A dog’s pregnancy, also known as the gestation period, typically lasts about 63 days (approximately 9 weeks) from ovulation. However, this period can vary slightly, generally ranging from 56 to 70 days or 57 to 65 days depending on the individual dog and timing of fertilization
. The exact day of birth can be difficult to predict because:
- The day of breeding may not be the same as the day of fertilization.
- Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for several days.
- Eggs require 2-3 days after ovulation to mature before fertilization is possible
During pregnancy, signs become more noticeable in the second month, including increased appetite, weight gain, behavioral changes, and visible puppy movements in the abdomen
. In summary, expect a dog’s pregnancy to last about two months, with some natural variation around the average of 63 days.