Pregnancy & Whelping Guide
Everything you need to know from conception to the first month of puppy life — week-by-week symptoms, vet schedules, nutrition, birth preparation, labor stages, and newborn care.
- 1
Dog Pregnancy Stages Week by Week
What happens to your dog and her puppies each week of gestation — physical changes, symptoms, and vet visits.
9 min - 2
How to Tell if Your Dog is Pregnant
Home relaxin tests, vet ultrasound, blood work — and how to distinguish real pregnancy from pseudopregnancy.
7 min - 3
Pregnant Dog Diet: Feeding at Each Stage
Feeding amounts by trimester — from normal maintenance in weeks 1–3 to 75% above normal in weeks 7–9.
6 min - 4
Whelping Box Setup & Birth Preparation
How to build or choose a whelping box, plus a complete supply checklist for the birth.
7 min - 5
Signs a Dog is Going Into Labor
Pre-labor signs, the three stages of canine labor, normal timing — and emergency red flags.
7 min - 6
Newborn Puppy Care: First 4 Weeks
Temperature, feeding schedules, weight milestones, and what to do if the mother won't nurse.
9 min - 7
When to Wean Puppies: Timeline & Socialization
The week 3–8 weaning process — from first gruel to full independence — plus socialization milestones.
6 min