Mated on the 9th - 12th day of heat, could I be pregnant?

Question
Hi all, my name is Lily and I turned 2 on October 13th (I know, huh). My
question is this, I went and stayed with my boy friend, Bunker and boy did we
have fun. Bunker turned 2 in April,his head is kinda big, he doesn't think so,
but how often does he get the chance to look at it! Anyway, we "hooked" up
on the 9 - 12 days of my heat, at least 3 times each day (boys!!!). Do you
think it was early in my cycle to get pregnant? I was there a whole week, but
we only played the first 3 days, It took Bunker some to get to know me I
guess. I'm know on my 27th day if I am pregnant and I'm very sleepy all the
time. I'm not very hungry or rambunkish as I usually am. I have a big sister
who is a pug like me, and she is nicer to me too, she's 8 and can't have
babies. Do you think she knows I'm going to be a mommy? I hope you can
help me answer this questions, my mama is a little worried about me. Thanks
in advance for helping.

Answer
Hi Lilly and Deloris.  The heat cycle of a female dog normally runs for 21 days (3 stages with each stage lasting for approximately 7 days).

The first seven days is when the vaginal area swells, and bleeding starts.  The female normally will not let the male mate during this stage, even though he will try.

The second set of seven days (from day 7 to day 14) this is normally what is referred to as the Estrus stage, and during this stage the female will allow the male to mate with her, and it is during this stage that conception can take place.

The third set of seven days (from day 14 - 21) there is normally no outward physical signs, but if the female conceived, this is when the embryos begin to form.

So, I believe you timed it just right by mating on days 9 - 12.  Lack of energy (being sleepy) is a good sign that conception might have taken place, but not a for sure thing.

Normally, in approximately two weeks after conception, the female's nipples will turn pink and begin to enlarge.  Morning sickness can occur in approx. 4 weeks.  

The normal gestation period for a dog is between 58 - 63 days.  

Good luck, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions.  I look forward to photo's of the puppies.  : )

Sincerely,
Penny Diloreto
www.puppies-dot-com.com