How To Care For Your Pet During Pregnancy?

Pet Care

oi-Anjana NS

By Anjana Ns

Monday, May 16, 2011, 15:24

Owners get a sense of thrill and excitement when their dog is pregnant. Special and personal care is of absolutely necessity when it comes to taking care of your pets during pregnancy. Dogs can get through 60-63 days of pregnancy without the help of humans.

Listed below are important factors that ought to be focused in particular during your pet's pregnancy.

Diet: A good and nutritious diet is of utmost importance during your pet's pregnancy. High calorie and junk food should be avoided. Check if your pet's food contains good protein content. Consult your veterinarian before giving vitamins or mineral supplement as some minerals causes defects in puppies or could also result in a miscarriage. Puppy food is the best at the time of pregnancy as they have lot of proteins and is an aid for growth.

Vaccination: Vaccines should not be administered in dogs during pregnancy as it is proved to be harmful to unborn puppies. See to it that your dog is vaccinated before breeding in order to avoid problems in future.

Control of Parasites: Guard your dog from hookworms as they can be transmitted to the puppies. Consulting the veterinarian, expose your dog to de-worming. Medicated shampoos and anti tick powders to keep them away from fleas and ticks will do.

Exercise: Do not overdo when you get your dog to exercise. However exercising is an important and integral part of pet care during your pet's pregnancy. It can be a light walk as it strengthens the muscles and promotes good blood circulation. But activities like running and jumping must be avoided. She must not be exposed to other dogs at least 3 weeks before delivery in order to keep diseases and infection at bay. Indoor activities must be prompted. As part of the pet care also keep a check on her weight as per the veterinarian's suggestion.

Check up: The dog must be taken for regular check ups when pregnant. Your pet's health should be monitored time to time. Also get prepared in advance according to the vet's prediction regarding a Caesarean or a normal delivery for your pet.

It is very important to be kept in mind as difficulty in labor would lead to danger for the mother or the pups.

Labor: When the time to litter is advancing, keep a constant check over your dog. Her temperature drops below the rectal temperature while she is undergoing her labor. The temperature will be 100.5F to 102.5F during the labor. The mother should clean off the membranes from each of her puppies if not, then owner has to help out. Tie and cut the umbilical chords and disinfect the area with antiseptic agents. Keep the veterinarian's number handy to call him in case of difficulties.

These are some of the tips for pet care during pregnancy. Consult your veterinarian for further information and guidance.