Tips for Caring for a Pregnant Pet

Having a pregnant pet means lots of upcoming life changes. Whether you are caring for a pregnant dog or cat, proper preparation and attention during their pregnancy will make all the difference to their health and pregnancy experience.

Dog vs. Cat Pregnancy

Although gestation can differ according to breed, both canine and feline pregnancies generally last 63 days or more.

Pregnancy in Dogs

The signs of pregnancy in mother dogs begin within the first few weeks, starting with decreased appetite and vomiting. They may seem more affectionate than usual or may become more irritable. As the pregnancy progresses, their thirst, appetite, and weight will increase, and they may get more easily fatigued than usual. You’ll also notice swelling of the stomach and teats.

Pregnancy in Cats

Cats are so good at hiding pregnancy symptoms that you may not be able to confirm pregnancy without an x-ray, ultrasound, or blood test. Cats can also experience false pregnancy. Caused by hormonal imbalance, false pregnancy can have the same symptoms as actual pregnancy, which are the same as those listed for dogs.

What to Do if Your Cat or Dog Is Pregnant

If you think your dog or cat is pregnant, it’s time to prepare them and yourself for the new arrivals.

Call Your Vet

If your pet is exhibiting pregnancy symptoms, It’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Although they may not be able to confirm the pregnancy before 30 days have passed, this will allow them to estimate a due date and monitor your pet.

Another reason to get in touch with your vet is vaccinations. Pregnancy is an incredibly vulnerable time for mothers and their unborn babies.

Female dogs and cats should not be vaccinated while pregnant, because vaccine ingredients can lower immunity in the mother, who passes immunity to her young through colostrum, the first mother’s milk. Colostrum is packed with all of the essential nutrients and antibodies that babies need in order to build their own immunity.

Vaccinations should also be avoided during pregnancy because they can cause birth defects in

pups and kittens. However, heartworm prevention products are considered to be safe and effective for pregnant dogs.

Feline mothers can pass intestinal parasites to kittens during and after pregnancy, so a fecal test should be done.  If parasites are detected, your vet can prescribe a safe medication. Your cat should also receive a safe flea preventative to prevent flea anemia in kittens.

Optimize Their Diet

Pregnancy causes your pet’s body to expend more energy than ever. Therefore, your pet’s diet must be able to accommodate these new energy demands.

More frequent feedings in smaller portions is best because, as babies grow, there will be less available room in mom’s stomach. Feeding several times daily will ensure their nutrient needs continue to be met.

Your pet’s food should also change during pregnancy. Be sure to choose high-quality cat or dog food during their first month, and switch to more nutrient-dense kitten or puppy food for their final month. Consult your veterinarian if you are unsure about the best food.

Allow for Exercise

Moderate exercise is perfectly fine for both dogs and cats during pregnancy. However, avoid strenuous exercise that can cause injury. Dogs can be walked up to four times a day on flat terrain. You’ll want to limit exercise during the last month of pregnancy.

At the End of Pregnancy

Ensure your cat has a private, warm, and quiet place toward the end of her pregnancy. A nesting box with low sides or lots of clean and soft bedding work best. Ensure she has lots of food and water nearby, as well as a litter box.

Dogs also need a comfortable and warm place to nest. This is called a whelping box, and it should be 4×4 feet in size. You can make or purchase a whelping box. It’s critical to keep your dog isolated from other dogs three weeks before and after giving birth (six weeks total) to prevent contraction of herpes, which can be fatal for puppies.

Labor and Birth

Both cats and dogs will exhibit similar labor symptoms. They may become restless, start panting, and go in and out of their nesting area. Dogs may also vomit and dig. You can know they’re close to starting labor by checking their rectal temperature. Once it drops below 100 degrees F, a dog will give birth within 24 hours and a cat between 12 and 36 hours.

Dogs typically have one puppy every 45 minutes to an hour, but they can also rest for several hours between each puppy. Monitor your dog for straining during labor. If they’ve been straining for over an hour, or their breaks exceed four hours, take them to your vet right away to deliver any unborn puppies.

Generally, all puppies are born between six and eight hours after labor begins.

Cats should be left as undisturbed as possible during stronger contractions, because they can become easily stressed, which can cause them to stop the process entirely until the following day.

Once they’ve begun to give birth, they will have one kitten every 30 to 60 minutes, with full delivery occurring in six hours or less. However, if you notice that your cat is having strong contractions but has not birthed a kitten, you should take them to your vet immediately.

Watch for Signs of Trouble After Birth

Certain signs can indicate health trouble in dogs and cats. If you notice any of these signs in your pet, you will need to call your vet and obtain safe and appropriate medications and treatments.

Some post-birth signs to watch for in your dog include:

• Lethargy
• Vaginal discharge
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Decrease in appetite
• No milk production
• Breast tissue that is inflamed or appears to be infected

You’ll also want to be sure the mother has removed the umbilical cords from her pups. If not, grip the cord with your thumb and first finger about an inch from the puppy’s body, and very gently tear it away.

For cats, you’ll want to watch for:

• The absence of placenta
• Vaginal discharge that looks like pus or is overly bloody
• No milk production
• Redness and swelling of breast tissue
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Stops eating

Once your pet has recovered and their newborn puppies or kittens have passed all health checks, it’s time to enjoy the pitter patter of all those little paws!

A high-quality lockable cat or adult dog door will give new moms the space they need, whenever they need it, and keep them and their babies safe from predators. Australia Pet Doors has products for pets of every size. Browse our top brands, or call us for more info: 0437-644-330.