A dog’s pregnancy lasts around 63 days from conception to delivery. During this time, the developing puppies go through many changes and milestones as they grow inside their mother. The pregnant dog experiences hormonal and physical changes as well in order to support the pregnancy and prepare for giving birth.
One of the most magical parts of canine pregnancy is being able to feel the puppies moving inside the mother dog’s belly. Around 3-4 weeks into the pregnancy, the embryonic puppies’ skeletons begin to harden and their limb buds start to form. This allows the puppies to start moving around in the uterus. The pregnant dog’s owner can start feeling these faint fluttering movements by gently pressing on the dog’s abdomen around day 28 of gestation.
This section will provide an overview of when and how you can feel puppy movement during the different stages of dog pregnancy.
Gestation Period
The gestation period for a dog is approximately 63 days from conception to birth (1). This period can vary from 58 to 68 days depending on the breed and size of the dog. There are several stages dogs go through during the gestation period.
In the first couple weeks after mating, the fertilized eggs travel to the uterus for implantation. Around day 28, the embryos will embed into the lining of the uterus (2). At this point, pregnancy hormones increase and the dog’s abdomen starts to swell. The embryos then go through rapid growth and development.
In week 5-6 of pregnancy, the skeletons of the puppies begin to form and the puppies’ faces take shape. By week 7-8, claws, whiskers, and hair appear on the puppies. Their eyelids and ears also continue developing (3). During this time, the pregnant dog’s abdomen expands as the puppies grow in size.
Typically by week 8 of pregnancy, the dog can start to feel her puppies moving inside her abdomen. The puppies will get stronger and more active as they continue growing over the last 3 weeks. By keeping track of the dog’s gestation timeline, owners can monitor for any potential complications during the pregnancy.
Feeling Kicks
Around 3-4 weeks into the pregnancy, the fertilized eggs develop into embryos and attach to the uterine lining, marking the beginning of the fetal stage. At this point, the dog still will not be able to feel any movements from the puppies.
It’s not until around 6 weeks of gestation when the skeletal system starts to harden that the puppies’ movements may become noticeable to the mother dog. The puppies’ limbs start to develop around this time, allowing small kicks and movements that the dam can feel. These early sensations of motion are often described as a fluttering feeling in the dog’s abdomen.
By weeks 7-8 of the pregnancy, as cited from Campbell River Vet, the puppies’ skeletons will have hardened enough that their movements can be visibly seen on the surface of the mother’s belly. The puppies continue getting stronger and more active through the second half of the pregnancy, with the kicks becoming more defined and forceful as they grow in size and strength.
So in summary, the earliest a dog may begin to feel kicks and motion from the developing puppies is around 6 weeks into the pregnancy, with the movements continuing to increase and intensify through the remaining gestation period.
Nesting Instinct
A pregnant dog’s nesting instinct involves seeking out a safe, warm, and comfortable place to give birth to her puppies. This behavior is driven by a surge of maternal hormones as she gets closer to her due date. The nesting instinct shows that the mother dog is feeling protective of her unborn puppies and driven to prepare the ideal birthing environment.
According to Purina, the nesting instinct is a primary maternal behavior for expectant mother dogs. In the wild, they would choose a secluded, sheltered spot to give birth. The whelping box provided by owners nurtures this natural nesting instinct in domestic dogs.
As reported by Purina, pregnant dogs may patrol around the house looking for the right nesting spot as their hormones surge in the final days before labor. They may carry around blankets and other objects as they prepare their nest. Some dogs will start “digging” on soft surfaces or paw at objects to create the ideal nest shape. These nesting behaviors reflect the dog’s maternal drive to get ready for her puppies.
Overall, the pregnant dog’s nesting instinct demonstrates that she is feeling a strong urge to prepare a safe birthing environment. It shows she is dedicated to giving her puppies the best possible start in life.
Labor Signs
As the time for delivery approaches, there are clear signs that a dog is about to go into labor. One of the first signs is a drop in body temperature below 100°F, which indicates that active labor will likely start within 24 hours (https://evcc.com/blog/10-signs-dog-in-labor/). The dog’s vulva will also enlarge, and she may lick her genitals frequently as she prepares for the birth.
Contractions are the most obvious sign that a dog is entering active labor. During contractions, the abdomen tightens and relaxes. Contractions start out mild and spaced 15-30 minutes apart, but become stronger and closer together as birthing progresses. A dog straining or bearing down is a clear indicator that puppies are imminent.
Other signs include restlessness, pacing, nesting behavior, vomiting, and loss of appetite. The amniotic sac containing a puppy will also emerge and break before each puppy is born. As the dog enters the final stage of labor, contractions are intense and a puppy should be delivered within 30-60 minutes (https://evcc.com/blog/10-signs-dog-in-labor/). Recognizing these signs helps ensure you are prepared for the puppies’ arrival.
