Dog pregnancies average 63 days, so the time between conception and beginning to show symptoms is short. You won't see physical change for the first half of gestation. Before that, you might notice changes to your dog's behavior.
Physical Changes
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
A pregnant dog doesn't typically show physical signs of her condition until about day 40 of pregnancy. About this time, her belly will begin to noticeably expand, continuing to do so for about three more weeks -- her nipples will also enlarge; in the final week of the pregnancy, they may leak milk.
Behavioral Changes
Your dog may show early signs of pregnancy in her behavior. For example, around weeks three and four of gestation, a pregnant dog may experience a few days of morning sickness and vomiting. She may not have much of an appetite or will eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of larger portions. Lethargy and listlessness are typical throughout a pregnancy.
By Tom Ryan
References
WebMD: Pregnancy Symptoms in Dogs
About the Author
Tom Ryan is a freelance writer, editor and English tutor. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in English writing, and has also worked as an arts and entertainment reporter with "The Pitt News" and a public relations and advertising copywriter with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.