When you find out your dog is expecting, excitement and questions come all at once.
How long will it last? What changes should you expect? How can you make her feel comfortable and safe?
Dog pregnancy isn’t long — but it’s one of the most important times in your dog’s life.
Understanding what happens week by week helps you care for her in the calmest, most supportive way possible.
The Short Answer
A dog’s pregnancy usually lasts about 63 days, or nine weeks.
This can vary by a few days depending on breed, size, and litter number.
Smaller breeds sometimes give birth a bit earlier, while large breeds may go a few days longer.
But pregnancy is about more than counting days — it’s about comfort, calm, and preparation.
The Three Stages of Pregnancy
1. Weeks 1–3: Hidden Changes
At first, you might not notice anything different.
The embryos begin developing quietly, and your dog’s behaviour usually stays the same.
Now is the time to minimise stress and keep her environment calm.
A soft, supportive flat or donut bed in a peaceful corner helps her sleep deeper and stabilise her temperature.
If she’s a larger breed, make sure the bed is spacious enough to stretch comfortably — the early stage is all about quiet, restorative rest.
2. Weeks 4–6: Noticeable Changes
By week four, you’ll see her shape change — a rounder belly, firmer body, and slower movement.
Her appetite may shift, and she may become more affectionate or tired.
This is when size and support start to matter more.
Choose a large or extra-large bed so she can lie fully stretched without pressure on her belly.
Donut and cave beds with soft, stable padding give her both warmth and gentle structure.
Dogs instinctively seek “nesting” comfort — a place that feels like a den.
Providing that early helps her body and mind prepare for the final weeks.
3. Weeks 7–9: Nesting and Rest
As birth approaches, your dog will begin nesting behaviour — carrying toys, moving blankets, or circling her bed repeatedly.
It’s her way of building a safe space for the puppies.
Set up a clean, washable, non-slip bed in a quiet area of the house.
Large or extra-large models are ideal now — they allow her to stretch fully and still have room when the puppies arrive.
Soft edges, stable sides, and a low entry make it easy for her to move in and out while keeping the area secure for the newborns.
After Birth: Recovery and Comfort
Once the puppies are born, the bed becomes their entire world.
Warmth, softness, and hygiene are critical in the first weeks.
Choose a bed that’s:
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Spacious for mum and pups to lie comfortably.
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Machine-washable with a waterproof liner.
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Stable and firm, so it won’t tip when she moves.
For large-breed mums, an extra-large donut or flat bed provides the perfect combination of space and structure.
You can layer it with soft blankets for warmth and wash them regularly to keep everything clean and fresh.
Emotional Comfort Matters Too
Pregnancy changes behaviour as much as it changes the body.
Some dogs become more clingy; others prefer to rest alone.
Follow her lead.
Keep her daily rhythm calm and predictable.
Avoid loud guests or sudden changes.
A familiar, comfortable bed will quickly become her emotional anchor — a safe place to rest, nurse, and simply breathe.
Adding one or two soft plush toys like your favourite Soft Plush Dinosaur Toy With Squeaker near her helps her relax and stay settled between feeding sessions.
When to Call a Vet
While most pregnancies progress naturally, contact your vet if you notice:
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Excessive panting or shaking
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Strong contractions without progress
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Signs of pain, fatigue, or distress
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Refusal to eat for more than a day
Your vet can confirm timing, offer nutritional guidance, and make sure both mum and puppies are healthy.
The Bottom Line
A dog’s pregnancy is short but full of meaning.
In those nine weeks, her world shifts — she needs comfort, calm, and space more than ever.
Providing a large or extra-large supportive bed helps her rest, recover, and welcome her puppies safely.
It’s a small gesture that makes a huge difference to her wellbeing — and to the healthy start of the little ones.
A few essentials for expecting dogs:
Large and extra-large beds for secure nesting, soft plush toys for calm, and washable comfort that grows with the new family.
