Third trimester · Days 43–49

Week 7 of dog pregnancy: fully formed, rapid growth

Puppies have hair coats forming and grow quickly. Her belly is clearly larger and you may feel movement.

Updated October 2026 · Information only, not veterinary advice

What you may notice

Set up the whelping box in a quiet room at 75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C) so she can get used to it.

Keep feeding several small meals of puppy or growth food. Fresh water at all times.

Book the X-ray for days 50 to 55.

Questions

When should I introduce the whelping box?

About a week before the due date, so she gets used to it. Put it in a quiet room at 75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C).

How much exercise is safe now?

Gentle, shorter walks. Avoid jumping, rough play and long hikes.

Keep reading

Enter a date and see her current day, week and what to expect now.

Day-by-day dates for vet visits, X-ray, setup and temperature checks.

What happens, what to feed and when to see the vet, weeks 1 to 9.