Dachshund Pregnancy Week by Week: Milestones and Care Tips

Most people don’t track their dachshund’s pregnancy week by week — until they’re in the middle of one. Then every day feels like it might mean something.

I remember seeing a heavily pregnant red short-haired dachshund outside Jackie’s Café in Paddington while grabbing a coffee on a wet Tuesday morning. Her belly was low and swaying, and she was sniffing every crack in the pavement like it mattered. Her owner told me, “She’s seven weeks — still chasing pigeons, but not very successfully.”

It stuck with me. Because when it’s your dog, every detail starts to matter. Appetite changes, energy dips, nesting signs — you notice all of it. The trick is knowing what’s normal and what’s not.

This guide is built for that. No drama, no hype. Just a week-by-week breakdown of what to expect and how to support your dachshund through the nine weeks ahead — based on real experiences, good vet advice, and what’s worked for us behind the scenes.

For a technical deep dive, the AKC’s Dog Pregnancy Care Guide is a solid resource.

The first two weeks of pregnancy are all backend. Fertilization happens, the embryos travel, implantation begins — but from the outside, nothing looks different.

Most owners won’t notice a thing. Maybe a bit more sleep. Maybe she’s not finishing her meals. Or maybe she’s acting completely normal. That was the case with Harvey’s cousin — sprinting through the park, barking at everything, no sign anything was changing.

Which is exactly the point. This stage is all about what’s happening internally — hormone shifts, uterine prep, and laying the groundwork for what’s coming. It’s not the time to start tweaking food, exercise, or routines.

There’s also no need to rush to the vet yet. Most professionals won’t confirm anything until week 4 — and even then, it’s early. Patience here matters more than action.

If you want a detailed overview of what’s going on under the surface, PetMD’s Early Dog Pregnancy Guide is solid science-backed reading

This is the “is she or isn’t she” phase — the one where you start second-guessing everything.

Some dachshunds start to shift. Maybe she’s clingier. Maybe she’s eating slower. Maybe she’s just tired. Or maybe you’re reading into it because you’re waiting for a sign. Either way, this is when the questions usually start.

Physically, things are moving fast under the surface. The embryos are implanting, and her hormone levels are adjusting to support them. But from the outside, most changes are mild. Appetite might dip slightly, or she might seem off for a day, then bounce back.

If you’re tracking closely, note any behavior shifts, but don’t overcorrect. No new diets. No supplements. Just observe.

This is also the earliest stage when you might be able to confirm pregnancy — but most vets will still suggest waiting until week 4 for an ultrasound. If you’re booked in, keep it low key. If not, you’re not behind.

Founder note: we’ve had owners message us in this window, worried because their dachshund skipped one meal or barked less than usual. It’s normal. Wait until week 5 before making any changes.

By week five, things start to show. If she’s carrying more than a couple of pups, you’ll likely notice a small belly forming — usually just behind the ribs. It’s not dramatic, but it’s different. Her gait might change. Her energy might dip. Her appetite might do both — spike or drop — depending on the day.

We’ve seen minis start waddling by week six. That slow, measured pace isn’t discomfort — it’s conservation. Her body’s working harder now. Everything’s shifting to support the growth.

This is also when the real prep begins:

• Switch to a high-quality puppy formula — more calories, better nutrient density
  
  
• Watch her weight — aim for gradual gain, not bloat
  
  
• Expect her to rest more or start choosing quieter spots in the house
  
  

Her mammary glands may swell and darken. You might catch her sniffing out soft corners or revisiting her crate more often. That’s not random. That’s instinct turning on.

Every dachshund reacts differently here. Some get affectionate. Others pull back. Either way — respect the change. Give her space, but stay close enough for her to feel steady.

If you haven’t checked in with your vet since week four, now’s the time to book your second scan. It’s a good opportunity to confirm progress, discuss litter size, and rule out early signs of complications.

For more on what to expect nutritionally and physically, VCA Animal Hospitals has a good breakdown.

By now, the signs aren’t subtle. Her belly is round. Her walk has changed. You’ll see it when she shifts her weight or lowers herself into bed with more care. Everything’s a little slower — on purpose.

