{"id":388,"date":"2021-06-15T18:50:11","date_gmt":"2021-06-15T18:50:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maven.pet\/all-about-pets\/?p=388"},"modified":"2025-09-11T17:50:04","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T17:50:04","slug":"how-long-are-dogs-pregnant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/maven.pet\/all-about-pets\/pet-health\/dog-behaviors\/how-long-are-dogs-pregnant\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Are Dogs Pregnant?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dogs and cats\u2019 body systems have plenty of similarities with ours, but they are rather different when it comes to pregnancy… That\u2019s why getting to know more about this topic is always valuable! One of the biggest differences lies in the fact that our beloved pets almost always give birth to more than one offspring at a time. Another known fact is that their pregnancy does not last nearly as much as in humans\u2026 But just how long are dogs pregnant?<\/strong> And what about cats? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a few more differences regarding dogs and cats\u2019 reproductive tract that make them unique. Find out more about their heat cycles by reading How long does a dog stay in heat?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long are dogs pregnant?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The average gestation period for dogs is approximately 63 days, counting from the day of conception. However, it can be hard to tell the exact day, and that is why the gestation length might vary a bit. For cats, we usually count 63 to 67 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other factors make it more challenging to predict the length of pregnancy in dogs. Sperm can last for several days inside the female reproductive tract, and eggs can remain fertile for up to 48 hours. As a result, the mating process itself might not be the starting point for the gestation period. That\u2019s why no one is better to identify in which stage the female dog is at than a veterinarian. Measuring sexual hormones, performing ultrasounds, x-rays and other tests, are powerful resources for this assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get a better idea of your dog\u2019s current health status with our quick quiz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Measuring sexual hormones, especially progesterone, is particularly easy and reliable. It will help the vet analyze ovulation, parturition and other cyclical abnormalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stages of Pregnancy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As the gestation periods are relatively short, puppies and kittens develop rapidly inside the womb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-First 30 days of pregnancy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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During the first month, the embryos travel to the uterine horns and are embedded in the uterine lining. The fetus begins to take shape by day 22, and by day 26 or 28 the vet should be able to detect fetal heartbeats on an ultrasound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plenty of pregnant dogs and cats will not show any symptoms during the first weeks. For the ones who do, here is what we can expect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n