Dog Pregnancy Weight Gain and Feeding Tracker Calculator

Pregnancy Weight Gain – The Real Numbers

Pregnant dogs don’t gain weight evenly – the gain accelerates in the last 3-4 weeks as fetal growth peaks. Total pregnancy gain varies by size:

Size	Total Gain (% pre-pregnancy weight)
Toy / Small	15-25%
Medium	20-30%
Large / Giant	25-40%

Large litters cause more gain than small litters; first pregnancies sometimes lower gain than subsequent.

Questions This Calculator Answers

• “How much weight should my pregnant dog gain?” – Size-specific weekly expected gains
• “Is my dog gaining too much or too little?” – Comparison to expected range
• “When should I start feeding more?” – Calorie increase begins week 4-5, not week 1
• “How many meals per day during pregnancy?” – 3-5 small meals in last 3-4 weeks
• “What diet should I switch to?” – Puppy or all-life-stages diet starting week 5
• “Why won’t my pregnant dog eat?” – Pre-whelping appetite drop normal 24-48h before
• “Should I supplement calcium during pregnancy?” – NO during pregnancy (eclampsia risk)
• “How big will the puppies be at birth?” – 1-5% maternal pre-pregnancy weight
• “Is my dog actually pregnant?” – Vet ultrasound day 28-35 or x-ray day 45+

Calorie Increase Week by Week (NRC / Burger Guidelines)

Week	Calorie Increase	Notes
1-4	No increase	Continue normal adult diet; embryos still small
5	+10-20%	Begin transition to puppy/all-life-stages diet
6	+20-30%	Puppy diet; split to 3 meals daily
7	+30-50%	3-4 small meals daily; reduced appetite possible
8	+40-60%	4-5 small meals; crowded abdomen reduces meal size
9	+50-70%	Free-feed quality puppy food; appetite may drop 24-48h pre-whelping

Formula: Maintenance MER = 110 × BW^0.75 kcal/day; multiply by week-specific factor.

Diet Transition – Week 5

Switch to puppy or all-life-stages diet:

• Calorie density: 3.8-4.5 kcal/g
• Protein: 28-32%
• Fat: 16-20%
• Calcium: 1.0-1.8%
• Ca:P ratio: 1.1-1.4:1

Examples: Royal Canin Maxi Starter Mother/Babydog, Hill’s Science Diet Puppy, Purina Pro Plan Sport, Eukanuba Premium Performance.

CRITICAL: DO NOT Supplement Calcium Pre-Whelping

This is a common mistake. Calcium supplementation pre-whelping INCREASES eclampsia risk by suppressing parathyroid hormone response.

Continue balanced puppy diet which has adequate calcium.

Calcium supplementation (Tums, calcium gluconate) is appropriate ONLY post-whelping during lactation if eclampsia signs develop (panting, restlessness, muscle tremors in nursing dam).

Pregnancy Diagnosis Timeline

Method	When	Notes
Palpation	Day 21-30	Experienced hands; not always reliable
Relaxin blood test	Day 25-30	Hormone specific to canine pregnancy
Ultrasound	Day 28-35	Fetal heartbeats visible; gold standard for confirmation
Radiograph	Day 45+	Skeletal calcification; counts fetuses accurately for whelping prep

What to Monitor Weekly

• Weight – same scale, same time, before meals
• Appetite – increases weeks 5-7, may decrease last week
• Body condition – waist disappears; ribs still palpable
• Nipple/mammary changes – pink, enlarged from week 3-4; milk production week 7-8
• Abdominal enlargement – week 5-6 in small dogs; less obvious in large
• Fetal movement – palpable weeks 6-8; visible movement weeks 7-9
• Vaginal discharge – small clear normal; foul/bloody/dark = emergency
• Behavior – increased nesting, restlessness late pregnancy
• Temperature – normal 38-39°C; drop of 1°C = whelping within 12-24h

Red Flags – Vet Visit Needed

• Significant weight loss during pregnancy
• Excessive gain (>40% pre-pregnancy)
• Bloody discharge at any point – placental separation
• Foul-smelling discharge – infection
• Refusing food 24+ hours mid-pregnancy
• Vomiting beyond mild morning sickness
• Lethargy dramatic
• Fever >39.5°C
• Abdominal pain
• Past due – over day 68 from ovulation

Litter Size Prediction

Size	Typical Litter
Toy	1-4 puppies
Small	3-6
Medium	4-8
Large	6-10
Giant	8-15+

Radiographs day 45+ count fetal skeletons accurately.

