This is the time of year of birth and renewal. It is also the time of year where our non-spayed or non-neutered dogs or cats are signalled to mate and reproduce. This occurrence may not always be a planned event and things may not always go smoothly.
Complications in the birthing process can be life threatening for your pet and her offspring. There are many things to consider when dealing with a pregnant dog or cat. Do research prior, so that you become knowledgeable in the birthing process and what to expect. Remember nature is not always on the 9-5 schedule and whelping/ queening can take place any time of the day or night. Things to consider are immature mom, who lacks the maternal instinct to nurture. Lack of milk production leaving offspring as orphans, having the owner substitute and bottle feed every couple of hours, 24 hours a day. Can your pet have a normal delivery? Or are the babies too large for her pelvic canal, warranting a caesarean section to be performed.
You can easily avoid unwanted pregnancies by having your pet spayed or neutered between 5-6 months of age.