🍼 Pregnancy due date

Guide: pregnancy and birth in dogs and cats

What this calculator does

The pregnancy and birth calculator gives you the likely due date for your dog or cat based on the day she mated. It also shows what happens week by week and a preparation checklist so you're ready when the puppies or kittens arrive.

How it works

Just choose the species and enter the mating date. If there were several, use the first one and keep in mind the birth may come a few days later. The tool calculates the estimated date and a normal range of days, and tells you what to do at each stage.

How long pregnancy lasts

In dogs, pregnancy lasts about 63 days from ovulation, with a normal range of 58 to 68 days from mating. In cats it's also around 63 to 65 days, though it can range from 61 to 72.

• Weeks 1 to 3: hardly any visible changes. Keep her normal routine.
• Week 4: your vet can confirm pregnancy by ultrasound.
• Weeks 5 to 6: the belly starts to grow and appetite increases. It's time to switch gradually to a puppy or kitten food, which has more energy.
• Week 7: an X-ray lets the vet count the babies, which helps you know when the birth is over.
• Weeks 8 to 9: set up the whelping or nesting box in a quiet, warm, out-of-the-way spot.

Signs of labor and when to call the vet

In dogs, body temperature usually drops from about 101.5 °F (38.5 °C) to below 99.5 °F (37.5 °C) 12 to 24 hours before birth. She may be restless, dig to make a nest, pant or stop eating.

Call the vet if she has strong contractions for more than 30 to 60 minutes without a baby coming out, if more than 2 to 4 hours pass between babies, if you see a dark green discharge before the first one is born, or if the mother is weak or feverish after birth.

Have the number of a 24-hour emergency clinic ready. Afterwards, the vaccine record helps organize the babies' shots, and the name generator helps you name them. Keep the mother calm and well fed throughout.