63‑Day Canine Gestation

German Shepherd Whelping Chart

Average gestation is 63 days from ovulation/breeding (normal range 58–68 days). Use this guide for key veterinary checkpoints and home‑care tasks.

Enter breeding/ovulation date:

Phases

Days 1–16: Fertilization & early travel Days 17–22: Implantation Days 23–35: Organogenesis Days 58–63: Pre‑whelp Days 36–57: Fetal growth

Questions? Call (719) 220‑2222

Week‑by‑Week (Days & Milestones)

Week	Day Range	What’s Happening	To‑Do / Care
Week 1	1–7	Fertilization; zygotes divide while traveling to uterus.	Normal diet & exercise. Avoid vaccines and new meds unless vet‑approved.
Week 2	8–14	Embryos enter uterus; early pregnancy often not visible.	Quiet routine; note any morning sickness (can occur days 21–28).
Week 3	15–21	Implantation begins (~days 17–22).	Keep stress low; do not change food yet.
Week 4	22–28	Organ formation starts; heartbeats detectable by ultrasound (~day 25).	Book vet ultrasound day 25–28 to confirm pregnancy.
Week 5	29–35	Rapid organogenesis; nipples may enlarge; clear vaginal discharge possible.	Small meal increases if needed; avoid rough play and jumping.
Week 6	36–42	Fetal growth accelerates; abdomen enlarges.	Begin gradual calorie increase; introduce whelping box area.
Week 7	43–49	Skeletons calcify (~day 45); coat develops.	Vet x‑ray around day 55 (after day 55) for puppy count planning.
Week 8	50–56	Puppies very active; milk may drop.	Clip belly hair lightly; gather supplies; monitor temp daily starting day 58.
Week 9	57–63	Pre‑whelping: nesting, appetite drop, temp dip ~24h before labor.	Whelping window: most deliver days 60–63. Call if > day 64 or green discharge before a puppy.

Tip: Normal temperature is ~101–102.5°F. A drop to ~99°F often precedes labor within 12–24 hours. Keep your vet on call.

Key Day Checkpoints

Day	Checkpoint	Notes
0	Breeding / Ovulation	Mark this date to project due window (58–68 days).
17–22	Implantation	Keep activity light; avoid stress.
25–28	Ultrasound viability	Confirm pregnancy; estimate litter (not exact count).
45+	Skeletal calcification	Mineralization visible; switch to growth/gestation diet if not already.
55–57	Radiograph for count	X‑ray after day 55 for the most accurate puppy count.
58+	Temperature monitoring	Check 2–3× daily; watch for 1–2°F drop.
60–63	Common whelping window	Stage I labor signs; prepare whelping area & supplies.