This is usually when nesting kicks in. She might start dragging towels into corners, scratching at her bedding, or picking one quiet spot and circling it constantly. We’ve seen dogs clear out an entire laundry basket just to lie in the basket itself. It’s instinct, not misbehavior.

You might also notice:

• More time spent alone or following you everywhere — depends on the dog
  
  
• Appetite swings — some eat everything, some graze, some stop altogether
  
  
• Visible puppy movement — especially when she’s resting on her side
  
  
• Firmer, more distended belly — soft-touch only, and no poking
  
  

At this stage, less is more. No guests. No new routines. No rearranging the house. She’s trying to make sense of what’s coming — don’t add confusion.

If you haven’t already had your week 8 vet check, now’s the time. They’ll assess positioning, confirm expected timing, and answer any “what if” questions before labor starts. You don’t want to figure that out during a 2 a.m. panic.

Want a visual on what a pre-labor vet visit includes? Here’s a primer on prenatal exams.

This is the home stretch. Most dachshunds deliver between days 58 and 63. From here on, every behavior shift might mean something — or nothing — so observation matters more than action.

We’ve seen it start subtly. A dachshund that usually charges out the door suddenly hesitates. Circles one spot in the garden. Refuses food she loved yesterday. These are the quiet cues.

What to watch for:

• Pacing and restlessness — like she’s looking for something
  
  
• Digging or scratching at bedding or under furniture
  
  
• Panting or shaking — not just heat or nerves, could be early labor
  
  
• Loss of appetite — often within 12–24 hours of whelping
  
  
• Temperature drop — rectal temp under 37.2°C (99°F) is a strong indicator
  
  
• Clinginess or withdrawal — depends on her temperament
  
  

Have your whelping kit ready. Towels, gloves, bulb syringe, scissors (sterilised), and your vet’s number on standby. Most dachshunds will do this naturally — but if something feels off, don’t wait to get help.

We recommend keeping her environment exactly as it’s been the past few weeks. Same lighting. Same bedding. Same calm. She’s looking for consistency right now — and that includes you.

Need a last-minute checklist? Revisit our Pregnancy Care Guide — it covers what to expect hour by hour

If she’s scratching under the bed or nesting in your wardrobe, she’s telling you what she needs — a quiet, defined space that’s hers. Don’t fight it. Use it.

We’ve set up whelping zones in everything from unused laundry corners to behind bookcases. The goal isn’t Pinterest-perfect. It’s functional, familiar, and safe.

Here’s what to have ready:

• A box with low sides so she can step in and out easily
   
• Washable bedding — flat, soft, but not so fluffy it hides puppies
   
• A puppy-safe heat pad if it’s cold or she’s carrying a small litter
   
• Dim lighting and no foot traffic — she needs calm, not curiosity
   

Make the space off-limits to other pets and young kids. This isn’t the time for shared territory.

• Clean towels and absorbent cloths
   
• Bulb syringe to clear airways if needed
   
• Sterile gloves
   
• Unwaxed dental floss (for tying cords — only if needed)
   
• Alcohol-sterilised scissors
   
• Trash bags or liners
   
• Vet and emergency contact info in your phone, visible, and ready
   

This doesn’t have to be complicated — just ready. When labor starts, you won’t want to be scrambling.

Want to double-check your list? Cornell’s whelping kit checklist is worth a look if you want to go deeper.

Explore the rest of our Dachshund Pregnancy series to feel fully prepared and supported at every stage:

• Pregnancy in Dachshunds: Essential Tips for New Owners
  The full journey — symptoms, timelines, care tips, and how to prepare from day one.
  
  
• Early Signs of Pregnancy & Phantom Pregnancy
  How to tell if she’s truly pregnant — and what to do when she acts like she is, but isn’t.
  
  
• Caring for a Pregnant Dachshund
  Nutrition, exercise, red flags, and how to support her across the full 9 weeks.
  
  
• Preparing for Dachshund Puppies
  Whelping box setups, supply lists, first vet visits, and what happens once puppies arrive.

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian regarding your dog’s health and wellbeing.