How long does a dog take to have puppies?

Dog pregnancies last about two months, with puppies entering the world between day 56 and 70 of gestation. Litter size typically ranges between a single pup or up to a dozen and differs depending on numerous factors. read more

The entire whelping process where the puppies come out through the vagina, takes an average of six to 12 hours. If another pup is on the way, the mother dog will begin to strain from five to 30 minutes after whelping the last puppy. The mother dog normally eats the afterbirth and severs the cord herself. read more

Most veterinarians agree that day 58 is the earliest date that puppies can safely be born because their lungs are just mature enough by that time for the puppies to have a chance at survival. Even so, the pups may still be slightly premature. You can usually spot the preemies because their paws are bright pink with very little fur on them. read more