puppies: Developing paws, claws, and whiskers. Gender can be distinguished internally.

Note: Increase food portions with high-calorie intake. Avoid strenuous exercise.

Week 6 (Days 36–42): Visible Pregnancy

Mother: Abdomen enlarges significantly. Mammary glands enlarge and may produce early milk (colostrum).

Puppies: Foetal skeletons ossify (harden). Fur and distinct puppy features develop.

Week 7 (Days 43–49): Final Growth Phase

Mother: Shedding hair around nipples to prepare for feeding. Nesting behaviour begins such as digging bedding and becoming restless.

Puppies: Gaining strength. Getting into birthing position within the uterus.

Week 8 (Days 50–57): Preparing for Whelping

Mother: Milk production increases. Appetite may decrease slightly. Nesting intensifies.

Puppies: Fully formed and just growing bigger.

Note: Set up the whelping area fully. Monitor her closely for signs of early labour.

Week 9 (Days 58–68): Whelping

Mother: Body temperature drops (below 37.2°C) about 24 hours before labour. Signs of labour: panting, pacing, digging and refusal to eat.

Puppies: Ready to be born.

Note: Have emergency vet contact handy in case assistance is needed during whelping.

Whelping Supplies

We sell a Whelping Pack with all of the essentials you need. This includes;

Thermometer (for Mum)
Monitoring the mother's temperature can help predict labour onset.

Disposable Gloves
For hygiene during the birthing process.

Sterilised Scissors and Clamps
For cutting and tying umbilical cords if necessary.

Bulb Syringe (for Clearing Airways)
Helps remove mucus from the puppies' airways to ensure they can breathe properly.

Coloured Collars
To help identify the puppies.

Purchase Whelping Pack

Additional Items you may need;

Whelping Box
Provides a safe, contained space for the mother to give birth and care for her puppies.

Clean Towels and Blankets
Useful for drying puppies and keeping the whelping area clean and warm.

Heating Pad or Heat Lamp (for Puppies)
Helps maintain the puppies' body temperature, especially if the mother is away.

Digital scales for Weighing Puppies
Monitoring weight gain is crucial for assessing puppy health.

Notepad for Recording Weights and Times
Keeping detailed records helps track each puppy's development.

Puppy Milk Replacer (in case needed)
Essential if the mother is unable to nurse.

Whelping & Puppy Care

Week 0 (Birth to 7 Days)

Mother: Focused on nursing and cleaning her puppies. Appetite significantly increased.

Puppies: Born blind, deaf, and totally dependent. Spend time feeding and sleeping to grow.

Notes: Weigh puppies daily, expect weight to double by 7–10 days. Keep whelping box clean, warm (~29–32°C first few days). Minimal handling; allow mum to bond.

Week 1–2 (Days 7–14)

Mother: Nursing continuously. May start leaving pups briefly for food/toilet breaks.

Puppies: Eyes begin to open around 10–14 days. Ears begin to open. Wobbling movements start.

Notes: Begin gentle daily handling. Keep environment calm and warm (~26–28°C).

Week 3 (Days 15–21)

Mother: Nursing sessions may shorten slightly. Starts teaching puppies social skills.

Puppies: First baby teeth (milk teeth) start to come through. Puppies start walking, play-biting and wagging tails.

Notes: Introduce puppy safe weaning food (gruel or mushy food). Continue gentle handling and start introducing new sounds and surfaces.

Week 4 (Days 22–28)

Mother: May start weaning the puppies naturally (nursing less).

Puppies: Playing together, growling, barking. Eating solid food alongside mother's milk.

Notes: First worming treatment. Start worming at 2 weeks, then every 2 weeks until 12 weeks. Use a wormer prescribed by your vet for roundworms and hookworms. Introduce a small toilet area (puppy pads or litter trays).

Week 5 (Days 29–35)

Mother: Feeding puppies less; encouraging independence.

Puppies: Energy surges; more coordinated play. Developing individual personalities.

Notes: Socialise puppies with everyday household noises such as the TV, vacuum and washing machine. Begin getting them used to brief periods of gentle separation.

Week 6 (Days 36–42)

Mother: Nursing mostly stopped or only occasional.

Puppies: Fully weaned onto solid puppy food. Very playful; testing boundaries with littermates.

Notes: Second worming treatment (at 6 weeks). Under UK Law, all puppies must be microchipped and registered to the breeder’s name by 8 weeks old. We offer microchipping at our clinic.

Week 7 (Days 43–49)

Mother: Mostly detached but keeps disciplining rough puppies.

Puppies: More adventurous, starting to explore wider environments.

Notes: Third worming treatment due. Under UK Law, all puppies must be microchipped and registered to the breeder’s name by 8 weeks old. We offer microchipping at our clinic. Socialisation continues, introduce safe visitors, different textures underfoot and gentle car rides.

Week 8 (Days 50–56)

Mother: Fully separated, puppies fully independent of mum’s milk.

Puppies: Ready to go to new homes (minimum 8 weeks).

Notes: Health check by vet before rehoming with 1st vaccination. Ensure puppies are microchipped (legal requirement). Puppies should have a puppy pack including their Vet records, worming schedule, feeding schedule, microchip number and registration details.

Disclaimer: The whelping information provided on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute veterinary advice. For any concerns regarding your pet’s health or welfare, please consult your registered veterinarian.

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