4470 El Camino Real

Los Altos, California 94022

Veterinarian Always on Duty

Pregnancy and Whelping Information for Dogs

A normal canine pregnancy is approximately sixty-five days in length, although puppies can arrive between fifty-nine and sixty-five days post breeding. There are now blood tests available for detecting pregnancy in dogs, but it is far easier to perform a quick ultrasound after about twenty-one days.

Continue your dog's normal feeding and exercise routine for the first six weeks of the pregnancy. During the sixth week increase her food by one third for the remainder of the pregnancy. For example, if she normally eats three cups of food per day, increase her food to a total of four cups per day. Do not give any supplements or unusual foods unless directed by your veterinarian. Continue to exercise her by walking throughout the remainder of the pregnancy, but let her control the pace and length of the walks.

Preparing for labor

Pre-labor

Labor

Puppy stuck in the birth canal

After the puppies have all arrived