Dog Pregnancy Week by Week: UK Guide for Caring for a Pregnant Dog

dog healthOndrej Bina
Dog Pregnancy Week by Week
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Dog Pregnancy Timeline at a Glance (9 Weeks / ~63 Days)

  • Week 1 (Days 0–7): Fertilisation; no visible changes.

  • Week 2 (Days 8–14): Embryos implant; mild appetite shifts.

  • Week 3 (Days 15–21): Hormonal changes; possible morning queasiness.

  • Week 4 (Days 22–28): Vet may confirm pregnancy; nipples slightly enlarge.

  • Week 5 (Days 29–35): Puppies’ organs form; calorie needs begin to rise.

  • Week 6 (Days 36–42): Abdomen rounds; appetite increases.

  • Week 7 (Days 43–49): Coat/nails develop; nesting behaviour may start.

  • Week 8 (Days 50–56): Visible puppy movement; colostrum may appear.

  • Week 9 (Days 57–63): Whelping prep; temperature drop before labour.

Always consult your vet for personalised guidance—especially on diet, exercise, and any supplements during pregnancy.

Week-by-Week Care Guide

dog pregnancy Week-by-Week Care Guide

Week 1 (Days 0–7): The Quiet Beginning

What you’ll notice: Usually nothing obvious. Keep life calm and consistent.
Care tips:

  • Stick to her normal complete diet; no need to increase calories yet.

  • Gentle exercise only—no strenuous new activities.
    Supplements: Discuss starting dog prenatal vitamins now so nutrients are in place early.

Week 2 (Days 8–14): Implantation & Hormone Shift

Signs: Slight appetite change; mild tiredness.
Care tips:

  • Keep stress low; maintain hydration.

  • Begin weighing weekly to track healthy, gradual gain.
    Nutrition: Still maintenance calories; focus on quality protein and omega fatty acids.
    Supplement focus: Folic acid (supports neural development). Continue daily prenatal vitamins for dogs.

Week 3 (Days 15–21): Early Pregnancy Symptoms


Signs: Mild queasiness (“morning sickness”), occasional picky eating.
Care tips:

  • Offer smaller, more frequent meals if appetite dips.

  • Avoid unnecessary medications and chemical flea/worm products without vet approval.
    Supplements: B-vitamins for energy metabolism; zinc for normal development.

Week 4 (Days 22–28): Time to Confirm

week by week dogs pregnancy

Signs: Nipples may enlarge/pink; abdomen still subtle.
Vet: This is a common window for confirmation (your vet will advise ultrasound timing).
Care tips:

  • Begin planning a whelping area: quiet, warm, easily cleaned.

  • Keep exercise light to moderate.
    Nutrition: Transition towards a high-quality, energy-dense food (gradual change).
    Supplements: Continue prenatal pills for dogs to cover micronutrient bases.

Week 5 (Days 29–35): Growth Spurt Begins

Signs: Body shape starts to change; hunger may increase.
Care tips:

  • Split daily food into 3–4 smaller meals to reduce tummy pressure.

  • Maintain calm routines; avoid rough play.
    Nutrition: Calorie needs begin to rise; protein quality matters.
    Supplements: Iron (supports red blood cell production), folic acid, zinc—all commonly included in dog prenatal vitamins.

Week 6 (Days 36–42): Clearly Pregnant

dog pregnancy Week-by-Week Care Guide

Signs: Rounding abdomen; weight gain more visible.
Care tips:

  • Keep her clean and brushed; check nipples/skin gently.

  • Short, frequent walks are ideal.
    Nutrition: Increase calories gradually under vet guidance.
    Supplements: Consider DHA (omega-3) support for developing brains and eyes (ask your vet). Keep using a complete prenatal vitamin for dogs.

Week 7 (Days 43–49): Nesting & Final Trimester

Signs: Nesting behaviour, restlessness, more naps.
Care tips:

  • Finalise whelping box: warm, draft-free, with clean bedding.

  • Trim hair around nipples if long-coated (for nursing hygiene).
    Nutrition: High-quality food; frequent smaller meals.
    Supplements: Continue prenatal pills; ensure adequate calcium from diet (avoid high-dose standalone calcium unless vet-directed).

Week 8 (Days 50–56): Almost There

week by week dogs poregnancy

Signs: You may see/feel puppy movement; mammary glands fuller; possible colostrum.
Care tips:

  • Temperature charting can start (a drop to ~37.2°C often precedes labour by ~24 hours).

  • Keep toileting areas accessible; avoid travel.
    Nutrition: Maximum energy needs now.
    Supplements: Stay consistent—folic acid, iron, zinc continuing via her dog prenatal vitamins.

Week 9 (Days 57–63): Whelping Prep

Signs: Restlessness, scratching, hiding; temperature drop before labour; reduced appetite just before whelping.
Care tips:

  • Prepare whelping kit: vet’s number, clean towels, puppy scale, heat source as advised, disinfected scissors/clamps (only if trained/needed), gloves.

  • Keep the house calm and quiet; supervise closely.
    Aftercare: Post-whelping, discuss nursing nutrition and postnatal support with your vet.

Why Use Prenatal Vitamins for Dogs?

Even on a balanced diet, pregnancy increases demand for specific micronutrients. A well-formulated dog prenatal vitamin can help cover common nutritional gaps:

  • Folic Acid – supports normal foetal neural development

  • Iron – supports healthy oxygen transport and energy

  • Zinc – supports normal growth and immune function

  • B-Complex Vitamins – support energy metabolism and appetite

  • Optional Vet-approved DHA – supports brain and eye development

Recommended: Calmdogs® Prenatal Pills for Dogs — gentle, daily support to help mum stay strong through pregnancy. (Insert your product URL and add-to-cart link here.)

Note: Supplements should complement, not replace, a vet-approved diet. Always seek veterinary advice before starting any supplement, especially if your dog has underlying conditions or is on medication.

Exercise, Grooming & Hygiene

  • Exercise: Daily gentle walks keep joints mobile and mood balanced. Avoid high impact or overheating.

  • Grooming: Regular brushing; check nipples/abdomen; keep bedding clean and dry.

  • Parasite control: Only with vet-approved products safe for pregnancy.

Common Questions (Quick Answers)

1. How long are dogs pregnant? About 63 days from ovulation (roughly 9 weeks).
2. When should I increase food? Gradually from Week 5, split into smaller meals.
3. Can I keep training? Yes—low-stress, reward-based training is fine; avoid strenuous activity.
4. When to see the vet? Early confirmation (Week 4+), mid-pregnancy check, and if you notice distress, discharge with odour/colour, prolonged straining, or overdue pregnancy.

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