After a successful mating, a Bernese Mountain Dog typically gives birth to puppies around 62 days later. It's crucial not to breed a female dog during her first heat cycle. Her body is still developing at that point. It is advisable to wait until her second heat cycle before considering breeding.
Specifically, if mating is successful, you can expect the puppies to arrive approximately 62 days from the date of mating. Around 20 days after mating, an ultrasound can usually confirm pregnancy by detecting the presence of embryos. If a Bernese Mountain Dog begins to give birth about a week earlier than the expected 62-day mark, it's considered premature, and premature puppies are at higher risk. It's best to seek veterinary care in such cases. On the other hand, if the gestation extends beyond 62 days, this is considered a late delivery. In this case, it's recommended to have an ultrasound to check the viability of the puppies. If they are still alive, observation is advised; however, if they are found to be deceased, they should be surgically removed promptly. Finally, it is imperative that owners prepare adequately for the delivery.
Visible signs of pregnancy in dogs generally appear around the 4th to 5th week after successful mating. One of the earliest indications is the reddening of the nipples, followed by a gradual enlargement of the abdomen and mammary glands. Pregnancy symptoms vary from dog to dog, with most displaying noticeable signs in the final three weeks, such as increased sleepiness and decreased activity.