Brachycephalic Breeds – Scheduled C-Section Often Required

C-section rates:

• English Bulldog: 60-80%
• French Bulldog: 50-65%
• Pug: 30-50%

Progesterone timing essential for scheduled C-section – schedule 63 days post-ovulation (NOT 63 days post-mating which is less precise).

Pre-Whelping Timeline

24-48 hours before:

• Restlessness, panting
• Nesting behavior
• Refusal to eat
• Clear/mucusy vaginal discharge
• Temperature drops 1°C below normal (39 → 38°C typical)

Stage 1 labor: cervical dilation, contractions begin; 6-24 hours for first-timers. Stage 2: active pushing + puppy delivery. Stage 3: placenta delivery + brief rest before next puppy.

Dystocia (Difficult Birth) Red Flags – EMERGENCY

• Strong contractions over 30-60 min without puppy
• Green/black discharge before first puppy (placental separation)
• Over 2 hours between puppies with contractions
• Over 4 hours between puppies without contractions
• Exhausted dam

Call vet immediately if any of these. C-section may be needed.

Conclusion

Pregnancy weight gain varies by size (15-40% total) and accelerates last 3-4 weeks. Calorie increase begins week 4-5, ramping to +50-70% by whelping. Switch to puppy diet at week 5. DO NOT supplement calcium pre-whelping – increases eclampsia risk. Monitor weekly weight, appetite, body condition, temperature in last 2 weeks. Brachycephalic breeds typically need scheduled C-section with progesterone timing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much weight does a pregnant dog gain?

TOTAL PREGNANCY WEIGHT GAIN varies by SIZE CLASS and LITTER SIZE: TOY/SMALL breeds gain 15-25% of pre-pregnancy weight (e.g., 5 kg Yorkie gains 0.75-1.25 kg total); MEDIUM 20-30% (15 kg Beagle gains 3-4.5 kg); LARGE 25-35% (25 kg Lab gains 6-9 kg); GIANT 25-40% (40 kg Mastiff gains 10-16 kg). GAIN IS NOT EVEN – accelerates dramatically in last 3-4 weeks as fetal growth peaks

WEEKLY EXPECTED PATTERN: Weeks 1-4 minimal gain (under 1-2%) as embryos very small; Week 5 ~2-5%; Week 6 ~5-10%; Week 7 ~10-15%; Week 8 ~15-25%; Week 9 ~20-40% peak

FACTORS AFFECTING GAIN:

1. LITTER SIZE – large litters cause more gain (each puppy contributes)
2. BREED variation – some breeds gain more
3. FIRST vs SUBSEQUENT pregnancy – first sometimes less gain
4. PRE-PREGNANCY body condition – thin dogs may gain proportionally more
5. DIET QUALITY – poor nutrition reduces gain
6. MATERNAL ILLNESS – affects gain

CONCERNING PATTERNS:

1. WEIGHT LOSS during pregnancy – infection, illness, fetal loss
2. EXCESSIVE GAIN over 40% – obesity, gestational issues
3. NO GAIN by week 6 – questionable pregnancy, vet ultrasound
4. SUDDEN DROP in pre-whelping week may be normal (24-48 hours pre-whelping)

PUPPY BIRTH WEIGHTS: 1-5% of maternal pre-pregnancy weight – so 20 kg medium dog has puppies 200-1000 g typically; larger breeds proportionally larger puppies

TRACKING: weigh weekly same scale, same time of day, before meals; use this calculator to compare against expected. POST-PREGNANCY weight loss takes 2-3 months typically – lactation burns 4-6x maintenance calories making weight loss possible while feeding pups; if not nursing or after weaning, controlled diet returns to pre-pregnancy weight

When should I start feeding my pregnant dog more?

