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Ultrasound and X-ray dates
Updated October 2026 · Information only, not veterinary advice
Step 1
Her dates
Ovulation dates from progesterone testing give the tightest windows.
Next up
Ultrasound or relaxin blood test
Oct 18 to Oct 23, 2026. Confirms pregnancy. Ultrasound shows heartbeats. It cannot count puppies reliably.
| Step | Day | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound or relaxin blood test | 25–30 | Oct 18 – Oct 23 | Upcoming |
| Check-up and diet change | 35–42 | Oct 28 – Nov 4 | Upcoming |
| X-ray to count puppies | 55–58 | Nov 17 – Nov 20 | Upcoming |
| Whelping box ready, temperature checks | 56–58 | Nov 18 – Nov 20 | Upcoming |
| Expected due date | 63 | Nov 25 | Upcoming |
These are typical windows. Book the appointment early, because clinics fill up, and follow your vet’s own schedule if it differs.
What each scan can tell you
| Ultrasound | X-ray | |
|---|---|---|
| Earliest useful | About day 25 to 30 | About day 45; best from day 55 |
| Confirms pregnancy | Yes, with heartbeats | Yes, from about day 45 |
| Counts puppies | Not reliably | Yes, accurate late in pregnancy |
| Checks puppy viability | Yes, heart rate | No |
Compare the methods
For a full comparison, read ultrasound vs X-ray. Once you have a puppy count, you can use it in the whelping tracker.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
When can a vet confirm a dog is pregnant?
An ultrasound or a relaxin blood test can confirm pregnancy from about day 25 to 30 after ovulation or mating. Before that it is too early to be sure.
When should I X-ray a pregnant dog?
From about day 55 to 58, when the puppy skeletons are fully formed. Earlier X-rays can show pregnancy, but they under-count puppies.
Can an ultrasound count the puppies?
Not reliably. It confirms pregnancy and shows heartbeats, but puppies overlap and are easy to miss or double-count. An X-ray late in pregnancy gives a more accurate number.
Is an X-ray safe for the puppies?
A single late-pregnancy X-ray is considered safe, because the main organs are already formed. Your vet will limit the number taken.
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