About the Dog Pregnancy Calculator
This dog pregnancy calculator works out when your dog is due to whelp from the date she was bred. It returns the estimated due date (63 days after breeding), the normal whelping range of 58 to 72 days from the first breeding (Merck Veterinary Manual), how many days and weeks pregnant she is on any date you choose, and a dated timeline of milestones such as ultrasound, X-ray and when to set up the whelping box.
It is useful for breeders planning a litter, owners of an accidental mating, and anyone who wants to know when to book vet checks. Knowing the window in advance lets you prepare supplies, start temperature checks and plan to be home in the final week.
Canine pregnancy averages about 63 days from ovulation, but because sperm can survive several days and bitches are often bred more than once, the due date counted from a breeding date is less exact. If you had progesterone testing done, ask your vet for the ovulation date, which gives a more accurate estimate (whelping is 64–66 days after the LH surge). The milestone days are typical ranges from veterinary references, not exact dates. Agree a plan with your vet in advance, and contact them if labour has not started by day 72 or if your dog seems unwell at any point.
How to use the dog pregnancy calculator
- 1Enter the date your dog was bred (use the first date if there were several).
- 2Enter today’s date to see how far along she is.
- 3Read the due date and the 58–72 day whelping window.
- 4Use the timeline to book an ultrasound, X-ray and prepare the whelping box.
Formula and method
Dogs are pregnant for about 63 days (nine weeks) counted from ovulation. Counted from the first breeding date, the Merck Veterinary Manual gives a normal range of 58 to 72 days, because a bitch may ovulate days after mating and fresh semen can survive in the reproductive tract for 9 days or more. The calculator adds 63 days to the breeding date for the due date and 58 and 72 days for the window.
Days pregnant is simply the number of days between the breeding date and the check date; weeks pregnant is that number divided by 7. If the check date is before the breeding date, days and weeks pregnant are hidden. Milestone days (implantation about day 18, ultrasound days 25–35, relaxin test from days 22–27, X-ray from days 42–45) are typical ranges from veterinary references.
- 63
- Average canine gestation in days
- 58–72
- Normal range of gestation counted from the first breeding (Merck)
Worked examples
Bred on 1 September 2026
Adding 63 days to 1 September gives 3 November 2026. On 15 October she is on day 44 (about 6.3 weeks), with 19 days to go, and normal whelping can happen from 29 October (day 58) to 12 November (day 72).
Checking during the whelping window
On 5 November she is on day 65, two days past the 63-day estimate but still inside the normal 58–72 day range. Monitor her temperature, follow the plan agreed with your vet, and call them if nothing happens by day 72 or she seems unwell.
Bred over the holidays
A breeding on 20 December 2026 gives a due date of 21 February 2027. On 10 February she is on day 52 — time to book the late X-ray and set up the whelping box.
Planning ahead: check date before the breeding
If you plan a mating on 1 September and check on 25 August, the date is 7 days before breeding, so days and weeks pregnant are hidden. The expected due date is still 3 November, 70 days after the check date.
Frequently asked questions
How long are dogs pregnant?+
About 63 days (nine weeks) from ovulation, or 64–66 days from the LH surge. Counted from the first breeding date, the Merck Veterinary Manual gives a normal range of 58 to 72 days, because ovulation timing and sperm survival vary.
How can I tell if my dog is pregnant?+
Early signs are subtle. A vet can confirm pregnancy by ultrasound (best at days 25–35), by feeling the uterus from about day 21, with a relaxin blood test from about days 22–27, and by X-ray once skeletons show at about days 42–45.
How do I know when my dog is about to give birth?+
In the last 24–48 hours she may nest, refuse food, pant and become restless. In most dogs rectal temperature drops to about 98.8 °F (37.1 °C; range 98.1–100 °F) 8–24 hours before whelping.
When should I call the vet during whelping?+
Call if labour has not started by day 72 from the first breeding (or earlier if your vet advises), if she strains strongly for 30–60 minutes without a puppy, if more than 2–4 hours pass between puppies, or if there is green or bloody discharge before the first puppy.
How many puppies will my dog have?+
Litter size depends mostly on breed size: toy breeds often have 1–4 puppies and large breeds 6–10 or more. An X-ray after about day 55 gives the most reliable count.
This tool gives general estimates and is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or qualified professional about your health, diet or training.