WEEK 5 – NOT WEEK 1. EARLY PREGNANCY (weeks 1-4) embryos are very small; NO calorie increase needed during these weeks; continue normal adult diet quantity. OVERFEEDING early pregnancy causes maternal obesity not fetal benefit; can cause dystocia

WEEK-BY-WEEK CALORIE INCREASE (NRC + Burger guidelines): WEEKS 1-4: maintenance only – NO increase, continue adult diet; WEEK 5: +10-20% above maintenance, begin TRANSITION to puppy or all-life-stages diet; WEEK 6: +20-30% above maintenance; WEEK 7: +30-50% above maintenance, split into 3 meals daily; WEEK 8: +40-60% above maintenance, split into 4-5 small meals (crowded abdomen reduces meal size tolerance); WEEK 9: +50-70% above maintenance, free-feed quality puppy food; appetite may decrease 24-48 hours before whelping

FORMULA: maintenance MER = 110 x BW^0.75 kcal/day; multiply by week factor

EXAMPLES for 20 kg dog: maintenance ~1040 kcal/day; week 5 ~1145-1250 kcal; week 7 ~1350-1560 kcal; week 9 ~1560-1770 kcal

DIET TRANSITION SCHEDULE – WEEK 5: gradual transition over 5-7 days from adult to puppy/all-life-stages food; mix 25/50/75/100% over the week

WHY PUPPY DIET: higher calorie density (3.8-4.5 kcal/g vs adult 3.0-3.8); higher protein (28-32% vs adult 18-26%); higher fat (16-20% vs adult 10-15%); appropriate calcium and Ca:P ratio for growing fetuses + lactation prep. WHY NOT TO SUPPLEMENT CALCIUM separately – increases eclampsia risk by suppressing parathyroid hormone response

MEAL FREQUENCY: weeks 1-4 normal 1-2 meals/day; week 5-6 increase to 2-3 meals/day; week 7-8 3-4 small meals/day; week 9 free-feeding or 4-5 small meals/day. LATE PREGNANCY appetite may decrease – this is normal due to crowded abdomen; small frequent meals work better than large meals. PRE-WHELPING appetite often disappears 24-48 hours before delivery – this is normal sign

What should I feed my pregnant dog?

TRANSITION TO PUPPY OR ALL-LIFE-STAGES DIET starting week 5. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS for pregnant/lactating dog diet (per AAFCO + NRC): 1) CALORIE DENSITY 3.8-4.5 kcal/g (higher than adult maintenance); 2) PROTEIN 28-32% (high quality animal sources); 3) FAT 16-20% (provides concentrated calories); 4) CALCIUM 1.0-1.8% (for fetal skeletal development + lactation prep); 5) Ca:P RATIO 1.1-1.4:1 (balanced); 6) DHA/EPA for fetal brain development; 7) APPROPRIATE micronutrient levels. RECOMMENDED COMMERCIAL DIETS: 1) ROYAL CANIN Maxi Starter Mother/Babydog (size-specific formulas – Mini, Medium, Maxi, Giant); 2) HILL’S SCIENCE DIET Puppy formulas; 3) PURINA PRO PLAN Sport / Puppy formulas (28% protein 18% fat); 4) EUKANUBA Premium Performance / Puppy; 5) IAMS ProActive Health Smart Puppy; 6) NUTRO Ultra Puppy. AVOID: 1) ADULT MAINTENANCE diet (insufficient calories late pregnancy); 2) SENIOR diet (lower protein); 3) WEIGHT MANAGEMENT diet (insufficient calories); 4) GENERIC store brand (variable quality); 5) RAW DIET unsafe during pregnancy (bacterial risk to immunocompromised dam); 6) HOMEMADE without veterinary nutritionist (often unbalanced calcium/phosphorus/micronutrients). FOR HOMEMADE feeding: work with VETERINARY NUTRITIONIST (ACVN, ECVCN) or use BalanceIT.com formulated recipes; commercial puppy food much safer for most owners. SUPPLEMENTS DURING PREGNANCY: 1) NORMAL PUPPY DIET supplies adequate calcium – DO NOT add calcium (eclampsia risk); 2) OMEGA-3 EPA+DHA 100 mg/kg/day – excellent for fetal brain development (Burger 1998); 3) NO probiotics needed if dog healthy; 4) NO multivitamin needed with balanced diet; 5) Folate adequate in commercial diet (deficiency rare); 6) IF HOMEMADE – veterinary nutritionist formulation essential. FEEDING SCHEDULE evolution: 1) Weeks 1-4 NORMAL 1-2 meals daily; 2) Weeks 5-6 2-3 meals daily, gradually increase amount; 3) Weeks 7-8 3-4 small meals daily; 4) Week 9 4-5 small meals OR free-feed quality puppy food. WATER: free access fresh water always; pregnant dogs need 50-100% more water than maintenance especially weeks 7-9. POST-WHELPING continue puppy diet during lactation (calorie needs DOUBLE peak lactation week 3-4); transition back to adult diet after weaning.

