Dogs reproduce through the mating process, where the male mounts the female during copulation, and after fertilization, the female experiences a 63-day gestation period before giving birth to a litter of puppies. The female dog must be in the heat cycle in order for the mating process to be successful.
Dog owners may notice that their female dog gains weight and has a larger appetite during pregnancy, but these symptoms could also be a sign of false pregnancy. To confirm the dog’s pregnancy, owners can visit the vet for an ultrasound or X-rays. Dog owners should prepare a whelping box before the expected delivery date to allow time for the dog to become accustomed to the birthing environment.
