What to expect when your pet is pregnant

Veterinarian

When our furry friends become pregnant, changes to their bodies and behaviour can be challenging. Not sure what to expect now that your pet is going to be a mama? Do not worry…breath, relax and read on!

During this period, special attention should be given to the mother-to-be. Although not common, some animals might experience nausea, appetite changes and vomiting. Behavioural changes are also seen as some pets will seek more attention and care from the owner while others might become more moody and easily irritated by people or other pets at home. 

Your pregnant pet needs a lot of love and care and remember that during pregnancy, the caloric intake is increased so you will need to increase the amount of food given to your pet. Also make sure that the mother-to-be is in top medical condition and up to date with her preventative care, such as vaccinations and dewormings, essential for the good health of the future kittens or puppies.

Pregnancy testing

If you know or suspect that your pet is pregnant, schedule regular appointments with your veterinarian for confirmation and follow up. Ultrasound examination can detect pregnancy and foetal viability. Ultrasonography is best performed at 25 to 35 days of pregnancy as “false-negative” results can be seen in earlier stage. Foetal heart beat is seen during ultrasonography, but it is usually hard to detect the exact number of litter by this method. Foetal bone formation or ossification starts around day 28 of pregnancy but is not detected by radiography (X-ray) until day 42-45. Radiography at this time is not teratogenic and will not harm the litter. It is recommended to do late gestational radiography to determine the number of puppies or kittens.

Making pregnancy comfortable

It is important to support your pet’s needs during pregnancy and to make its duration a less stressful event. Once you confirm that your pet is pregnant, follow with your veterinarian for the medical part and make sure to:

• Provide a comfortable place to rest. Know your pet’s preference, if she likes softer or harder bedding, more active or relaxed life style. Some pets will want a quieter environment so you might need to isolate other pets from the mother-to-be

• Keep a reasonable level of activity, both physical and mental

• Closely monitor appetite and do not forget to increase the amount of caloric intake during pregnancy stages. Pets benefit from additional vitamin and mineral supplements so consult your veterinarian for the optimal needs of your pregnant dog or cat. During late pregnancy, it is better to decrease the amount of food per meal and to give more frequent meals as the distended abdomen can cause discomfort to your pet

• Observe for any abnormal discharge that originates from the vaginal cavity as this can indicate problems with the pregnancy 

• If there is anything that just feels wrong or out of routine, immediately contact your veterinarian

Preparing for the big day

When the date approaches, your pet will start preparing to give birth. She will choose the location where she will give birth at, a behaviour called ‘’nesting’’. Dogs and cats usually tend to choose quiet and hidden places. Add some comfortable bedding such as towels, and blankets and try to keep your interference with the mother to a minimum.

Three stages 

of labour in pets

• Stage I lasts 12–24 hours. In this stage the uterine contractions begin to increase in frequency and strength without visible abdominal contractions. Cervix dilates and vaginal discharge, if present, is clear. Most pets will become restless during this stage, panting and sometimes vomiting

• Stage II involves visible abdominal contractions. Puppies or kittens are delivered during this stage. The average duration between each puppy or kitten should not last more than two hours. Depending on litter size, this stage can last from one hour up to more than 24 hours. The mother continues to nest between deliveries and will nurse and groom kittens/puppies intermittently

• Stage III is the phase where the placenta is expelled. In pets, this stage is concurrent with stage II. Shortly after the delivery of each foetus, its placenta is delivered as well. During normal labour, all foetuses and placentae are delivered vaginally. Always count the number of puppies/kittens and their placentae. If they are not the same, placental retention is present which needs medical attention

When to contact your veterinarian

• Your pet goes beyond her proposed due date

• Stage I labour has not progressed to Stage II labour after 24 hours

• The first kitten/puppy has not been delivered after 1 hour of active labour

• It has been more than two hours without another kitten/puppy being delivered

• Vaginal discharge is green or involves large amounts of blood between deliveries

• Your pet is in apparent distress or pain or is disoriented

• Kittens/puppies are stillborn or are alive but seem weak or not nursing normally

• You know that there are more kittens/puppies on the way but the mother appears to be exhausted and labour seems to have stopped

Difficulty giving birth (Dystocia) can be a serious problem for both the mother and puppies/kittens. Knowing the normal birth process helps you identify potential problems. In case dystocia is confirmed and its type identified (foetal vs maternal dystocia), appropriate medical attention must be given. This includes giving medications to support the overall status of the mother, medications to help with the uterine contractions or surgical intervention to deliver the puppies/kittens. 

Reprinted with permission from Family Flavours magazine