Maternal Bond
A strong maternal bond forms between a mother dog and her puppies right after birth. Mother dogs show affection and nurturing behaviors toward their puppies to reinforce this bond. Some of the ways a mother dog bonds with her puppies include licking and grooming, allowing the puppies to nurse, sleeping next to the puppies, and protectively watching over them.
Mother dogs feel an instinctive need to care for, protect, and defend their puppies. They will display aggressive behaviors toward any perceived threat to their puppies. Mother dogs may growl, snap, or bark to warn away animals or humans that get too close. Some mother dogs may even bite to protect their puppies from harm.
This maternal protectiveness and motherly affection represent the strong maternal bond between a mother dog and her puppies in the first weeks after birth. The behaviors help reinforce the mother-puppy bond and ensure the puppies’ survival and proper development.
Nursing
Nursing is a key component in stimulating maternal feelings and bonding between a mother dog and her puppies. The act of nursing creates a synergy between the mother dog and her puppies, with the puppies stimulating suckling from Day 1 to Day 21 after birth (Lezama-García 2019). Nursing causes the release of oxytocin in the mother dog, which promotes maternal bonding, relaxation, and feelings of reward (Santos 2020). The mother dog will often initiate nursing by moving the puppies to her nipples and encouraging them to suckle. This maternal nursing behavior strengthens the connection between the mother and offspring.
Nursing provides comfort and nutrients to the puppies while also satisfying the mother dog’s instinct to nurture. The puppies’ suckling stimulates the release of prolactin and oxytocin, which induces maternal caretaking behaviors in the mother (Santos 2020). This hormonal response reinforces the mother dog’s desire to nurse and care for her puppies. Overall, the nursing process creates a powerful bond between mother and offspring that lays a strong foundation for the puppies’ health and development.
Weaning
Weaning is both an important and emotional process as puppies transition from nursing to eating solid food. It typically begins around 3-4 weeks of age and should be gradual over 2-3 weeks. Puppies should still be allowed to nurse during this transitional period, but their nursing sessions should be decreased from allowing constant access to only a few times a day.
Weaning can be an emotional time for both the mother dog and her puppies. The puppies may resist weaning at first, as nursing is comforting and all they have known. Some puppies may excessively try to nurse from their mother. Meanwhile, the mother dog may still have a strong nursing instinct and become restless or disturbed from the decreased nursing sessions. It’s important pet owners are patient and compassionate during this process.
To help ease the transition, pet owners can try providing the puppies comforting bedding that smells like their mother. The mother dog may also benefit from having a comforting toy or chew treat. With time and consistency, both the puppies and mother dog will adjust to the change.
Postpartum
After puppies are weaned and separated from their mother, most female dogs will gradually cease maternal behaviors, although some dogs continue to exhibit mothering tendencies for longer. According to a review, dogs’ maternal motivation and behavior starts declining within days after weaning as prolactin levels decrease. However, individual differences exist, and some dogs may continue displaying maternal behavior for weeks or months after weaning.
For instance, a mother dog may frantically search for puppies who are no longer there, seemingly confused about where her litter went. She may cry out looking for them or seem anxious when separated. This is a normal transition period as her maternal instincts fade. As long as she is eating and drinking normally, her behavior should return to normal within a few weeks in most cases.
Rarely, a mother dog may develop a psychological condition called “maternal behavior problems” where she obsessively seeks out and tries to care for puppies that aren’t hers long after weaning. This is considered an abnormal behavior, likely stemming from high oxytocin levels, and may require anxiety medication or behavioral therapy from a vet if severe.
Conclusions on the Emotional Process of Dog Pregnancy
The emotional process of dog pregnancy and the maternal bond is a remarkable journey. From the first flutters of life felt during gestation to the final stages of weaning, a deep attachment forms between mother and puppies. The nesting instinct emerges, as the mother dog prepares a warm, safe space for the arrival of her litter. The signs of impending labor generate an excited anticipation. Finally, the miracle of birth bonds mom and pups in a lifelong relationship.
As the puppies grow, the mother dog cares for their every need, nursing, cleaning, and protecting them. The maternal drive to nourish and nurture her offspring is strong. Weaning allows the pups to gain independence while still returning to snuggle and bond with their mother.
The process of dog pregnancy and birthing puppies forges an unbreakable maternal bond. While bittersweet when the puppies eventually leave for new homes, the mother dog’s life is forever changed and enriched by the experience of creating, carrying, birthing and raising her little ones.
