If you’ve recently welcomed the pitter-patter of tiny paws into your future plans—by way of a planned mating for your sausage dog—you’re probably sitting on pins and needles. I remember the excitement (and the panic!) when I first realised my little girl was going to be a mum. It is a time filled with joy, anxiety, and a lot of Googling.
Breeding dogs is a massive responsibility, especially with a breed as unique in physique as the Dachshund. You might be wondering about their dietary needs, how to prepare your home, or most urgently, how long are Dachshunds pregnant?
Unlike humans, who have a fairly standard nine-month timeline, the canine gestation period is much shorter and moves incredibly fast. One minute you have a confirmed pregnancy, and the next you are counting ribs and watching for nesting behaviour. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the entire journey of canine gestation, from the moment of fertilisation to the exciting arrival of the litter. We’ll cover the week-by-week development, essential nutrition, health checks, and exactly what to expect when your Dachshund is expecting.
Understanding the Timeline: How Long Are Dachshunds Pregnant?
Let’s get straight to the point. If you are asking, “how long are Dachshunds pregnant?”, the answer is roughly 63 to 65 days. That’s approximately nine weeks or just over two months.
However, calculating the exact due date can be a bit tricky. While the average is 63 days, this is measured from the point of ovulation, not necessarily from the day they were mated. Sperm can survive inside the female for several days, and eggs can remain fertile for about 48 hours after ovulation. Therefore, conception might happen days after the actual mating took place.
Here is a quick breakdown of the timeline:
- Days 1-7: Mating and fertilisation.
- Days 8-14: Embryos travel to the uterine horns.
- Days 15-21: Implantation occurs.
- Days 22-28: Foetuses begin to take shape; hearts start beating.
- Days 29-35: Development of organs and growth of toes.
- Days 36-42: Rapid growth phase; skeletons begin to calcify.
- Days 43-49: Puppies grow hair and gain weight.
- Days 50-57: Foetuses are fully developed; movement is felt.
- Days 58-65: Preparation for birth and labour.
Because the window is relatively short, every single day counts. If you know the exact date of ovulation (which your vet can confirm via progesterone testing), you can predict the due date with much higher accuracy. Otherwise, prepare for the puppies to arrive anywhere between day 60 and day 65.
The Seven Stages of Dachshund Pregnancy
To truly understand the journey, we need to break down the trimesters. Canine pregnancy is divided into three distinct phases, but for a detailed look, let’s explore the seven vital stages.
Weeks 1-3: Fertilisation and Early Development
In the first three weeks, your Dachshund won’t look any different, but a miracle is happening inside. After mating, the sperm travels to meet the egg, and fertilisation occurs. These fertilised eggs then make their way down to the uterine horns and embed themselves into the uterine wall around day 16-18.
During this time, you might notice subtle changes. Some bitches experience a bit of nausea (morning sickness) around week 3 due to hormonal shifts. They might go off their food for a day or become pickier than usual. Don’t panic if she skips a meal; just ensure she stays hydrated. Keep activity levels normal—no marathons, but standard walks are fine.
Week 4: Confirmation and Dietary Shifts
This is a pivotal moment. Around day 25 to 28, an ultrasound can confirm the pregnancy and you might even see the heartbeats flickering on the screen—a moment that makes it all feel incredibly real.
By the end of week 4, the embryos are about the size of a walnut. This is the stage where I strongly recommend switching the diet. It is actually advised to move your bitch onto a high-quality ‘mother and puppy’ food. This ensures she gets the higher calorie and nutrient content required for the growing foetuses without having to eat a massive volume of food, which can be hard on a small Dachshund stomach.
Weeks 5-6: Rapid Growth and Body Changes
Now, things get serious. The skeletons of the puppies are calcifying, and they are growing rapidly. You will notice your Dachshund’s waistline thickening. Her appetite will likely increase significantly.
Weight management is critical here. As noted by Dachshund Health UK, you should not allow the pregnant bitch to become overweight. Excess weight can lead to dystocia (difficult birth), which is a significant risk for chondrodystrophic breeds like Dachshunds. The goal is a gradual weight gain. Her body weight should ideally not increase by more than 30% of her pre-pregnancy weight.
Weeks 7-9: The Final Countdown
The last three weeks are a whirlwind. The puppies are now fully formed and are simply gaining weight and maturing. In week 7, you will see distinct movement in her belly if you watch closely.
Her mammary glands (teats) will begin to swell and may darken in colour. As we approach day 60, you might notice hair loss on her chest—this is a sign that parturition is imminent. In the final days, her temperature will drop. A normal temperature is around 38.5°C, but when it drops below 37.5°C, labour usually starts within 12 to 24 hours.
Nutrition and Diet for a Pregnant Dachshund
I cannot stress this enough: do not overfeed early on. A common mistake owners make is doubling the food as soon as the mating is confirmed. This leads to obesity, which complicates delivery.
During the first four weeks, her normal diet is sufficient. From week 5 onwards, her energy requirements skyrocket. This is when you should increase the amount of food gradually.
- Food Type: A high-quality puppy food or specific “starter” diet is best. It is nutrient-dense and easier for her to digest in smaller quantities.
