Pregnant Dogs: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Welcoming a litter of puppies is exciting, but caring for a pregnant dog is a significant responsibility. Knowing the signs of pregnancy early and understanding how to support your dog through each stage will help keep both her and her puppies healthy.

How to Tell If Your Dog Is Pregnant?

During the first few weeks of pregnancy, your dog's behavior may not change noticeably. Some dogs experience vomiting or a temporary change in appetite during this time. On average, dogs are pregnant for approximately 62 to 64 days, though this can vary by breed.

Signs your dog may be pregnant include:

• Weight gain
• Increase or decrease in appetite
• Tiring more easily than usual
• Irritability
• Wanting more affection than usual
• A swollen or enlarged abdomen

Every dog's body is different, so signs can vary. If you notice any of these changes, consult your veterinarian to confirm the pregnancy and rule out other causes.

What to Do If You Think Your Dog Is Pregnant

Contact your veterinarian as soon as you suspect your dog may be pregnant. An ultrasound can confirm pregnancy at around four weeks. Blood tests may also be performed after 35 days. Once pregnancy is confirmed, your focus shifts to keeping your dog healthy throughout.

• Consult Your Veterinarian

Regular veterinary visits during pregnancy are essential. Your vet will check your dog's overall condition and may perform a fecal examination to screen for intestinal parasites. Avoid giving over-the-counter dewormers without veterinary guidance, as some products may not be appropriate during pregnancy. If the pregnancy was planned, confirm that vaccinations and parasite preventions are current before breeding.

• Make Sure Your Dog Gets the Proper Nutrition

During the first four weeks of pregnancy, continue feeding your dog a nutritious, high-quality diet. Your veterinarian can recommend a suitable food, as some high-quality formulas are designed with the needs of pregnant dogs in mind. As the pregnancy progresses, your dog's stomach will have less room, so smaller and more frequent meals are generally better tolerated. Adequate calcium and phosphorus are important during this stage.

Talk to your vet before making any changes to your dog's diet or adding any supplements, so they can advise on what is appropriate for your dog's individual needs.

• Provide a Comfortable Resting Place

Your pregnant dog will tire more easily and need more rest. Make sure her sleeping area is comfortable, quiet, and free of distractions. As the due date approaches, ensure there is enough space for her and her puppies.

• Keep Her Separated From Other Pets

Other pets in the household may be active and playful in ways that could accidentally stress or injure a pregnant dog. Keeping her in a calm, separate space reduces the risk of accidental contact and helps her stay relaxed.

• Monitor Her Temperature

You can get a heads-up that labor is approaching by monitoring your dog's rectal temperature in the final days of pregnancy. A drop below 100 degrees Fahrenheit typically indicates labor will begin within 24 hours.

What to Expect During Labor

The first 6 to 12 hours of labor typically involve mild contractions. Your dog may seem restless, move in and out of her nesting area, dig, pant, or vomit during this stage. Stronger, more frequent contractions follow and result in the birth of the puppies.

Each puppy typically takes 10 to 15 minutes to deliver. Puppies are normally born every 45 to 60 minutes, though gaps of up to four hours can occur between births. Both head-first and tail-first presentations are considered normal.

Your dog will pass a greenish-black fetal membrane after each puppy. Monitor her closely throughout labor. If she strains for more than an hour without delivering a puppy, or rests for more than four hours between puppies, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Health After Giving Birth

Watch for the following signs after your dog has given birth and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of them:

• Lethargy
• Fever
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Decreased appetite
• Inflamed or visibly uncomfortable breast tissue
• Vomiting

Let your veterinarian know your dog is nursing so they can prescribe any medications or treatments that are safe for nursing dogs.

Caring for Newborn Puppies

Puppies are born inside a protective fetal membrane, which the mother typically removes. If she does not, you will need to carefully remove it yourself. Take the puppy out of the sac, wipe the nostrils clear, hold the puppy head-down, open the mouth gently, and rub the body with a clean towel to stimulate breathing.

If the mother does not remove the umbilical cord, you will need to do so carefully. Do not pull on the cord. Using your thumb and first two fingers, gently tear it approximately one inch from the puppy's body.

Contact your veterinarian after the puppies are born. They will schedule a checkup for both the mother and the puppies and screen for any concerns such as umbilical hernias or cleft palates.

The First Few Weeks

As tempting as it is to hold and cuddle the puppies right away, it is best to give the mother and her litter space during the first few weeks. Handling newborn puppies too early can be stressful for the mother and increases the risk of illness for the puppies.

Being well prepared makes this experience less stressful for both you and your dog. Caring for a new litter is a big responsibility, but it is also a rewarding one. Enjoy the moment and give both the mother and her puppies all the love and attention they deserve.

Supporting Your Dog's Daily Wellness

Whether your dog is pregnant, nursing, or simply part of your everyday routine, daily nutrition plays an important role in her overall wellbeing. Many pet owners add omega-3 fatty acids to support their dog's skin, coat, and overall daily wellness. Vital Pet Life Salmon Oil provides EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids that help support healthy skin and coat, heart function, and a healthy immune system.

It is made from sustainably sourced salmon, comes in triglyceride form, and is verified by ORIVO NMR lab testing for species identity and geographic origin. Available in 8 oz, 16 oz, and 32 oz sizes and formulated for both dogs and cats. Always consult your veterinarian before adding any supplement to your dog's routine during pregnancy or nursing.

Shop Vital Pet Life Salmon Oil

Frequently Asked Questions

How long are dogs pregnant?
Dogs are pregnant for approximately 62 to 64 days, though this can vary by breed and individual factors.

What are the signs of pregnancy in dogs?
Common signs include weight gain, changes in appetite, increased fatigue, irritability, increased need for affection, and a swollen abdomen. Signs can vary between individual dogs, so a veterinary confirmation is always recommended.

What should I feed a pregnant dog?
A nutritious, high-quality diet is important throughout pregnancy. Your veterinarian can recommend a suitable food based on your dog's specific needs. Smaller, more frequent meals are often better tolerated as the pregnancy progresses. Always consult your vet before adding supplements or making significant dietary changes.

How do I know when my dog is about to give birth?
A drop in rectal temperature below 100 degrees Fahrenheit typically signals that labor will begin within 24 hours. Your dog may also become restless, pant, dig, or seek out her nesting area.

When should I call the vet during labor?
Contact your veterinarian if your dog strains for more than an hour without delivering a puppy, or if more than four hours pass between puppies. After birth, watch for signs of concern such as fever, lethargy, unusual discharge, or changes in appetite, and call your vet if any of these appear.