Instructions
Record the date of breeding on a calendar, if you know it. Canine gestation typically lasts about 63 days (9 weeks) from the date of ovulation. Ovulation will occur during the breeding period, but it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly.
Watch for signs of pregnancy to see if the breeding was successful. An increase in appetite may occur approximately four weeks into your dog's pregnancy. Take her to the veterinarian 25 to 28 days after breeding and ask a vet to palpate your dog's abdomen or perform an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy.
Count forward 58 to 71 days from the date of breeding. Because you can't pinpoint the exact date of ovulation, this is the time frame during which your dog may whelp her puppies. Labor can occur any time during this two week period. Plan your time off of work and preparations for labor accordingly.
Take your dog to a veterinarian if the puppies are not delivered after 71 days, or if she begins labor but is unable to deliver any pups within 6 to12 hours. Take her to the vet as well if you think she has not delivered all of her puppies but hasn't birthed any in four hours.
How to Calculate When Puppies Are Due
You have a lot to accomplish before your dog has her puppies. She must have the healthiest diet you can provide and you should take her to the vet regularly to ensure that the pregnancy is progressing normally. You also need to prepare a place for your dog to have her puppies, learn all you can about canine labor, possible complications and what you should do to help your dog whelp (deliver or birth) her puppies. How much time do you have to do all of this? You will need to calculate your dog's due date to figure that out.