How Long Are Dogs Pregnant? Complete Pregnancy Guide for Mauritius

Dog pregnancy lasts approximately 63 days (9 weeks) from conception to delivery. However, the duration can vary slightly from 58 to 68 days. Here's everything you need to know about canine pregnancy, especially for pet owners in Mauritius's tropical climate.

Quick Answer: Dog Pregnancy Duration

Average: 63 days (9 weeks)

Normal range: 58-68 days from conception

Calculating Pregnancy Duration

The pregnancy period starts from conception (fertilization), not from the mating date. Since dogs can remain fertile for several days after mating, there can be variation:

From mating date: 58-70 days
From conception: 63 days (most accurate)
By weeks: Approximately 9 weeks

Stages of Dog Pregnancy

Week 1-2: Early Pregnancy

Fertilization occurs
Embryos travel to the uterus
No visible signs yet
Care: Continue normal diet and exercise

Week 3-4: Embryo Development

Embryos implant in the uterine wall
Vet can confirm pregnancy via ultrasound (Day 25-30)
Morning sickness may occur
Appetite may decrease
Nipples may darken

Mauritius Climate Note: Keep your dog cool and hydrated, especially if experiencing morning sickness.

Week 5-6: Rapid Growth

Puppies develop rapidly
Weight gain becomes noticeable
Appetite increases significantly
Belly starts to swell
Vet can feel puppies (palpation)

Care: Increase food portions gradually (switch to puppy food for extra nutrition)

Week 7-8: Final Preparation

Puppies fully formed
Mother's belly very large
May start producing milk
Nesting behavior begins
X-ray can count puppies (Day 45+)

Action: Prepare whelping box in a cool, quiet area

Week 9: Labor & Delivery

Restlessness increases
Temperature drops 24 hours before labor
Active labor begins
Puppies are born!

Signs of Pregnancy in Dogs

Early Signs (Week 3-4)

Decreased appetite
Slight weight gain
Behavioral changes (more affectionate or withdrawn)
Nipple enlargement and darkening
Morning sickness (vomiting)

Mid-Pregnancy Signs (Week 5-6)

Noticeable weight gain
Increased appetite
Swollen belly
Clear vaginal discharge (normal)

Late Pregnancy Signs (Week 7-9)

Very large, firm belly
Visible puppy movement
Nesting behavior
Milk production
Temperature drop before labor

Confirming Pregnancy

Ultrasound (Day 25-30)

The earliest and most reliable method. Your vet can confirm pregnancy and check puppy heartbeats.

Palpation (Day 28-35)

An experienced vet can feel puppies by gently palpating the abdomen. This window is limited as puppies become too large to feel individually.

Blood Test (Day 25+)

Measures relaxin hormone, which is only present during pregnancy.

X-Ray (Day 45+)

After Day 45, puppy skeletons are visible on x-ray, allowing accurate puppy count.

Caring for a Pregnant Dog in Mauritius

Nutrition

Switch to high-quality puppy food (Week 5-6)
Increase portions gradually (up to 1.5x normal by Week 8)
Feed smaller, more frequent meals
Ensure constant access to fresh water
Add supplements only if recommended by vet

Exercise

Continue moderate exercise throughout pregnancy
Avoid strenuous activity in late pregnancy
Walk during cooler hours (early morning/evening)
Provide shaded rest areas
Watch for signs of overheating

Climate Considerations

Mauritius's tropical climate requires special attention:

Provide air-conditioned or well-ventilated resting areas
Extra water bowls throughout the house
Avoid outdoor time during peak heat (11am-3pm)
Monitor for heat stress (excessive panting, lethargy)
Prepare whelping box in the coolest room

Veterinary Care

Week 3-4: Confirm pregnancy, discuss care plan
Week 5-6: Check-up, nutritional advice
Week 7-8: X-ray to count puppies (optional but recommended)
Week 9: Be ready to contact vet if labor issues arise

Preparing for Whelping (Birth)

Whelping Box Setup

Large enough for mother to stretch out
Raised edges to contain puppies
Located in quiet, cool area
Clean, washable bedding
Easy access to food and water

Supplies to Have Ready

Clean towels
Heating pad (for puppies, not mother)
Thermometer
Veterinarian's emergency contact
Sterile scissors and dental floss (for emergency cord cutting)
Scale to weigh puppies

Signs of Labor

First Stage (6-12 hours)

Temperature drops below 37.2°C (99°F)
Restlessness, pacing
Nesting behavior intensifies
May refuse food
Panting

Second Stage (Active Labor)

Visible contractions
Water breaks
Straining to push
First puppy appears

Third Stage (Delivery)

Puppies born 30-60 minutes apart
Mother cleans and nurses puppies
Placenta delivered after each puppy

Emergency Vet Contact Required If:

Strong contractions for 30+ minutes with no puppy
More than 2 hours between puppies
Greenish discharge before first puppy
Excessive bleeding
Signs of extreme distress or weakness
Pregnancy extends beyond Day 70

Post-Pregnancy Care

Mother should expel all placentas (count them)
Monitor for signs of infection or complications
Ensure all puppies are nursing
Vet check-up within 24-48 hours
Mother needs high-calorie food during nursing

Finding a Vet in Mauritius

Ensure you have a veterinarian lined up before your dog gives birth. Find experienced vets in your area:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you tell how many puppies a dog will have?

Yes, after Day 45 of pregnancy, an x-ray can accurately count the number of puppies by showing their skeletal development. Ultrasound earlier in pregnancy can estimate numbers but isn't as accurate.

Is 70 days too long for a dog to be pregnant?

Yes. Contact your vet immediately if pregnancy extends beyond Day 68-70, as this may indicate complications requiring intervention.

Can a dog be pregnant longer than 9 weeks?

The normal range is 58-68 days (8-9.5 weeks). Pregnancies beyond 70 days are abnormal and require veterinary attention immediately.

Do I need to help my dog give birth?

Most dogs give birth naturally without assistance. However, you should be present to monitor for complications and have your vet's emergency number ready. First-time mothers or certain breeds (like Bulldogs) may need veterinary assistance.