Dog Pregnancy Due Date Calculator
Accurately estimate your dog's whelping date based on the mating date.
Estimated Results
Estimated Due Date:
Safe Whelping Window:
Note: Most dogs deliver on day 63, but a normal pregnancy can range from 58 to 68 days.
Understanding the Dog Gestation Period
A dog's pregnancy, also known as the gestation period, typically lasts for approximately 63 days from the date of ovulation. However, since it is often difficult to pinpoint the exact moment of conception, a normal delivery window is considered to be anywhere between 58 and 68 days after mating.
How This Calculator Works
Our Dog Pregnancy Calculator uses the standard 63-day rule of thumb to provide you with a primary due date. It also calculates the "Safe Window," which represents the standard biological variability in canine pregnancies. The calculation follows this logic:
- Primary Due Date: Mating Date + 63 Days
- Earliest Safe Date: Mating Date + 58 Days
- Latest Safe Date: Mating Date + 68 Days
Example Calculation
If your dog was mated on January 1st, the calculation would look like this:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Mating Date | January 1 |
| Early Window (Day 58) | February 28 |
| Estimated Due Date (Day 63) | March 5 |
| Late Window (Day 68) | March 10 |
Signs of Impending Labor
As the estimated due date approaches, keep a close watch for these behavioral and physical signs in your dog:
- Temperature Drop: A dog's rectal temperature usually drops below 100°F (37.8°C) about 24 hours before labor begins.
- Nesting Behavior: Seeking out a quiet, private area and shredding bedding.
- Loss of Appetite: Many dogs stop eating 12 to 24 hours before whelping.
- Restlessness: Shivering, panting, or pacing.
When to Call the Vet
While most dog births are natural and uncomplicated, you should contact your veterinarian if:
- Pregnancy exceeds 68 days.
- The mother is in active labor for more than 45 minutes without producing a puppy.
- There is a dark green or bloody discharge before the first puppy is born.
- The mother seems unusually weak or lethargic.