Should I give my pregnant dog calcium supplements?

NO – DO NOT SUPPLEMENT CALCIUM DURING PREGNANCY. This is a critical and frequently asked question with a counter-intuitive answer

WHY NOT:

1. PARATHYROID HORMONE (PTH) regulates calcium – in pregnancy, PTH increases naturally to mobilize calcium for fetal use
2. DIETARY CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTATION SUPPRESSES PTH because there’s enough circulating calcium externally – so PTH stays low
3. When lactation begins suddenly demands huge calcium amounts, PTH cannot respond quickly enough
4. Result: ECLAMPSIA (puerperal hypocalcemia) develops – panting, restlessness, muscle tremors, seizures in nursing dam
5. Without rapid IV calcium gluconate, eclampsia is fatal. RISK HIGHEST in TOY/SMALL breeds with large litters (multiple puppies + small dam = huge relative calcium demand)

RIGHT APPROACH:

1. FEED BALANCED PUPPY DIET which has appropriate calcium content (1.0-1.8% calcium)
2. Trust the formulated diet – don’t add extras
3. Don’t add bone meal, calcium tablets, calcium-rich foods (cottage cheese, yogurt) beyond what’s in diet
4. Maintain Ca:P ratio 1.1-1.4:1 (puppy diet handles this)

WHEN CALCIUM IS APPROPRIATE:

1. POST-WHELPING if eclampsia signs develop (panting, restlessness, muscle tremors in nursing dam)
2. Tums (calcium carbonate) 1 g per 5 kg orally
3. Calcium gluconate IV at vet for full eclampsia treatment
4. Calcium supplementation DURING lactation can prevent recurrence
5. Some breeders supplement starting AT WHELPING (not before)

EXCEPTIONS where calcium might be considered (under VETERINARY DIRECTION ONLY):

1. Documented hypocalcemia from blood test
2. History of previous eclampsia
3. Specific veterinary nutritionist recommendation
4. Even then – given AT whelping or during lactation, not pre-whelping

WHAT TO MONITOR for ECLAMPSIA (post-whelping):

1. Restlessness, panting, anxiety
2. Muscle tremors, stiffness
3. Difficulty walking
4. Seizures
5. Hyperthermia
6. Tachycardia
7. Most common 1-3 weeks post-whelping
8. Toy breeds + large litters highest risk. EMERGENCY VET if any signs – eclampsia is rapidly progressive and fatal without treatment. PREVENTION through proper diet + monitoring + post-whelping support + early calcium when signs appear (NOT pre-whelping)

How can I tell if my dog is in labor?

