What should I do if my pet is pregnant?

Managing a Pregnant Pet

If your pet is pregnant, you should seek veterinary care immediately for proper prenatal care, including an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and assess fetal health. 1, 2

Initial Steps After Discovering Your Pet is Pregnant

1. Schedule a veterinary appointment immediately

   • Ultrasound can confirm pregnancy as early as day 10 after mating in cats 1
   • Allows assessment of fetal number, viability, and gestational age
   • Helps predict delivery date more accurately

2. Create a comfortable environment

   • Provide a quiet, warm, clean space for your pregnant pet
   • Set up a whelping/birthing box in a low-traffic area of your home
   • Ensure the area is draft-free and easily accessible to your pet

Veterinary Care During Pregnancy

Prenatal Examinations

• Regular veterinary check-ups throughout pregnancy
• Ultrasound monitoring to:
  • Evaluate fetal development and organ formation (visible from day 30) 1
  • Detect potential complications early
  • Determine approximate due date

Medication Considerations

• Avoid giving any medications without veterinary approval
• If medications are necessary:
  • Amoxicillin and certain other antibiotics may be used safely if needed 3
  • Avoid NSAIDs during late pregnancy as they may delay delivery 3
  • Never attempt to terminate pregnancy with over-the-counter medications 4

Home Care Guidelines

Nutrition

• Feed a high-quality diet formulated for pregnant/nursing animals
• Gradually increase food intake as pregnancy progresses
• Ensure constant access to fresh water
• Supplement with veterinarian-recommended vitamins if advised

Exercise

• Maintain moderate exercise in early pregnancy
• Reduce activity as pregnancy advances
• Avoid strenuous activities or rough play

Health Precautions

• Keep vaccinations current (consult your veterinarian about timing)
• Maintain parasite prevention as recommended by your veterinarian
• Prevent contact with stray or unknown animals

Preparing for Birth

1. Know the signs of impending labor

   • Drop in body temperature
   • Restlessness or nesting behavior
   • Loss of appetite
   • Milk production

2. Prepare birthing supplies

   • Clean towels
   • Heating pad or warm water bottles
   • Sterile scissors (for emergency cord cutting if needed)
   • Veterinarian's phone number readily available

When to Seek Emergency Care

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe:

• Prolonged labor without producing offspring (more than 2-4 hours)
• Strong contractions for more than 30 minutes without birth
• Excessive bleeding
• Extreme lethargy or distress
• Green or black discharge before first birth

After Birth Care

• Allow mother to clean and nurse puppies/kittens
• Monitor mother and offspring for signs of distress
• Schedule a post-birth veterinary check-up
• Follow veterinarian recommendations for newborn care

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don't administer medications without veterinary approval - Many human medications are toxic to pregnant animals 3
• Don't change diet suddenly - Gradual transitions prevent digestive upset
• Don't interfere unnecessarily during birth - Most animals deliver without complications
• Don't expose pregnant pets to toxoplasmosis risks - Keep cats indoors and away from raw meat 5
• Don't delay seeking veterinary care if complications arise

Following these guidelines will help ensure the health and safety of your pregnant pet and her offspring throughout pregnancy and delivery.