- Feeding Frequency: As her belly grows, she won’t be able to eat large meals. Switch from one or two meals a day to three or four smaller meals. This keeps her energy levels stable without bloating her stomach.
- Supplements: Research suggests that DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an Omega 3 fatty acid, is vital during gestation. It supports the puppies’ brain and eye development. You can find this in fish oils. However, avoid over-supplementing with calcium, as this can actually inhibit the body’s natural ability to regulate calcium levels during labour, increasing the risk of eclampsia (milk fever) later.
Health and Veterinary Care During Gestation
Responsible breeding involves a partnership with your vet. You should ideally have a pre-mating health check to ensure she is fit to breed.
Around day 28-30, take her for a scan to confirm the pregnancy. It is also wise to have a progesterone test done before mating to pinpoint ovulation, but once pregnant, monitoring is key.
Worming Treatments: This is a detail many miss. Intestinal worms can cross the placenta and infect the unborn puppies. Dachshund Health UK advises that bitches should be wormed from the 40th day of pregnancy and continue daily until a few days after whelping. Always use a product effective against roundworm and consult your vet on the specific dosage for her weight.
Vaccinations: Ensure she is fully vaccinated before mating. She passes on antibodies to her puppies through the placenta and later through her milk (colostrum), giving them immunity for their first few weeks of life.
Preparing the Whelping Box
Don’t wait until the last minute to set up the whelping box. You want her to get used to it. Set it up in a quiet, warm room away from the household hustle and bustle around week 6.
Dachshunds are burrowers by nature. They love to dig and nest. The box should be sturdy and have “pig rails” (raised bars around the inside edges) to prevent the mother from accidentally squashing a puppy against the wall.
- Bedding: Use layers of vet bed or old towels/duvet covers. You will need to change these frequently, so have plenty of spares.
- Temperature: Newborn puppies cannot regulate their own body heat. The room needs to be kept warm (around 25-28°C for the first few days). A heat lamp or a pad set to low can help, but ensure the mother can move away from the heat if she gets too hot.
Signs of Labour: When is it Time?
When day 63 rolls around, you’ll be watching her like a hawk. Look for these classic signs that labour is starting:
- The Temperature Drop: As mentioned, a drop to 37°C or below is the most reliable sign.
- Restlessness: She will pant, pace, scratch at the bedding, and seem unable to get comfortable.
- Refusing Food: Most bitches will refuse food on the day of whelping.
- “Nesting”: She will actively try to dig and arrange her bedding into a nest.
- Vomiting: It is normal for them to vomit or have loose stools during the onset of labour.
Once contractions start, you should see a puppy arrive within one to two hours. If she is actively straining for more than 30 minutes without a puppy appearing, or if there is a green discharge but no puppy, contact your vet immediately. Dachshunds can sometimes require C-sections due to their shape and the size of the puppies’ heads.
FAQ
How many puppies do Dachshunds usually have in a litter?
Litter sizes for Dachshunds can vary quite a bit, but typically, a standard Dachshund will have between 4 and 8 puppies. Miniature Dachshunds tend to have smaller litters, often 1 to 4 puppies. First-time mums (primiparous bitches) usually have smaller litters than experienced mothers.
Can I walk my Dachshund while she is pregnant?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, you should continue with regular walks throughout the pregnancy to maintain muscle tone and prevent her from becoming unfit. However, during the final 2-3 weeks, keep walks short and gentle. Avoid strenuous activity, jumping, or rough play with other dogs.
Is a Dachshund pregnancy longer than other breeds?
No, the gestation period is generally the same across all dog breeds, averaging 63 days. Smaller breeds like Dachshunds might sometimes deliver a day or two earlier than larger breeds, but the biological timeline is consistent.
When can I have my Dachshund scanned to confirm pregnancy?
You can have an ultrasound scan performed from around day 25 to 28 of the pregnancy. This is usually when a vet can detect heartbeats. X-rays are also possible but are typically left until day 55 onwards to ensure the puppies’ skeletons are calcified and visible for an accurate count.
What is the best food for a pregnant Dachshund?
A high-quality puppy food or a specific “all life stages” diet is best. These are higher in calories, protein, and calcium. Start introducing this food gradually around week 4 of pregnancy to avoid stomach upsets.
How do I know if my Dachshund is having trouble giving birth?
Signs of dystocia (difficult birth) include strong contractions for over 30 minutes without a puppy, more than two hours passing between puppies, a sudden drop in temperature with no labour, or a foul-smelling vaginal discharge. If you observe any of these, contact your vet or emergency out-of-hours service immediately.
Conclusion
Breeding your Dachshund is a journey filled with anticipation, responsibility, and ultimately, incredible joy. Knowing exactly how long are Dachshunds pregnant—and more importantly, understanding the developmental changes happening during those 63 days—empowers you to provide the best possible care.
Remember, nutrition is the foundation of a healthy litter, so don’t skimp on quality food in the final trimester. Keep a close eye on her weight to avoid complications during labour. By preparing your whelping box early and maintaining a close relationship with your vet, you set the stage for a smooth delivery.
Whether you end up with a litter of two or ten, the arrival of those tiny, squeaking sausage dogs will be a memory you cherish forever. Enjoy the process, trust your instincts, and get ready for the cutest adventure of your life! 🐶
