You know how long a human pregnancy lasts — it takes nine months for the baby to gestate. It’s natural to wonder how that compares to your favorite animal, the Golden Retriever. How long is a Golden Retriever pregnant?
If you have a pregnant dog, knowing when the babies will arrive can help you get prepared for the big day. Of course, not every pregnancy lasts as long as expected. Golden Retriever pregnancy time varies slightly between dogs, just as it does for humans.
We have guided many dogs through pregnancy, and there’s nothing more rewarding than arriving at the day when they give birth. Here’s what you need to know about Golden Retriever gestation.
Golden Retriever Pregnancy Time
The length of a Golden Retriever pregnancy is about 63 days, give or take a few days. The gestation period is nine weeks, or a little over two months, compared to a 40-week, 280-day gestation period for humans. A veterinarian can narrow down the exact due date.
If you notice your Golden Retriever has been acting a little different, a pregnancy could be the reason. Some pregnancy symptoms may include:
- Panting or pacing.
- Less appetite.
- Reduced activity level.
- Changes in the nipples.
- Weight gain.
If you notice your dog’s belly thickening or fur flaring along its sides, pregnancy may be a good bet. Many dog owners also say their dogs act strangely when they become pregnant. Even something as small as getting clingy could indicate a new litter is on the way.
Like humans, Golden Retrievers can tire easily when they get pregnant. For humans, that exhaustion usually lasts through the first trimester, but many dog owners find the fatigue extends throughout the pregnancy for a Golden Retriever.
Most symptoms tend to show during the end of the first month of pregnancy. Most signs will peak during the second month. You can tell your Golden Retriever is getting close to her due date when she begins looking for a nesting spot. Giving her a box lined with soft towels or quilts is a good option.
The puppies will move into their birthing spot with about five or fewer days left until your dog gives birth, so you may see increased discomfort in the mother or a change in her belly positioning. Most dogs give birth to their entire litter within a few hours, though it can take longer — sometimes up to a full 24 hours before all the puppies arrive.
Are You Welcoming a New Litter of Puppies?
How long does a Golden Retriever pregnancy last? Within nine weeks, you will meet those new puppies, and your excitement will surely match the new mother’s. Waiting for a Golden Retriever to give birth is exciting and a little nerve-wracking, but the time will fly by quickly.
If you don’t have a Golden Retriever and just wanted to know more about dog pregnancies, maybe it’s time to adopt. Contact us today to learn about our wonderful dogs available for adoption.