PRE-WHELPING SIGNS (24-48 HOURS BEFORE LABOR):

1. RESTLESSNESS – pacing, can’t settle
2. NESTING BEHAVIOR – arranging blankets, hiding, seeking quiet area
3. REFUSAL TO EAT – last meal often 12-24 hours before whelping
4. MILD VAGINAL DISCHARGE – clear or slightly mucusy
5. TEMPERATURE DROP – from normal 38-39°C drops to 37-38°C (1°C drop) approximately 12-24 hours before whelping; CHECK rectal temperature 2x daily last 2 weeks; THIS IS THE MOST RELIABLE indicator
6. MILK PRODUCTION (galactostasis) – if not already producing
7. PANTING – shallow rapid breathing
8. BEHAVIORAL CHANGES – clingy or seeking isolation depending on dog

STAGE 1 LABOR (CERVICAL DILATION, 6-24 HOURS for first-timers):

1. CERVIX DILATING (not visible externally)
2. UTERINE CONTRACTIONS begin but not yet visible/external
3. RESTLESSNESS intensifies
4. PANTING increases
5. SHIVERING/TREMBLING sometimes
6. VOMITING sometimes from contraction stress
7. NEST BUILDING intense
8. REFUSING food
9. FREQUENT URINATION/DEFECATION
10. HIDING/seeking quiet spot. CAN LAST 6-12 hours for experienced dam; up to 24 hours for first-timers; longer is concerning

STAGE 2 LABOR (ACTIVE EXPULSION OF PUPPIES):

1. STRONG ABDOMINAL CONTRACTIONS visible
2. PUSHING with each contraction
3. AMNIOTIC SAC visible at vulva (greenish-clear bubble)
4. FIRST PUPPY typically delivered within 1-2 HOURS of strong contractions starting
5. BETWEEN PUPPIES 30 minutes to 2 hours typically
6. BREAKS for nursing, licking, resting
7. USUALLY ALL PUPPIES delivered within 8-12 hours total
8. SHORTER FOR SUBSEQUENT pregnancies

NORMAL DELIVERY: dam tears amniotic sac, severs umbilical cord, licks puppy clean, encourages breathing; deliver placenta; brief rest; next puppy

STAGE 3 LABOR (PLACENTAL DELIVERY): each puppy followed by placenta delivery; placentas should equal number of puppies; dam may eat placentas (normal but not necessary); RETAINED placenta = vet visit

DYSTOCIA RED FLAGS – CALL VET:

1. STRONG CONTRACTIONS for 30-60 MINUTES without delivering puppy
2. GREEN/BLACK VAGINAL DISCHARGE BEFORE first puppy delivered = PLACENTAL SEPARATION EMERGENCY
3. OVER 2 HOURS BETWEEN puppies WITH contractions
4. OVER 4 HOURS BETWEEN puppies WITHOUT contractions
5. EXHAUSTED dam
6. BLOODY OR FOUL discharge
7. STILLBORN puppy followed by no progress
8. PUPPY VISIBLE in birth canal but not delivering
9. PAST DUE – DAY 68+ from ovulation. BRACHYCEPHALIC BREEDS (Bulldog 60-80%, Frenchie 50-65%, Pug 30-50%) often require SCHEDULED C-SECTION – work with vet for timing day 63 post-ovulation

PREPARE: clean whelping box, towels, heat source (heating pad on LOW with insulating cover), thermometer, scissors, dental floss, scale for weighing puppies, vet on speed dial

How long is a dog pregnant?

DOG GESTATION = 63 ± 1 DAYS from OVULATION (range 58-68 days). MATING DATE is less precise because mating can occur days before fertilization – sperm can survive 3-5 days in female reproductive tract awaiting ovulation

GESTATION TIMING by reference point:

1. FROM OVULATION (most accurate): 63 days ± 1 (range 60-65 days reliable in healthy dogs)
2. FROM LH SURGE: 65 days (LH surge precedes ovulation by 2 days)
3. FROM FIRST PROGESTERONE >5 ng/mL: ~63 days
4. FROM FIRST MATING: 58-68 days (highly variable due to sperm longevity)
5. FROM LAST MATING: 56-66 days

PRECISE TIMING METHODS:

1. PROGESTERONE TESTING – serial samples track ovulation precisely (LH surge ~2 ng/mL, ovulation 5-10 ng/mL, fertile window 5-20 ng/mL)
2. VAGINAL CYTOLOGY – epithelial cell changes
3. BREEDING DATE PLUS LH at time of breeding

