How to Calculate the Day of Whelping

If you are planning to breed your dog, or have already done so, you may want to calculate the whelping date. This is the equivalent of a human's due date, an estimate of when the mother will deliver the pups. The date of whelping is based on the average gestation period for dogs, which is 63 days. Although you may not be 100 percent accurate in your prediction, you should be able to calculate a date that's close to when the births will occur.

Things You'll Need

  • Calendar
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mark on your calendar the date when your dog was bred. If she was bred multiple times, mark the date of the first breeding. If you are unsure as to when she mated, make your best guess.

    • 2

      Count forward 63 days on your calendar. Mark the 63rd day as the date of whelping.

    • 3

      Make arrangements for your dog to be safe and comfortable up to a week before her whelping date, since the estimate might not be exact. Watch for signs of the beginning of labor as the whelping date nears. These include nesting (shredding materials to make a bed for the puppies), restlessness, nervousness, loss of appetite and irritability.

    • 4

      Contact your veterinarian for advice if the anticipated whelping date passes and your dog has not yet given birth or showed signs of going into labor.