A pet’s pregnancy complication can arise quickly and become a time-sensitive emergency for both the mother and her unborn young. However, by understanding, anticipating, and preparing for the most common pregnancy-related complications, you help ensure a safe and successful delivery for all. To learn what to expect when your pet is expecting, read the West Vets ER team’s guide to the most common pregnancy complications in dogs and cats, including danger signs and what to do if your pet is in distress.

Pregnancy complications in pets

Pet prenatal care is crucial for the pregnant female pet and her offspring. Regular exams with your pet’s primary veterinarian can ensure your pet receives appropriate nutritional support and will help you learn how to correctly support each pregnancy stage. However, sometimes despite diligent care, an emergency occurs. Early recognition and prompt veterinary care can help you mitigate a potentially heartbreaking event. Common pet pregnancy complications include:

  • Dystocia — Dystocia occurs during labor and is the inability to deliver neonates via the birth canal. Signs may include prolonged contractions without the birth of a puppy or kitten, restlessness, and obvious discomfort. Dystocia is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary intervention. Delayed assistance can pose life-threatening risks to the mother and her offspring. While dystocia can occur in any pet, brachycephalic (i.e., flat-faced) or large-headed breeds have an increased risk. Surgical (i.e., C-section) delivery is strongly recommended for high-risk pets.
  • Eclampsia (i.e., milk fever) — Eclampsia commonly affects postpartum nursing mothers and is more common in dogs than in cats. Eclampsia is caused by inadequate calcium and leads to muscle tremors, weakness, and seizures. Prompt veterinary attention is critical to correct the deficiency and stop seizures. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required to provide intravenous (IV) calcium supplementation.
  • Uterine infection (i.e., pyometra) — Pyometra occurs when the uterus fills with bacteria (i.e., infection) and typically occurs within a few weeks after a pet has given birth. Classic pyometra signs include lethargy, increased drinking, and a discharge from the vulva. Pyometra can be life-threatening without immediate care. Treatment may involve strong antibiotics. However, spaying (i.e., surgery to remove the infected uterus) is often recommended, especially if the pet has experienced a previous pyometra. 
  • Fetal resorption — Although this complication isn’t an emergency, the condition can lead to decreased litter size. As the name implies, the condition occurs when the mother’s body reabsorbs nonviable fetuses. Other than a decrease in abdominal size, visible signs are rarely noted. Monitoring your pet’s health throughout their pregnancy is key to detect fetal resorption.

Pregnancy complication warning signs in pets

Without close observation, you can easily overlook a pet’s pregnancy complication signs, especially those that occur at a time other than during delivery. Call West Vets ER if your pregnant pet experiences behavior or health changes such as:

  • Persistent restlessness and obvious discomfort
  • Fever lasting longer than 24 hours
  • Absent labor signs 24 hours after the mother’s temperature has dropped
  • Muscle tremors, stiffness, lethargy, or weakness in nursing mothers
  • Appetite loss
  • Persistent vulvar discharge (e.g., bloody, foul-smelling)
  • Increased thirst 
  • Lack of interest in newborns

Although these signs are the most common, any unusual changes in your pet’s behavior or attitude can be concerning, especially if they have had complications in the past, are considered high risk, or are experiencing their first pregnancy and delivery. During and after delivery, ensure you assess and monitor each newborn to ensure they are breathing, staying warm and dry, and nursing. Struggling newborns should receive rapid veterinary care. 

Preparation is key: Minimizing pregnancy complication risks for pets

Although anything can happen, you can take many precautions throughout your pet’s pregnancy to minimize their complication risk and ensure a healthy, safe, and smooth experience. Follow these tips:

  • Regular veterinary visits — Frequent prenatal checkups are necessary to monitor the mother’s health and identify potential complications. 
  • Education — Before your pet’s due date, learn how to perform basic husbandry tasks to support your pet’s newborns (e.g., cutting the umbilical cord, suctioning the nose and mouth, stimulating respirations and nursing, and keeping the neonates warm and dry). 
  • Proper nutrition — Pregnant and nursing pets require additional calorie intake. Feed a balanced and high-quality diet designed for pregnant or nursing pets.
  • Comfortable environment — Prepare a quiet and stress-free environment for the expecting mother. Ensure you have necessary whelping and delivery supplies on hand.
  • Stay vigilant — Delivery and the days after can be tiring for pets and their owners, but you must stay alert for complication signs. If you’re unsure about any aspect of your pet’s pregnancy or delivery, immediately contact the West Vets ER team for guidance.
  • Spay nonbreeding pets — Spay surgery is recommended for all pets who are not intended for show or breeding purposes. If your pet’s pregnancy was unintentional, consult your veterinarian about having the pet spayed before their next heat cycle.

Welcoming newborn puppies or kittens into the world is an enormous responsibility that requires education and training, patience, compassion, and vigilance. By dedicating yourself to education and preparation, you can make a significant contribution to your pet’s safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery. 

If your pet is currently experiencing pregnancy or delivery-related distress, immediately call us or bring your pet—and, if applicable, their newborns—to West Vets ER. For nonemergency prenatal care needs or a predelivery consultation, schedule an appointment with the Westerville Veterinary Clinic team.