WEEK-BY-WEEK DEVELOPMENT: WEEK 1 (Days 0-7) – fertilization, embryo development, embryos travel down oviducts; WEEK 2 (Days 8-14) – implantation in uterus; WEEK 3 (Days 15-21) – organogenesis begins; WEEK 4 (Days 22-28) – heart beating, limb buds; ultrasound can confirm pregnancy Day 28+; WEEK 5 (Days 29-35) – fetal recognition possible, calorie increase begins; WEEK 6 (Days 36-42) – rapid fetal growth, abdomen visible enlargement; WEEK 7 (Days 43-49) – skeletal calcification beginning (visible on x-ray Day 45+ for fetal count); WEEK 8 (Days 50-56) – fetal movements detectable; WEEK 9 (Days 57-63) – whelping window

WHELPING WINDOW: most pregnancies deliver days 60-65 from ovulation; PAST DAY 68 warrants vet evaluation – C-section may be needed

VARIATION FACTORS:

1. LITTER SIZE – large litters sometimes earlier
2. BREED variation – some breeds deliver earlier (toys sometimes day 59-60)
3. FIRST PREGNANCY may be later
4. SINGLETON pregnancies often go past 65 days

PREGNANCY DIAGNOSIS TIMELINE:

1. PALPATION – days 21-30 (experienced hands)
2. RELAXIN BLOOD TEST – days 25-30
3. ULTRASOUND – days 28-35 (heartbeats visible)
4. X-RAY – days 45+ (skeletal calcification, accurate fetal count)
5. BEHAVIORAL signs – subtle weeks 1-4, obvious week 5+. ABDOMINAL ENLARGEMENT visible week 5-6 in toy/small breeds; less obvious in large/giant breeds. PRE-WHELPING TEMPERATURE MONITORING last 2 weeks – normal 38-39°C; drop 1°C below normal predicts whelping within 12-24 hours; check rectal temperature 2x daily

WHELPING SUPPLIES PREPARED by week 8: whelping box set up week 6-7 for dam to acclimate; clean towels, dental floss, scissors, heat source, scale, thermometer, vet on speed dial

What are signs of pregnancy complications in dogs?

