Just like humans, unwanted pregnancies in dogs are common. Unplanned mating, known as mismating, can produce unwanted puppies. The mating process in animals happens naturally. There are many cases of dog owners encountering their unspayed female dogs mating with unneutered male dogs. As a result, they have a huge litter of puppies to take care of, which may not always be wanted. Spaying and emasculating is one option to curb mating, but what happens if your dog is already pregnant as a result of mismating?
Causes of Abortion in Dogs
Yes, abortion in dogs is possible. If you are a dog owner and your dog has become pregnant, you may decide to terminate the pregnancy. However, you should do so only after consulting a veterinarian, who evaluates risks and performs the procedure. The first step to take is diagnosing your dog's pregnancy. There have been cases where the dog presented for abortion was not pregnant. It is necessary to diagnose your dog's pregnancy before administering any treatment. Some dog abortion drugs have several side effects, and you surely don't want your dog to be subjected to something so perilous unnecessarily.
There can be various reasons why parents would want to consider an abortion for their dogs. Some of them are:
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A purebred female is matter with a mismatched male.
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The dogs that mated are of different sizes. If the male is too large compared to the female, there might be complications with the pregnancy and birth of the puppies.
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The dog’s parent does not want more puppies to care for.
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The female is too old for a pregnancy.
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The female has become pregnant in her first estrous cycle (commonly known as the heat cycle).
Sometimes, a pregnant dog may experience a spontaneous abortion or misscarriage. Spontaneous abortions can be caused by various reasons. Some of the most common ones are nutritional deficiency in the female dog, a bacterial injection of the embryo, or any other reason that causes the death of the embryo.
Signs of Pregnancy in Dogs
If you don’t know the exact time your dog engaged in breeding with a male, you’ll start to notice the signs of pregnancy in about 3 weeks. Some of the most common signs are:
During the early stage of pregnancy, you’ll notice that your dog gets exhausted faster than before. This is especially noticeable in energetic dogs. If you notice your dog is falling asleep frequently, see if there’s also an evident lack of energy during walks.
Dogs start to experience morning sickness and fluctuating appetite during the early or middle stages of pregnancy. She might eat more or less than her usual food quantity. In fact, there are inconsistencies in almost everything she does. She may seem to seek more attention on some days, whereas she might want to be left completely alone on other days. Pregnant dogs feel a similar roller coaster ride of emotions during pregnancy, just like human beings.
You’ll also notice physical changes apart from the obvious weight gain and enlargement of the abdomen. For example, a pregnant dog’s nipples may get discolored or enlarged during the early stages of pregnancy. In the late stages, you’ll start noticing behaviors that mark the preparation for birth. For example, she might start shredding materials to build her nest for the birth of her puppies and might even snap at you if you try to interfere.
Diagnosis of Pregnancy in Dogs
There are three main methods used to determine pregnancy in dogs. Veterinarians may perform abdominal palpation by gently pressing their fingers on the abdomen to feel for signs of the enlargement of the uterus. Palpation can be used to determine pregnancy between 3.5 to 5 weeks of pregnancy. However, it is an unreliable method that is not preferred. Plus, there are ways to detect pregnancy much earlier than that.
Blood tests can be done to measure the levels of a hormone called relaxin to diagnose pregnancy in dogs. Female dogs produce relaxin once the placenta starts to develop, usually about 22-27 days after impregnation. Relaxin levels are usually high throughout pregnancy and begin to drop towards the end.
Relaxin tests can also help to differentiate between pregnancy and pseudopregnancy. The signs of pseudopregnancy resemble that of pregnancy and can appear after two months of the estrous cycle. However, since the placenta does not develop in pseudopregnancy, relaxin is not produced in the dog’s body.
There are certain aspects to remember when taking relaxin tests. There might be false negative results if the test is performed sooner than 22-27 days after breeding. That’s why any negative test should be followed by another one after a week. In 80% of the cases, two consecutive results performed one week apart should confirm that the dog is not pregnant. Also, smaller breeds might not produce detectable amounts of relaxin, especially if there are only one or two puppies.
Abdominal X-rays can be used to detect pregnancy in the last trimester when the bone structures of puppies start forming, which is approximately three weeks before whelping. However, the most reliable way to determine pregnancy is an ultrasound test. Ultrasound tests can detect the possibility and viability of pregnancy as early as three weeks after the breeding. That means you can know whether your dog is pregnant and, in most cases, understand whether the dog will give birth to puppies or not.
