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Dog pregnancy calculator
Enter the breeding date to see when your dog's puppies are due. If your vet tracked ovulation, you'll get a much narrower window.
Your dog's expected whelping window and countdown will show here.
A planning guide, not a diagnosis. Your vet can confirm the pregnancy and the date. Last reviewed October 6, 2026.
How long are dogs pregnant?
How long a dog's pregnancy lasts depends on which day you count from. The Merck Veterinary Manual gives these ranges:
| Counted from | Days to whelping | How exact |
|---|---|---|
| First breeding (mating) | 58–72 | Wide window |
| LH surge or first rise in progesterone | 64–66 | Narrow window |
| First day of diestrus | 56–58 | Narrow window |
The breeding date gives a wide window because a dog can be mated several days before she ovulates, and the day of mating and the day of conception often don't match. If your vet ran progesterone or LH tests to time the breeding, use that date for a 3-day window.
Signs that labor is close
A drop in body temperature is one of the most useful signs. It usually happens 8 to 24 hours before whelping, to around 98.1–100°F (36.7–37.8°C). Many breeders take the dog's rectal temperature twice a day in the last week to catch the drop. Restlessness, nesting and loss of appetite are also common shortly before labor.
Call your vet if the window has passed with no labor, if your dog is straining hard for a long time without a puppy, if there is green or bloody discharge before the first puppy, or if she seems very unwell. These can be signs of a problem that needs help quickly.
Questions people ask
How do I calculate my dog's due date?
Add 58 to 72 days to the first breeding date. That gives the window when most dogs whelp. If your vet tested for the LH surge or progesterone rise, add 64 to 66 days to that date instead for a much more precise estimate.
How long are dogs pregnant for?
About two months. Counted from the first mating it ranges from 58 to 72 days; counted from the hormone surge that triggers ovulation it is 64 to 66 days.
Why is the window so wide when I use the mating date?
Dogs can be mated before they ovulate, and conception may happen days after mating. The calculator shows the full range so you are prepared early.
How can I confirm my dog is pregnant?
Your vet can confirm pregnancy with an ultrasound or a blood test once enough time has passed after breeding. They can also estimate the number of puppies with an X-ray late in pregnancy.
What temperature means labor is starting?
A drop to around 98.1–100°F (36.7–37.8°C) usually means whelping will start within 8 to 24 hours.