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Day 1<\/strong> Day 2<\/strong> Day 3<\/strong> Day 4<\/strong> Days 5\u201311<\/strong> Day 12<\/strong> Day 13<\/strong> Day 14<\/strong> Day 15<\/strong> Day 16<\/strong> Day 17<\/strong> Day 18<\/strong> Day 19<\/strong> Day 20<\/strong> Day 21<\/strong> Day 22<\/strong> Day 23<\/strong> Day 24<\/strong> Day 25<\/strong> Day 26<\/strong> Day 27<\/strong> Day 28<\/strong> Day 29<\/strong> Day 30<\/strong> Day 31<\/strong> Day 32<\/strong> Day 33<\/strong> Day 34<\/strong> Day 35<\/strong> Day 36<\/strong> Day 37<\/strong> Day 38<\/strong> Day 39<\/strong> Day 40<\/strong> Day 41<\/strong> Days 42\u201343<\/strong> Day 44<\/strong> Day 45<\/strong> Days 46\u201347<\/strong> Day 48<\/strong> Day 49<\/strong> Day 50<\/strong> Day 51<\/strong> Day 52<\/strong> Day 53<\/strong> Day 54<\/strong> Day 55<\/strong> Day 56<\/strong> Day 57<\/strong> Day 58<\/strong> Day 59<\/strong> Day 60<\/strong> Day 61<\/strong> Day 62<\/strong> Day 63<\/strong> Days 64\u201365<\/strong>
First mating occurs. Millions of sperm are released and begin travelling through the reproductive tract toward the eggs. Ovulation may already be occurring or may happen shortly after. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sperm continue maturing and moving through the reproductive tract in search of eggs to fertilise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fertilisation may begin. A second mating can still successfully occur around this time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eggs are fertilised. Early pregnancy has begun, although there are no visible physical changes yet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fertilised eggs travel down the fallopian tubes toward the uterus where implantation will later occur. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tiny embryos shed their outer membranes and float freely within the uterus while searching for implantation sites. Embryos are approximately 0.6 mm long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Embryos continue searching for suitable implantation areas within the uterine lining. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Embryos spread evenly through the uterine horns in preparation for implantation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Major organ development begins. This is a very sensitive stage of pregnancy where medications, stress, illness or toxins may affect development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dam\u2019s nipples may become slightly enlarged and pinker. Embryos measure about 1 mm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Embryos implant into the uterine wall. Early nervous system development begins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Placenta formation begins. Development of the nervous system continues. Embryos are about 2 mm long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Internal organs begin forming rapidly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Placental development continues. Embryos measure approximately 4 mm. Pregnancy may sometimes be detected by experienced palpation or ultrasound. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The placenta is more established and early heart development begins. Fluid-filled gestational sacs may be visible on ultrasound. Embryos are around 5 mm long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some dams develop mild morning sickness, reduced appetite or lethargy due to hormonal changes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eyes, ears, nose, jaws and liver begin developing. Embryos are approximately 10 mm long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rapid organ development continues while overall growth remains slow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Heartbeat may now be visible on ultrasound. Teeth buds, spine and limbs begin forming. Embryos measure around 14 mm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Embryos are roughly walnut-sized and may sometimes be felt by an experienced veterinarian. Limb and skeletal development progresses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pregnancy is commonly confirmed by ultrasound during this stage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jaw and skull bones begin ossifying (hardening). Puppies change from an oval to a more rounded shape. Approximately 17 mm long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Foetuses now resemble miniature puppies. Food intake may gradually increase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Skull and jaw ossification continue. Puppies are about 2 cm long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sensory whiskers begin growing on the muzzle, chin and eyebrows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Foetuses reach roughly 20% of their eventual birth size. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toes form and ribs, nose and leg bones continue ossifying. Major organ development is nearly complete. Puppies measure about 27 mm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dam may appear calmer and more affectionate. Abdomen and vulva may begin enlarging slightly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Major organ development is complete. Puppies are about 35 mm long. Appetite usually increases noticeably. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rapid foetal growth phase begins. Reproductive organs and skeletal structures continue developing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fastest stage of puppy growth begins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dam\u2019s abdomen starts visibly enlarging as the uterus expands. Mammary glands may become more prominent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Foetal growth accelerates further while skeletal development continues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most internal organs are fully formed. Early hair growth begins. Puppies are approximately 6.5 cm long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Foetuses reach roughly 30% of birth size. Spine and toes continue ossifying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rapid growth continues. Spinal column and toes harden further. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The uterus occupies much of the abdomen. Puppies may be easier to feel through the abdominal wall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pelvic bones ossify and coat growth becomes more noticeable. Puppy skeletons are usually visible on X-ray from this stage onward. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bone development and coat growth continue rapidly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dam becomes visibly pregnant. Appetite may fluctuate as puppies crowd abdominal organs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Puppies reach approximately 75% of birth size. This is a good time to introduce the whelping box. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Puppies are well developed and movement may sometimes be visible externally. Food intake usually increases further. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dam may begin nesting behaviour and seek quiet places to give birth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some dams begin producing or leaking milk. Resting periods increase significantly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dam\u2019s abdomen is very enlarged and puppy movements are often clearly visible. Appetite may decrease as space in the abdomen becomes limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Puppies continue gaining weight rapidly. The dam may become restless, pant more easily and seek increased comfort or attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Puppies are now fully furred. X-rays taken at this stage can provide a more accurate puppy count. The dam may begin spending more time in her whelping area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Puppies are almost fully developed and continue maturing in preparation for birth. The dam may show stronger nesting behaviour and reduced appetite. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Puppies are considered full term from this point onward, although birth may still be several days away. Lung maturation continues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dam may become increasingly restless and clingy or alternatively seek solitude. Clear vaginal discharge may sometimes be seen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cervix begins softening and dilating in preparation for labour. Milk may be easily expressed from the nipples. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dam\u2019s temperature may begin dropping below normal as labour approaches. Puppies are fully developed and positioned for birth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stage one labour may begin. Signs include panting, pacing, shivering, nesting, digging and refusing food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Active labour and delivery may occur. Contractions become stronger and visible. Puppies are born enclosed in their amniotic sacs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Average due date. Most puppies are born between days 58\u201363 after ovulation, though some variation is normal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some litters, especially smaller litters, may naturally arrive slightly later. Veterinary advice should be sought if there are no signs of labour by this stage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n