Termination of Pregnancy in Dogs
The following treatment options are available for abortion in dogs:
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Alizin - Alizin is a mismate shot that can be administered 0-45 days after mating. Two doses of Alizin are administered 24 hours apart. The timing of these injections is crucial for its success. The dosage is 1 ml/3 kg of body weight, with a maximum dose of 5 ml per injection. Alizin is a synthetic progesterone antagonist that blocks the brain signals responsible for oval implantation and pregnancy maintenance. The pregnancy is terminated 3-4 days after the doses are administered, although it can take up to 10 days sometimes.
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Estrogen injections - Estrogen injections can be used to prevent or terminate pregnancy in dogs. However, these hormonal injections can also be quite risky. There are chances of pyometra (infection of the uterus) or fatal bone marrow suppression, which is why estrogen injections are not advised.
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Oral estrogen - Although a potential treatment option, oral estrogen is considered ineffective. It is not recommended by vets because it causes infection of the uterus (pyometra).
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Dexamethasone - Dexamethasone can be used to terminate unwanted pregnancy in dogs. The dosage is 0.2mg per kg of body weight, administered orally twice a day. However, administering this corticosteroid can have side effects, such as excessive thirst (polydipsia), excessive urination (polyuria), and panting.
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Prostaglandin F2 Alpha - Prostaglandin F2 Alpha is a natural hormone administered by vets to terminate pregnancy safely and effectively in both cats and dogs. The dosage is usually 0.1 mg/kg injected three times a day for 48 hours, followed by 0.2 mg/kg injected three times a day till the veterinary professional can confirm a successful abortion with ultrasonography. The treatment can continue for as long as 14 days. However, it can be reduced to 48 hours for dogs with an intravaginal injection of 1–3 mcg/kg of prostaglandin E (misoprostol) per day. There can be mild side effects due to prostaglandin administration, such as panting, trembling, nausea, and diarrhea. Nowadays, veterinary professionals prefer the administration of synthetic prostaglandins like cloprostenol with a dosage of 1–3 mcg/kg every 12–24 hours till the pregnancy is terminated due to fewer side effects. Side effects are unavoidable in any type of dog abortion treatment. Discomfort, pain, and vaginal bleeding are common in both planned and spontaneous abortion treatments. You need to monitor your dog's behavior carefully for such side effects. You can also consider pain management techniques to alleviate the discomfort. In order to manage future pregnancies, consider spaying your dog by going to a veterinarian.
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Combination of drugs - A combination drug protocol can be administered to terminate pregnancies in dogs. The combination includes a 5 mcg/kg dose of cabergoline administered orally once a day for 10 days and 1 mcg/kg of cloprostenol given by injection twice at ~28 and 32 days after the LH surge. This treatment has the highest success rates with the shortest time and minimal side effects. However, it also tends to be costlier and more complicated than the others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs abort pregnancy on their own?
It is not common for dogs to abort their pregnancy on their own, but it can happen in certain circumstances. A dog may spontaneously abort if there is a problem with the pregnancy or if the dog is experiencing significant stress or illness. This is more likely to occur early in the pregnancy. Some medical conditions can also lead to spontaneous abortion in dogs, including infections, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic disorders. Certain medications or toxins can also cause a dog to miscarry. If you suspect that your dog is pregnant and you are concerned about a possible abortion, it is important to consult with a veterinarian. They can perform an ultrasound or other diagnostic tests to assess the pregnancy and help identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed.
How much is it to terminate a dog pregnancy?
The cost of terminating a dog's pregnancy will vary depending on several factors, including the method used, the stage of pregnancy, and the location of the veterinary clinic. Surgical termination, which involves removing the fetuses from the uterus via a procedure, can cost $2000 - $3000, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the location. Medical termination, which involves administering medication to induce abortion, is generally $45 - $175 during the first 15 days and $100 - $700 afterward. However, the cost of the medication and any required follow-up care may still add up to several hundred dollars. Termination of a dog's pregnancy should only be considered in consultation with a veterinarian and should not be done without a valid medical reason.
Is abortion painful for dogs?
Surgical termination typically involves anesthesia, which ensures that the dog does not feel pain during the procedure. The dog may experience some discomfort or soreness after the surgery, but this can be managed with medication and appropriate post-operative care. Medical termination involves administering medication to induce abortion. This may cause discomfort or cramps for the dog as the uterus contracts and expels the fetus. However, veterinarians will typically provide pain medication to manage any discomfort, and the procedure is generally considered to be well-tolerated by most dogs.
Is there a morning-after pill for dogs?
