Side by side
| Ultrasound | X-ray | |
|---|---|---|
| Best time | About day 25 to 30 | About day 50 to 55 |
| Shows | Pregnancy, heartbeats, fluid | Skeletons, number of puppies, head size |
| Counts puppies? | Not reliably | Yes |
| Detects early loss? | Yes, heartbeat check | No |
| Helps plan delivery? | Dates and viability | Puppy size vs pelvis, C-section decision |
Why both can be useful
The early ultrasound confirms she is pregnant and that the embryos have heartbeats. The late X-ray gives the count you need to know when she has finished whelping, and helps your vet judge whether puppies can pass her pelvis. Many breeders and vets schedule both.