MAMBA PETS: WE’RE PREGNANT!
If the pitter-patter of tiny four-legged companions appeals to you, then make sure you know what to expect when pups or kittens are in the offing.
Let’s start by looking at pregnancy, which can be tricky in itself. There is a distinct set of signs and symptoms that can suggest that a dog is pregnant, but some female dogs can experience a false pregnancy which very closely mimics genuine canine pregnancy.
Also, many dogs never “look” pregnant. It is thus best to get confirmation by taking the dog to the vet. He or she will do an examination, and if this is not conclusive enough then the vet will more than likely do a sonogram.
Nevertheless, it is useful to know that the following signs are commonly seen in pregnant canines:
- Increased Appetite
- Decreased Appetite
- Prominent Nipples
- Lethargy
- Increased Sleeping
- Clear Discharge from the Vagina
- A Firm Abdomen
- “Nesting” Behaviours
- More Frequent Urination
A full term pregnancy for a dog is, on average, between 60 and 63 days and the technical term for when a dog gives birth is “whelping”. Make sure to ask your vet if your breed of dog has any special problems when it comes to whelping. While the vast majority are fine, some breeds – such as Bulldogs – may require human assistance.
When birth is imminent, there is typically a decrease in appetite, an increase in nesting behaviours – digging and scratching at bedding, floors, etc. – along with restlessness, panting and salivation. And, within about 24 hours before giving birth the pregnant dog’s body temperature will drop by a couple of degrees.
When she begins to whelp, make sure she is comfortable and leave her in peace. A place that is warm, with low lighting is ideal. Watch from a distance and let nature take its course.
You should, however, consult a vet immediately if not all the pups have been delivered after 24 hours and if contractions, in which the dog will actively strain and push, last for more than 20 – 30 minutes at a time and do not produce a puppy.
The bitch should lick the puppy when it has been delivered and bite the cord. If a puppy does not show signs of life and the mother is not attending to it, you may want to stimulate it by rubbing it with a towel.
When it comes to cats, you may be surprised to learn that they are seasonal in their reproductive cycle and will normally tend to have kittens – known as “queening” – only in the warmer months of the year. They show similar symptoms to dogs when pregnant but, once again, a vet is best to confirm a pregnancy.
Make sure that your pregnant cat is free of fleas as this may seriously affect the pregnancy and good quality, nutritious food, as with pregnant dogs, is vital. Also, like dogs, cats will seek out a comfortable and secluded nesting area, which is ideally quiet and free from people and other pets.
Sure symptoms that the cat is going into labour include pacing, vomiting, panting, restlessness, crying and nesting. Do not attempt to move the cat to another place once she is in labour.
Once again it is best to watch from afar and not interfere. Most cats will queen a litter within six hours, but this can extend into the next day, and usually goes off without a hitch. If the cat shows signs of strong contractions for more than 30-60 minutes and no kitten is produced, immediately consult your vet. And remember to have the number of a 24 hour emergency vet at hand in case you have problems during the night.
There’s nothing more exciting than having new life in the house – and who can resist the cuteness of puppies or kittens – but I do recommend that your pets only reproduce because you planned it and not because you never got round to spaying or neutering them.
Think very carefully when you are considering breeding your animals. Be well prepared, read up extensively on possible problems (Google is your friend), consult your vet and you’re sure to be rewarded. Enjoy your little ones!
Pregnant pets. Advocating the breeding of pets is ignorance at its finest. In a world driven by whim and shaped by a mentality of disposability, every animal welfare center on the planet is thronging with unwanted pets living in abject misery while awaiting euthenasia. This does not take into account the countless feral animals living like city rats as a result of abandonment. Many humane, responsible and intelligent animal rights groups are actively campaigning to draft laws that will enforce the sterilisation of all pets before their sale, and to regulate and reduce the number of breeders.
Please think about the content of articles you publish that involve creatures that cannot speak out for themselves.
Get a grip. Oh get a grip. The article is not advocating breeding for commercial purposes. It simply suggests what people should do if their animals get preganant – and even advises against not spaying your pets. Jeez… don’t be so high and mighty!
My articles… Please could you maybe actually read my article and you will see that I am not advising people to run puppy mills I am simply advising on what to do if one of your animals should get pregnant.
I lost puppies a few weeks ago and I was devastated. I did NOT want to get my girls spade just because I have boys, we did what we could to keep them separated but having blood from a bitch on heat literally EVERYWHERE in my home is not ideal either. I wonder maybe if you have experienced it? Try it out .. it’s not pleasant .. so read the article again .. it will advise on what’s best for your animal not a breeding outlet.
Please listen carefully…. Natasha. I think you, not I, have misunderstood. I do not approve of ANY animal breeding, for the reasons I have stated earlier. These animals potentially end up in the hands of fickle people who discard them through a lack of commitment. When last did you visit an animal shelter and see the horror of devastated, abandoned animals? Or, worse still, have you ever witnessed the vicious evil of cruelty inflicted on innocent animals by twisted people? Not everyone should have an animal, and reducing the number of animals is one way to deal with this. PLEASE SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR ANIMALS!!! There is no reason not to, it is perfectly safe and there are very few negative effects. In a perfect world where everyone is full of love and compassion and money grows on trees, yes, go ahead and have as many puppies and kittens as you wish. It is very sad that we will allow more little lives to happen with no assurance of a safe and loving future, just to thrill ourselves with ‘Ag shame, look how cute!’ as our logic. If you are going to keep the litter and provide them with a great life, maybe then go ahead. Yes, little animals are simply delicious and make life worthwhile, all I am asking is that you stop encouraging the population at large to breed their pets. Please listen carefully to what I am saying. I have been involved in Animal Rights groups for many years and research supports what I am saying. Take care and good luck with your puppies.