Do you want to know how long dogs stay pregnant? it’s typically about 63 to 65 days, no matter what kind of dog it is. Even a small Chihuahua and a big Rottweiler are pregnant for the same duration of time. Similar to humans, dogs have three parts to their pregnancy, called trimesters. Each of these lasts for about 21 days. But why does this matter? Understanding this helps us prepare and care for our expecting furry friends better. If you’re considering having your female dog become a mom for the first time, or if she accidentally got pregnant, there are some important things you should know about dog pregnancy.
In this article, we will discuss how long are dogs pregnant, and explain signs to make sure our beloved pups have a smooth pregnancy journey. Ready to learn more?
How did my dog get pregnant?
Do you want to know how your dog gets pregnant? here are the stages
Stages Of Dog Pregnancy
Dogs can get pregnant after going through a special cycle. Female dogs usually go through this cycle about every six months, although it can vary. This cycle has four stages:
1. Proestrus
This is the first stage, lasting about 9 days. Female dogs start to attract male dogs during this time but don’t allow them to mate. Signs include a swollen vulva and a bloody discharge.
2. Estrus
This is the second stage, lasting from 3 to 11 days. During this time, female dogs are open to mating. Breeders often use tests to find the best time for breeding. Signs include a softer and bigger vulva, and the discharge becomes lighter.
You may like to read: Can Dogs Get Pregnant When Not In Heat?
3. Diestrus
This is the final stage, usually around day 14. In diestrus, the discharge becomes redder and tapers off, the vulva returns to normal, and the female no longer wants to mate. The heat cycle is over when all signs of swelling and discharge are gone.
4. Anestrus
This is the time between one heat cycle and the next, lasting about six months. Understanding this cycle helps breeders figure out when their dog can get pregnant. They can calculate the conception date based on the cycle, making it easier for veterinarians to check for pregnancy.
Gestation Period: How long are dogs pregnant?
A dog’s pregnancy can last anywhere from 63 to 65 days. Usually, puppies are born around 63 days, which is a little over 2 months, after the mother dog gets pregnant.
Here are some timeframes based on hormone measurements:
- About 56-58 days from the start of diestrus (a stage in the reproductive cycle).
- About 64-66 days from the first rise in a hormone called progesterone.
- Anywhere from 58 to 72 days from when the female allows breeding.
Are there any dog pregnancy symptoms?
- Dogs can get “morning sickness” in early pregnancy, leading to vomiting.
- Early signs include appetite changes, slightly bigger nipples, clear discharge, tiredness, and more affection.
- Later in pregnancy, they gain weight, eat more, and have behavior changes.
- Nipples may darken and produce a clear liquid.
- A big belly with visible puppy movement means puppies are coming soon.
You may like to read: Why do female Dogs Cry When Mating?
How can I prepare for my dog giving birth?
- Find a quiet spot: Make a comfy place for your dog to have puppies. Use a big box with soft blankets. Put in some of her favorite things.
- Get stuff ready: Get clean towels, small blankets, and scissors for nails. Warm up bean bags in the microwave to keep puppies warm if you have to move them.
- Talk to a vet: Ask a vet about dog births. Learn what to watch for and when to get help. You should be there to help, but let your dog do most of the work.
- Be ready for emergencies: Sometimes, puppies come at night, and there might be a problem. Save the vet’s number in your phone, have a way to go to the vet fast, and pack what you might need (like your wallet, keys, blankets, and a puppy carrier) ahead of time.
How Long Are Dogs in Labor?
Once the gestation period is over, labor begins. There are three stages of labor.
Stage 1
The first stage of dog labor can last for 12 to 24 hours, and it might not be very obvious. During this time, the muscles in the dog’s uterus start contracting more and more, but you won’t see any visible signs of contractions. Instead, you should watch out for these signs that indicate your dog is in labor:
- Your dog’s behavior changes.
- She becomes restless.
- She might want to be alone more.
- She starts making a nest from time to time.
- She refuses to eat.
- She may vomit.
- She pants a lot.
- You might notice a clear discharge from her vagina.
Stage 2
Stage three of dog labor is when the placenta is delivered, which usually happens right after stage two when puppies are born. If your dog’s labor takes more than 24 hours or if there’s more than a 2-hour gap between puppy births, contact the vet because it could be a serious problem for both the mother and the unborn puppies.
Stage 3
Stage three of dog labor is when the placenta is delivered, which usually happens right after stage two when puppies are born. If your dog’s labor takes more than 24 hours or if there’s more than a 2-hour gap between puppy births, contact the vet because it could be a serious problem for both the mother and the unborn puppies.
You may like to read: When Can Male Dogs Breed?
FAQs: How Long Are Dogs Pregnant?
Still not satisfied?? Here are some frequently asked questions:
How many months is a dog pregnant?
A dog’s pregnancy can last anywhere from 56 to 70 days. Usually, puppies are born around 63 days, which is a little over 2 months, after the mom gets pregnant.
How can you tell a dog is pregnant?
- Behavior changes.
- Becomes restless.
- She might want to be alone more.
- She starts making a nest from time to time.
- Refuses to eat.
- She may vomit.
- She pants a lot.
- You might notice a clear discharge from her vagina.
How long is a dog in heat?
Female dogs that haven’t been spayed have a special time called “heat” two times a year, which is about every 6 months. During this time, they stay in this special condition for about 2 to 3 weeks, which is around 18 days.
How do female dogs act in heat?
When a female dog is in heat, you might see her acting differently. She could become more anxious, upset, or even get into fights with male dogs. She might also try to mount or hump other dogs. These behaviors usually stop once her heat is over.
What should I feed my dog after she gives birth?
For the last part of pregnancy and when nursing puppies, use high-quality puppy food that’s easy to digest. Let the mother dog eat as much as she wants for the first 3-4 weeks unless she has just one or two puppies. This is good for her and the puppies.
Are dogs pregnant for 4 months?
Dogs are pregnant for about two months, which is roughly 62 to 64 days.
At what age can you breed a dog?
Smaller dog breeds can become adults and able to have puppies at around four months old, but larger breeds might have to wait until they’re two years old before they can do that.
How do you know if dog mating is successful?
The clearest sign that dogs have successfully mated is when the male and female dogs are physically stuck together for a while.
What week will I notice my dog is pregnant?
Dogs usually start showing small signs that they’re pregnant about four to five weeks after getting pregnant. But remember, every dog is unique, so some may show these signs a bit later. The signs become more noticeable around five to six weeks into the pregnancy.