Yes, there is a "morning-after pill" for dogs, also known as the "emergency contraceptive pill." This medication is intended to prevent pregnancy after a dog has mated but before implantation has occurred. The emergency contraceptive pill for dogs contains a hormone called progestin, which prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs and can interfere with the process of implantation. This medication should be given as soon as possible after mating, ideally within 24 to 48 hours, to be most effective. Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a medication that was formerly used as a morning-after pill for dogs and to treat certain medical conditions in dogs, including urinary incontinence and certain types of cancer. DES is a synthetic form of the female hormone estrogen, which can help to strengthen the urethral sphincter and improve urinary control in dogs with incontinence. However, the use of DES in dogs has largely been phased out due to the potential for serious side effects, including an increased risk of certain types of cancer and other health problems. DES has been linked to an increased risk of reproductive tract disorders, such as uterine infections and infertility, as well as an increased risk of cancer, including breast cancer and reproductive organ tumors. Emergency contraceptive pills are not 100% effective in preventing pregnancy, and they should not be relied upon as a regular form of contraception.
What pills can dogs take to stop pregnancy?
There are a few medications that can be used to terminate a dog's pregnancy if necessary. However, it's important to note that these medications should only be used under the guidance of a veterinarian and should not be administered without a valid medical reason. Alizin® is a medication that is used to terminate pregnancy in dogs. It contains the active ingredient "aglepristone," which is a synthetic hormone that works by blocking the action of the hormone progesterone, which is necessary to maintain pregnancy. Alizin® is typically given as a series of injections over the course of several days. The medication causes the uterus to contract and expel the fetuses and is generally considered to be a safe and effective method of terminating pregnancy in dogs. Another medication that can be used to terminate a dog's pregnancy is called Cabergoline. This medication works by interfering with the hormone progesterone necessary to maintain pregnancy. It is generally given orally, and treatment usually lasts several days.
What should I do if my dog accidentally gets pregnant?
If your dog has just gotten pregnant, you can take her to a veterinary professional for a mismate shot like Alizin, which triggers an early miscarriage, usually in 3-4 days. Your dog would go into heat shortly after the pregnancy is terminated, so if you don’t want further pregnancy, you can get her spayed. If you're not prepared to care for a litter of puppies or if it's unsafe for the mother's health, discuss spaying with your vet. Spaying can be performed to terminate the pregnancy and prevent future pregnancies. If you let the pregnancy continue, start preparing for the birth. Throughout the pregnancy, closely monitor the mother's health. Ensure she receives proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care to support her and the developing puppies. Consider your options for the puppies once they are born. Will you keep them, find homes for them, or work with a rescue organization to rehome them responsibly? Also, learn about the birthing process for dogs, including signs of labor and potential complications.
How far into pregnancy can a dog be spayed?
It is medically possible to terminate the pregnancy at any point. However, if the pregnancy is at a later stage, you may not be able to find a vet who’s willing to carry out the procedure. The obvious reason is the risk associated with an abortion at the later stages of pregnancy. Spaying a pregnant dog is more complicated and carries higher risks than spaying a dog who is not pregnant. However, if the pregnancy is detected early, spaying can still be an option. It's recommended that a pregnant dog be spayed early in the pregnancy, preferably before the embryos are fully developed and implanted in the uterine lining. This is usually within the first few weeks after mating, before the end of the first trimester.
Can you tell if a dog is pregnant at 1 week?
One week after mating, it's extremely challenging to confirm pregnancy in a dog using traditional veterinary methods. This is because the fertilized eggs, or blastocysts, have not yet implanted into the uterine lining. Implantation typically occurs around days 20 to 22 of a dog's pregnancy, roughly three weeks after mating. The noticeable signs of pregnancy start to appear much later than one week. In the early stages, you may notice discoloration and enlargement of nipples. The nipples of a pregnant dog may become more prominent or enlarged within the first few weeks of pregnancy. While it's unlikely to notice significant changes in the abdomen at one week, some owners may observe slight swelling or firmness in the abdomen in pregnant dogs. Some dogs may exhibit changes in behavior, such as increased affection and appetite or mood swings. The more obvious physical signs, such as abdominal enlargement, appear around 40 days of pregnancy.
Does it cost more to spay a pregnant dog?
Yes, spaying a pregnant dog can cost more because it requires additional steps and may involve more complexity, time, and resources. The cost may increase if the pregnancy is more advanced, as the procedure becomes more complex and carries higher risks. Additional medical care may be needed if the dog has any pre-existing health conditions or complications. Pregnant dogs may require additional monitoring, medications, or post-operative care. Spaying a pregnant dog carries a higher risk of complications compared to spaying a non-pregnant dog, such as excessive bleeding or damage to developing fetuses. Addressing these complications may require additional procedures or treatments, increasing the cost.
