What to Do If Your Dog Accidentally Gets Pregnant
Accidental pregnancies in dogs can be a stressful experience for pet owners. Understanding the reproductive cycle of female dogs and knowing the available medical and surgical options allows for informed, ethical decision-making. Here's a comprehensive guide on what you should do if your dog mates accidentally and might be pregnant.
Understanding the Canine Estrus Cycle
Female dogs, also known as bitches, typically go into heat or estrus twice a year. During this period, they become fertile and receptive to mating. If an accidental mating occurs during the fertile phase, the likelihood of pregnancy is quite high.
How to Detect Pregnancy in Dogs
Several diagnostic methods are available to determine pregnancy:
- Abdominal palpation: Best performed between 4 and 5 weeks post-mating; may be difficult in overweight or large dogs.
- Relaxin blood test: Detects a hormone produced during pregnancy approximately 22 days after mating. If negative, retest in 10–14 days.
- Ultrasound: Effective from about 3.5 weeks post-mating and helps assess fetal health.
- X-rays: Useful later in pregnancy when puppy skeletons are calcified and visible.
Immediate Actions After Accidental Mating
If you catch the incident early, confinement during the rest of the heat cycle is the most effective non-medical intervention. Postcoital remedies like douching are ineffective and not recommended. Importantly, there is no canine equivalent of the human “morning-after pill.”
Medical Termination Options
Several medications can terminate pregnancy, depending on the stage of gestation:
- Prostaglandins (e.g., dinoprost or cloprostenol): Induce uterine contractions and luteolysis. Cloprostenol is preferred due to fewer side effects.
- Misoprostol: Used intravaginally along with prostaglandins to enhance effectiveness and reduce treatment time.
- Cabergoline plus prostaglandin: Inhibits prolactin to increase success rate and lessen side effects.
- Dexamethasone: A corticosteroid given orally after 30 days of gestation. Can include side effects like panting and increased thirst.
- Aglepristone (Alizin): A progesterone antagonist administered via two injections, ideal between days 10 and 45 post-mating. A follow-up ultrasound is recommended 10 days later.
- Bromocriptine: Another dopamine agonist used with prostaglandins for high success in early diestrus.
Surgical Abortion and Spaying
Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) is a surgical option that not only terminates pregnancy but also permanently sterilizes the dog. While highly effective at any gestation stage, the procedure is more complex and riskier later in pregnancy. Spaying before the first heat cycle also offers protective health benefits, such as reducing the risk of mammary tumors and preventing pyometra (uterine infection).
Medical Prevention Options (With Caution)
Hormonal drugs are available in some countries to suppress heat or prevent pregnancy, but they come with significant risks:
- Megestrol acetate: Approved for short-term use but increases risks for pyometra, diabetes, and mammary tumors.
- Mibolerone: An androgen formerly used for estrus suppression, noted for serious side effects and not recommended for breeding animals.
- Testosterone: Rarely used due to adverse effects and limited benefit.
Aftercare and Monitoring
Following medical or surgical abortion, close monitoring is crucial:
- Provide a quiet, comfortable recovery space.
- Watch for signs of complications like lethargy, vomiting, abnormal bleeding, or signs of infection.
- Report any concerns to your veterinarian promptly.
Conclusion
If you suspect your dog may be pregnant due to accidental mating, seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible. Early action broadens your options and minimizes health risks. Long-term prevention through spaying is highly recommended for dogs not intended for breeding.