RED FLAGS REQUIRING VETERINARY EVALUATION DURING PREGNANCY: 1. ABNORMAL VAGINAL DISCHARGE – a) NORMAL: small amount clear mucus late pregnancy; b) CONCERNING: foul-smelling (infection – metritis); brown/dark (placental separation); bright red bleeding (hemorrhage); green/black before first puppy delivered (placental separation EMERGENCY); 2. EXCESSIVE VOMITING beyond mild morning sickness weeks 3-4; 3. REFUSAL TO EAT for 24+ hours mid-pregnancy (last 24 hours pre-whelping normal); 4. LETHARGY pronounced – more than normal tiredness; 5. FEVER over 39.5°C/103°F; 6. ABDOMINAL PAIN signs – hunched posture, vocalization on touch, restlessness; 7. WEIGHT LOSS rather than gain – infection, fetal death, illness; 8. WEIGHT GAIN OVER 40% – excessive, possible single fetus oversized (large pup), gestational complications; 9. NEUROLOGIC SIGNS – tremors, weakness, seizures; could be eclampsia (rare pre-whelping but possible last 2 weeks), metabolic disorders, brucellosis; 10. RESPIRATORY DISTRESS – rapid breathing, panting unrelated to nesting, blue gums; 11. PUS or DRAINAGE from vulva – infection; 12. PAST DUE DATE – over day 68 from ovulation – schedule vet immediately. SPECIFIC EMERGENCIES: 1) PYOMETRA – uterine infection in intact females; sometimes confused with pregnancy; rule out before assuming pregnant; 2) FETAL DEATH (mummification, resorption) – sudden loss of pregnancy signs; foul discharge in some cases; ultrasound diagnoses; 3) PLACENTAL SEPARATION pre-whelping – green/black discharge before delivery = emergency C-section needed; 4) BRUCELLOSIS – infectious disease causing late-term abortion, infected discharge; zoonotic (humans can catch); 5) DYSTOCIA – difficult birth with contractions not progressing; 6) MASTITIS pre-whelping (rare) – inflamed painful mammary glands; 7) GESTATIONAL DIABETES – rare in dogs but possible; 8) PREGNANCY TOXEMIA – rare metabolic disorder. DURING WHELPING RED FLAGS: 1) Strong contractions over 30-60 minutes without delivering puppy; 2) Green/black discharge before first puppy = placental separation EMERGENCY; 3) Over 2 hours between puppies with contractions; 4) Over 4 hours between puppies without contractions; 5) Exhausted dam unable to continue; 6) Stillborn puppies; 7) Puppy stuck in birth canal; 8) Hemorrhage. POST-WHELPING RED FLAGS (first 1-3 weeks): 1) ECLAMPSIA – panting, restlessness, tremors, seizures in nursing dam (especially toy breeds with large litters); 2) RETAINED PLACENTA – infection risk; 3) METRITIS – uterine infection, fever, depression, foul discharge; 4) MASTITIS – inflamed painful mammary gland; 5) AGALACTIA – no milk production; 6) POOR MOTHERING – rejecting puppies. CONTINUOUS MONITORING during pregnancy: 1) Weekly weight; 2) Daily appetite; 3) Daily activity level; 4) Behavioral changes; 5) Discharge color/quantity; 6) Last 2 weeks – temperature 2x daily; 7) Last 1 week – prepared for whelping; 8) DAY 60+ from ovulation – prepared for delivery. VET PARTNERSHIP – identify reproductive vet BEFORE pregnancy if possible; pre-pregnancy health screening; mid-pregnancy ultrasound week 4-5; late pregnancy x-ray day 45+ for fetal count; have emergency contact 24/7 during last 2 weeks; brachycephalic breeds plan scheduled C-section week 8-9.

Related PuppaDogs Calculators

Continue building your dog’s personalised care plan with these related PuppaDogs calculators:

• Dog Pregnancy / Whelping Due-Date Calculator
• Puppy Weight Predictor (Adult Weight Calculator)
• Heatstroke Risk Calculator for Dogs
• Bloat (GDV) Risk Calculator for Dogs
• Dog Life Expectancy Calculator (Breed, Body Condition, Lifestyle)
• Spay/Neuter Timing Calculator for Dogs (Breed-Specific)

References & Further Reading

The dosing ranges and safety information on this page are drawn from the following veterinary references. Always defer to your own veterinarian and the manufacturer’s label for your specific product.

1. Burger IH. Energy needs of companion animals. National Research Council 1985.
2. National Research Council (NRC). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. 2006.
3. AAFCO. Methods for substantiating nutritional adequacy of dog and cat foods.
4. Concannon PW. Reproductive cycles of the domestic bitch. Anim Reprod Sci.
5. Johnston SD, Root Kustritz MV, Olson PNS. Canine and Feline Theriogenology.
6. Greco DS. Nutritional supplements for pregnant and lactating bitches. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract.
7. Lonsdale T. Raw Meaty Bones Promote Health (raw feeding considerations).
8. Hand MS et al. Small Animal Clinical Nutrition.
9. Sokolowski JH. Reproductive features and patterns in the bitch.
10. Eclampsia management – American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
11. Drobatz KJ. Reproductive emergencies in dogs.
12. Linde-Forsberg C. Canine artificial insemination + reproductive management.
13. BalanceIT.com – veterinary nutritionist-formulated recipe service.
14. ACVN American College of Veterinary Nutrition. acvn.org
15. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan, Eukanuba – puppy/all-life-stages diet product information.
16. PuppaDogs. Pregnancy / Whelping Due-Date Calculator, Whelping Watch Calculator, Lactating Dam + Nursing Puppy Calorie Calculator, Newborn Puppy Weight Tracker, Progesterone & Ovulation Timing Calculator. puppadogs.com.