When is the Best Time to Scan a Dog for Pregnancy?
If your dog has recently been mated, one of the biggest questions is: when is the right time to have her scanned for pregnancy?
It’s completely understandable to feel excited, nervous and impatient to know whether puppies are on the way. However, timing is really important when it comes to canine pregnancy ultrasound scanning.
At Smart Chip Animal Services, we offer mobile dog pregnancy ultrasound scanning across North Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire and surrounding areas, helping breeders and pet owners get reassurance in the comfort of their own home.
When can a dog be scanned for pregnancy?
The best time to scan a dog for pregnancy is usually from around 28 days after the last mating.
This is because, by this stage, pregnancy is usually developed enough to be detected more reliably by ultrasound. Scanning too early can sometimes lead to an unclear result, simply because the pregnancy may not yet be visible enough on the scan.
For the clearest and most reliable early result, the ideal window is often:
28–35 days after the last mating
This gives a good balance between finding out early and allowing enough time for pregnancy to be seen more clearly.
Can a dog be scanned before 28 days?
In some cases, pregnancy may be visible slightly earlier, but scanning too soon can be risky because it may be too early to confirm either way.
If a scan is carried out very early and nothing is seen, it does not always mean the dog is not pregnant. It may simply mean the scan has been done before the pregnancy is developed enough to detect clearly.
That’s why waiting until around day 28 gives a much better chance of getting a useful answer.
What if my dog is already past 35 days?
If your dog is already past 35 days from mating, she can still be scanned.
A later scan can still confirm pregnancy and show visible signs of developing puppies. However, as pregnancy progresses, the puppies become larger and more spread out, which can sometimes make it harder to give an idea of numbers.
Ultrasound is best used to confirm pregnancy and check for signs of life, rather than to give an exact puppy count.
Can a scan tell me how many puppies my dog is having?
This is one of the most common questions.
An ultrasound scan may give an idea of whether there appears to be a small or larger litter, but it should not be relied on for an exact number of puppies.
Puppies can hide behind one another, move around, or sit in positions that make accurate counting difficult. For this reason, ultrasound is not the best method for confirming exact litter size.
If an accurate puppy count is needed later in pregnancy, your vet may advise an X-ray at the appropriate stage.
Why choose a mobile pregnancy scan?
A mobile scan can be much less stressful for your dog, especially if she is nervous, heavily pregnant, or happier in her own home.
Benefits of mobile pregnancy scanning include:
No stressful car journey
No busy waiting room
Your dog stays in familiar surroundings
Ideal for breeders with other dogs or litters at home
A calm, gentle appointment at your property
The aim is to make the experience as relaxed as possible for both you and your dog.
When should I book my dog’s pregnancy scan?
If you know the date of the last mating or artificial insemination, count forward 28 days from that date. That is usually the best point to arrange a pregnancy scan.
For example, if your dog was last mated on the 1st of the month, the ideal time to scan would usually be from around the 29th onwards.
If you are unsure of the best date, just get in touch with the date of the last mating or AI, and I can help work out the most suitable time for your dog’s scan.
Book a mobile dog pregnancy scan
Smart Chip Animal Services offers mobile dog pregnancy ultrasound scanning across North Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire and surrounding areas.
If your dog has recently been mated and you’d like to arrange a calm, professional pregnancy scan at home, please get in touch to book an appointment.
Contact Smart Chip Animal Services today to arrange your mobile dog pregnancy ultrasound scan.
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