Dog Pregnancy Symptoms 2025: Early Signs, Stages & Complete Care Guide

Dog pregnancy is an exciting but delicate phase for every pet parent. If you’ve noticed unusual behavior or physical changes in your dog, you might be wondering: “Is my dogs pregnant?”

This complete guide will help you identify early dog pregnancy symptoms, understand the week-by-week stages, and provide the best pregnancy care tips for 2025.

Whether you’re a beginner dog owner or you’ve cared for pets before, this blog covers everything you need to know.

 

Early Dog Pregnancy Symptoms (First 2–4 Weeks)

Dog pregnancy often goes unnoticed during the first few weeks, but there are subtle signs every dog owner should look out for. These symptoms appear early and are considered the easiest indicators.

 

1.     Sudden Decrease in Appetite

If your dog suddenly stops eating or eats less, it may be due to hormonal changes.

This early sign usually appears in week 2–3.

Why it happens:

Pregnancy hormones like progesterone affect metabolism and cause mild nausea.

 

2.     Morning Sickness (Yes, Dogs Get It!)

Dogs can also experience morning sickness, vomiting, or slight nausea between week 3–4.

Tip:

Keep meals smaller and more frequent.

Reference: AKC guide on dog pregnancy.

 

3.     Behavioral Changes

Your dog may show:

• Clinginess
• Wanting more cuddles
• Becoming quieter
• Avoiding other pets

These changes occur when hormones rise.

 

4.     Enlarged or Pink Nipples (Pinking Up)

This is one of the most reliable early pregnancy signs in dogs.

Nipples become:

• Pinker
• Slightly swollen
• Warmer

5.     Clear Vaginal Discharge

A small amount of clear or white discharge after week 4 can be a normal pregnancy symptom.

But:

If the discharge is green, bloody, or smelly → visit a vet immediately.

Physical Pregnancy Symptoms (Week 4–6)

When pregnancy progresses, symptoms become more visible.

 

1.     Belly Enlargement

The abdomen starts to grow slowly around week 5.

If your dog is small or slim, you’ll notice it earlier.

 

2.     Weight Gain

Most pregnant dogs gain 20–30% of their body weight, depending on litter size.

 

3.     Increased Appetite

After week 5, your dog may ask for more food or eat faster.

Switching to high-quality puppy food is recommended for extra nutrients.

 

4.     Low Energy Levels

Pregnant dogs sleep more and get tired easily.

This is normal and safe as long as your dog is eating well.

Dog Pregnancy Stages (Week-by-Week Timeline 2025)

Dog pregnancy usually lasts 58–63 days (~2 months).

Here is the complete pregnancy timeline:

Week 1–2 (Fertilization Phase)

• No visible symptoms
• Slight appetite changes
• Hormonal shifts begin

 

Week 3 (Early Signs Appear)

• Morning sickness
• Mild behavioral changes
• Nipples begin to pink up

 

Week 4 (Vet Confirmation Week)

Best time for an ultrasound.

Embryos attach to the uterus and pregnancy is confirmed.

 

Week 5 (Body Changes Begin)

• Belly size increases
• Appetite grows
• Weight gain starts

 

Week 6 (Nesting Begins)

Your dog may start creating a nest using blankets or hiding in quiet spaces.

 

Week 7 (Puppy Movement Felt)

You may feel puppy kicks — very exciting for owners!

 

Week 8–9 (Labor Preparation)

Signs include:

• Restlessness
• Loss of appetite
• Body temperature dropping below 99°F
• Clear discharge

Labor starts within 24 hours after temperature drops.

Reference: Cornell University Vet page ya VCA Hospitals.

 

How to Confirm Dog Pregnancy

Here are the most accurate confirmation methods:

 

1.     Ultrasound (Day 25–35)

Most reliable and safe method.

Reference: VCA hospital pregnancy ultrasound.

2.     X-ray (Day 45+)

Shows skeletons of puppies → helps count litter size.

 

3.     Hormone Blood Test

Measures Relaxin hormone, which is only produced during pregnancy.

Complete Care Guide for Pregnant Dogs (2025 Edition)

Proper care ensures safe delivery and healthy puppies.

 

Nutrition Tips

• Shift to high-quality puppy food after week 5
• Add omega-3 oils for fetal development
• Fresh water at all times
• Avoid calcium supplements (can cause complications)

 

Weight & Exercise

Light walking is important. Avoid:

• • Jumping
  • Running
  • Climbing stairs
  • Playing with large dogs

 

Create a Comfortable Nesting Area

Use:

• • Soft blankets
  • Warm bedding
  • A quiet room away from noise

This helps reduce stress near delivery.

Vaccination & Deworming

Do not vaccinate during pregnancy.

Deworming should be done only with vet-approved medicine.

 

Signs of Complications

Go to a vet if you notice:

• • Bloody discharge
  • Severe vomiting
  • No appetite for 48+ hours
  • Green discharge before labor
  • Extreme lethargy

 

Preparing for Labor (Whelping)

 

Labor occurs in three stages:

Stage 1: Restlessness (6–12 hours)

• • Panting
  • Nesting
  • Shivering

 

Stage 2: Puppy Delivery (3–12 hours)

Puppies come at intervals of 20–60 minutes.

Stage 3: Placenta Delivery

Each puppy will have one placenta → count them.

 

Aftercare for Mom & Puppies

• Clean the puppies gently
• Make sure they nurse within the first 2 hours
• Keep the room warm
• Provide high-protein food to the mother
• Monitor for fever or infection

 

FAQs

 

How do I know if my dog is pregnant early?

Look for decreased appetite, morning sickness, pink nipples, and clingy behavior in the first 2–3 weeks.

How long are dogs pregnant?

Most dogs stay pregnant for 58–63 days.

 

Is it safe to exercise a pregnant dog?

Yes, but only light walking. Avoid running or jumping.

 

What should I feed a pregnant dog?

High-quality puppy food, omega fatty acids, and protein-rich meals.

 

When should I take my dog to the vet?

Week 4 for ultrasound and anytime when you notice unusual discharge or no appetite.