English Bulldog Pregnancy: Gestation Period, Weekly Milestones, and Care Guide

It’s an exciting time when your puppy is pregnant, however, it’s important to know how to prepare for it. Puppies are a big responsibility and while our furry friends rarely need help during pregnancy or birth, anything can happen. In this article, we are diving into English bulldog pregnancies, including a week-to-week breakdown.

English Bulldog Summary

English bulldogs are stocky muscular dogs known for their calm, loving, and playful personalities. These lovely dogs have long skin that hangs on their face. English bulldogs have been around since the 13th century. Sadly, they were originally bred and used as ‘bait’ dogs. However, during the 1800s, England banned blood animal sports, including dog fighting, and bulldogs became companions. Breeders bred English bulldogs to be smaller, friendlier, and sweeter.

English bulldogs can weigh up to 50 pounds. They live for about 8 to 10 years and have beautiful coats that come in many colors and patterns. These dependable dogs are great for small environments, like apartments. But how can you tell if your English bulldog is pregnant? How long does their pregnancy last?

English Bulldog Pregnancy Symptoms

Pregnancy symptoms vary with each month. However, you can usually tell if your dog is pregnant if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:

• Fast weight gain
• Fatigue or low energy
• Increased appetite
• Stomachaches
• Nesting and preparing
• Behavior change (Clinginess, the best time to get English bulldog snuggles!)
• More frequent urination

As your English bulldog’s stomach grows, it becomes more obvious. If you suspect your dog is pregnant, take them to their vet. Vets can confirm pregnancy as early as three weeks with bloodwork. Your vet may also use an ultrasound.

Gestation Period: How Long Are English Bulldogs Pregnant?

An English bulldog pregnancy is nothing like a human pregnancy. These lovely dogs don’t stay pregnant for nine months, instead, they remain pregnant for about 2 months or 63 days. However, it’s normal for the pregnancy to vary by a few days.

Pregnancy Care for English Bulldogs

English bulldogs suffer from some health problems, so it’s important to care for your pup during their pregnancy. The Bulldog Club of America, states that English bulldogs should be at least 1.5 years old before becoming pregnant, any earlier and it could cause complications. Late pregnancies are also risky. Always talk to your English bulldog’s vet before proceeding.

English bulldogs need highly nutritious food during their pregnancy. They gain about 30 to 50% of their body weight. Find a food that is easy to digest and has about 29% protein and 17% fat. Although calcium is important for milk production, your dog’s food should have less than 8%. Too much calcium can cause problems with the pregnancy.

How often should you take your dog to the vet while pregnant? To ensure your dog is healthy, take your English bulldog to the vet at least two to three times during their pregnancy. Around the 49-day mark, your vet can take an x-ray to double-check check your dog is safe and determine how many puppies they have.

Average Litter Size for English Bulldogs

On average, English bulldog puppies have about three to four puppies. However, they can have more or less. While it’s not safe, one source claims an English bulldog has had as many as 16 puppies in one litter! Although English bulldogs may give birth at home, sometimes they require additional help. English bulldog puppies are big, sometimes too large for the birth canal. Depending on what your vet recommends, your English bulldog may need a C-section. 

What to Expect in Week 1-2

During the first two weeks, you won’t notice any differences in your English bulldog. It’s too soon to tell. However, it’s important if you see any abnormalities to contact your dog’s vet. Also, since it’s too soon to confirm, don’t make any drastic changes to your dog’s diet.

What to Expect in Week 3

By week three, you can take your English bulldog to the vet to confirm the pregnancy. This is around the time when dog owners find out if their bulldogs are pregnant. Your dog’s vet can check through a blood test detecting hormones or an ultrasound. While your vet can use ultrasound, it’s too early to determine how many puppies are inside of her.

You won’t need to make any changes to your dog’s life. However, you mustn’t overfeed your bulldog. If your dog gains weight too quickly early on in the pregnancy, it can cause complications.

What to Expect in Week 4

Weeks three and four are very similar. Sometimes the pregnancy test won’t work until the beginning of week four. During this time, the puppies are developing, but they are as small as a grape. Your vet may be able to count the number of puppies, but the reading is more accurate later on in your English bulldog’s pregnancy.

What to Expect in Week 5

During week five, your dog starts to exhibit more symptoms. Your dog will begin to gain weight as the puppies grow. The puppies in this stage are developing sex organs, legs, and other features. Your dog will start having to use the bathroom more frequently as the puppies grow and press on her bladder. During this week, you’ll need to start serving your bulldog less, but nutritious food.

What to Expect in Week 6

Week six is similar to week five. During this week, English bulldogs gain swollen nipples. They also start developing a hanging belly, which makes them visibly look pregnant. However, these symptoms can begin in week five depending on how many puppies your English bulldog is carrying. As the puppies grow, your mama English bulldog will exhibit signs of discomfort. She may move slowly and struggle to get comfortable. Some English bulldogs also throw up. The puppies this week also develop pigmentation.

What to Expect in Week 7

Excitingly, in week seven, your dog’s vet can start to try and use an x-ray to take scans and see how many puppies they have. You’ll need to take your dog to the vet this week to ensure everything is okay and on track. Your dog may also nap more. They are tired, as their bodies prepare for labor. Your dog may also begin her nesting period, and look for a whelping area. You may also notice your dog shed her fur on her belly.

What to Expect in Week 8-9

Weeks eight and nine are the last weeks of your dog’s pregnancy. At this point, the puppies are ready and have fur. Your dog’s body will continue to change, for example, its vulva swells. This is a sign your dog is close to labor. Some dogs also release a clear discharge. For a more accurate estimate of when your dog will go into labor, you can check their temperature. If their temperature is consistently at 97°F, they are close to labor.

How to Prepare for Labor and Delivery

Dogs are smart animals, but complications can still arise. Although your English bulldog can give birth alone, it doesn’t hurt to help and keep a watchful eye. It’s important to create a whelping box and comfortable spot for your English bulldog to nest and give birth. You can use a large cardboard box and blankets at the bottom to keep mom and puppies warm. The box should also be placed in a quiet area where the mom can get privacy.

Signs your English bulldog is going into labor include clear discharge, digging or scratching in the whelping box, excessively licking their genital area, and restlessness. Your English bulldog won’t get a wink of sleep until after the birth.

It’s a good thing to be prepared as well. Have your dog’s vet on speed dial and gather materials like warm water, clean rags, puppy milk formula, and clean scissors.

How to Care For Your English Bulldog Afterward

English bulldogs are great mothers. After hours of labor, they take care of their pups by cleaning and feeding them. However, your English bulldog mama needs help too. It’s important to bring your English bulldog mom and puppies to the vet as soon as possible to double-check there are no complications or illnesses.

After your English bulldog gives birth, don’t bathe her unless necessary. Instead, take her out to use the bathroom. While you can place food and water near her birthing area, she likely won’t eat for the next two days.

It’s also important you only feed your dog highly nutritious puppy food until the puppies are weaned off milk. Monitor the new mama as she can develop infections. If applicable, shave long fur on her legs, belly, and genital areas for sanitary reasons. This also helps her puppies find their nipples.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Liliya Kulianionak/Shutterstock.com