Dog Pregnancy Calculator — Whelping Date Estimator

Canine gestation averages 63 days from ovulation, but can range from 57 to 65 days from the breeding date depending on when ovulation occurred relative to mating. A litter born at 57 days is considered normal, as is one at 65 days.

Schedule a confirmation visit around week 3–4 when ultrasound can detect heartbeats. An X-ray at week 7–8 can count fetal skulls to know how many puppies to expect. Contact your vet immediately if labor does not begin by day 65, or if more than 2 hours pass between puppies during delivery.

Key signs include: rectal temperature dropping below 99°F (12–24 hours before labor), nesting behavior and restlessness, loss of appetite 24–48 hours before, visible abdominal contractions, and vaginal discharge (green/black discharge before any puppy is an emergency). Most dogs whelp at night.

Ultrasound is most accurate between days 25–35 (detects heartbeats by day 28). Relaxin blood test can confirm pregnancy from day 22–27. Abdominal palpation by a vet is possible around day 28–35. X-rays from day 45+ can count skeletons to predict litter size.