From Bump to Birth: A Vet Cross Guide to Dog Pregnancy & Whelping in Bundaberg

At Vet Cross, we regularly support dogs and their families through pregnancy and whelping — whether the litter was carefully planned or a complete surprise. Knowing what is normal, what to expect, and when to seek help can make all the difference for mum and her puppies.

This guide explains the stages of dog pregnancy and labour (whelping), how to prepare at home, and when to contact your Bundaberg vet for advice or urgent care.

How long is a dog pregnant?

A dog’s pregnancy (gestation) lasts around 63 days, or approximately 9 weeks.

Tracking mating dates

• For planned matings, record all mating dates to help estimate the due date
• For accidental matings, even a rough timeframe is helpful
• If dates are unknown, an ultrasound can help estimate how far along the pregnancy is

Pre-whelping X rays

Once pregnancy is confirmed, we recommend a pre-whelping X ray around one week before the due date.

X rays allow us to:

• Estimate litter size
• Assess puppy size and positioning
• Help you know when mum has finished delivering

This information is especially important if labour does not progress as expected.

Before labour begins, it’s best to be prepared.

We recommend having:

• A warm, quiet whelping box in a low stress area
• Clean towels or cloths
• A thermometer
• Your vet clinic’s phone number saved (including after hours details)
• A transport plan in case mum or a puppy needs veterinary care

Duration: 12-36 hours

In the final days of pregnancy, mum will begin preparing for her puppies. Common signs include:

• Seeking quiet or hidden places
• Restlessness
• Digging or circling
• Trying to create a safe “den”

This behaviour is known as nesting. Providing a comfortable whelping area early can prevent her choosing inconvenient places such as wardrobes or under beds.

Temperature drop

A drop in body temperature — usually below 37°C — often occurs about 24 hours before labour begins. We recommend checking mum’s temperature daily during the final week of pregnancy.

Duration: A few hours, depending on litter size

This is when puppies are delivered. Signs include:

• Restlessness or agitation
• Licking the vulva
• Strong abdominal contractions
• Lying down and straining

Once Stage 2 begins, puppies should usually arrive approximately every 30 minutes. If it has been 60 minutes and no more puppies delivered call your vet immediately as it could be an emergency. This is why knowing how many puppies are in the litter before labour begins is important.

Each puppy is born inside a fluid filled sac (water bag). This often breaks naturally or is opened by mum. If it does not, you may need to gently tear the sac open so the puppy can breathe.

Once all puppies are delivered, mum should:

• Clean the puppies
• Remove remaining membranes
• Begin feeding them

It is normal to see bloody discharge for a few days after whelping.

Knowing the expected litter size is important — it helps determine whether labour is complete or if veterinary assistance is needed.

If you are ever unsure, contact Vet Cross for advice.