Estimate your dog's whelping (delivery) date based on breeding or mating date. This tool uses the standard 63-day canine gestation period to provide a veterinary-backed due date prediction.
Medical Disclaimer: This tool provides general educational estimates. For health concerns, consult a licensed veterinarian.
Follow these steps to calculate your dog's estimated due date:
The calculator adds 63 days (the average gestation) to the breeding date. This is an estimate — dogs can give birth 58–68 days after mating.
The average canine gestation period is 63 days from ovulation, or roughly 58–68 days from mating. This is much shorter than human pregnancy, lasting only about 9 weeks. The uncertainty in the range comes from the fact that canine sperm can survive for several days in the reproductive tract, and eggs can be viable for up to 48 hours after ovulation, creating variability in exact conception timing.
Yes, you can use your best estimate of when mating occurred. If you're unsure, choose the most likely breeding date based on observed breeding behavior or your breeding records. For more precision, a veterinarian can perform an ultrasound around day 25-28 to confirm pregnancy and estimate the gestational age. Blood tests measuring hormones like relaxin can confirm pregnancy as early as day 22-27.
While 63 days is the standard average for all dogs, there are slight variations between breeds. Research suggests that very small breeds might deliver slightly earlier (around 62 days) while giant breeds may have slightly longer gestations (64-65 days). Individual variation is common. Dogs with litters of 1-2 puppies sometimes carry longer, while dogs with large litters of 8+ puppies may deliver earlier.
Key signs that whelping is imminent include: (1) Temperature drop - rectal temperature falls below 99°F (37.2°C), typically 12-24 hours before delivery; (2) Restlessness, pacing, or nesting behavior; (3) Decreased appetite; (4) Vulvar discharge changes from clear to more opaque; (5) Visible abdominal contractions; and (6) Panting or shivering. Some dogs may also become clingy or isolate themselves as labor approaches.
This calculator provides a general estimate based on established veterinary knowledge of canine reproduction. However, individual dogs can vary by several days. For precision breeding and pregnancy monitoring, we recommend progesterone testing to pinpoint ovulation, veterinary ultrasounds starting at 25 days, and X-rays after day 45 to count puppies. Always consult with your veterinarian for a comprehensive pregnancy care plan.