My Pet is Pregnant or in Labour – What to Know
Pregnancy and labour in pets can be a time of excitement and worry. At Oathall Vets, we’re here to guide you through the process and support both you and your pet at every stage.
When to Be Concerned
Most pets give birth without complications, but issues can occur. If your pet is in labour and you notice the following signs, call us immediately:
Signs of Labour Problems:
- Straining for more than 20–30 minutes without producing a puppy or kitten
- Green, black or foul-smelling discharge before birth
- More than 2 hours between deliveries with visible effort
- Weakness, lethargy, or signs of pain
- