Whelping & Pregnancy Week-by-Week Planner
Expecting a litter? This week-by-week planner walks you through a bitch's 63-day pregnancy — what's happening, what to do, when to scan, and how to prepare for whelping.
Need Your Due Date?
Use our Gestation Calculator first to work out your due date from the mating date.
General guidance only, not veterinary advice — always work with your vet through pregnancy and whelping.
Week-by-Week Guide
Week 1 — Days 1–7
Conception & Early Development
What's Happening:
Fertilisation occurs. Embryos begin dividing.
What to Do:
Keep routine normal. Avoid stress or major changes.
Week 2 — Days 8–14
Implantation
What's Happening:
Embryos implant in the uterine wall.
What to Do:
Continue normal feeding and exercise. No supplements yet.
Week 3 — Days 15–21
Organ Development Begins
What's Happening:
Major organs start forming. Heartbeat detectable by vet.
What to Do:
Book a vet check if concerned. Still no extra food needed.
Week 4 — Days 22–28
Critical Development Phase
What's Happening:
Foetuses develop rapidly. Palpation possible by experienced vet.
What to Do:
📅 BOOK PREGNANCY SCAN (Day 25–28). Start discussing nutrition plan with vet.
Week 5 — Days 29–35
Rapid Growth
What's Happening:
Foetuses grow significantly. Belly may start to round.
What to Do:
Begin gradual food increase (10–20%). Switch to puppy food if advised.
Week 6 — Days 36–42
Visible Changes
What's Happening:
Weight gain becomes noticeable. Mammary glands develop.
What to Do:
Increase food by 20–30%. Gentle exercise only. Start preparing whelping area.
Week 7 — Days 43–49
Final Growth Spurt
What's Happening:
Puppies grow bones and fur. Bitch may tire easily.
What to Do:
Increase food by 30–50%. Small, frequent meals. Finalise whelping box setup.
Week 8 — Days 50–56
Preparation for Birth
What's Happening:
Puppies fully formed. Bitch may nest.
What to Do:
Reduce exercise to short walks. Have vet contact ready. Monitor temperature daily from Day 58.
Week 9 — Days 57–63+
Whelping
What's Happening:
Labour begins. Puppies born.
What to Do:
Stay calm and observant. Know when to call vet. Register puppies and book microchipping.
Whelping Kit Checklist
- Whelping box (clean, warm, with low sides)
- Clean towels (lots of them)
- Heat source (heat pad or lamp)
- Digital scales for weighing puppies
- Thermometer (for bitch's temperature)
- Iodine for cord disinfection
- Sterile scissors (for emergency cord cutting)
- Dental floss (for tying cords if needed)
- Notebook for recording weights and times
- Vet emergency contact number
Signs of Approaching Labour
Temperature drop
Rectal temp drops below 37°C (98.6°F) 12–24 hours before labour
Restlessness
Pacing, panting, unable to settle
Nesting behaviour
Scratching bedding, seeking quiet space
Loss of appetite
May refuse food 24 hours before whelping
Vomiting
May occur in early labour
Discharge
Clear or straw-coloured discharge is normal
When to Call Your Vet Immediately
- Strong contractions for 30+ minutes with no puppy
- More than 2 hours between puppies with known more inside
- Green/black discharge before first puppy
- Bleeding (bright red blood)
- Bitch seems in severe pain or distress
- Temperature remains low for 24+ hours with no labour
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a dog's pregnancy?
Approximately 63 days (9 weeks) from conception, though it can range from 58–68 days. Count from the first mating if multiple occurred.
When should I scan my pregnant bitch?
Day 25–28 is ideal for ultrasound scanning. This confirms pregnancy and can detect heartbeat. Contact us to book a scan.
What do I need for whelping?
A warm whelping box, clean towels, heat source, scales, thermometer, iodine, and your vet's emergency number. See our full checklist above.
What are the signs a bitch is going into labour?
Temperature drop below 37°C, restlessness, nesting, loss of appetite, and clear discharge. Monitor from Day 58 onwards.
Book a Pregnancy Scan
Professional ultrasound scanning at Day 25–28
Puppy Microchipping
Legal requirement — book once puppies are 8 weeks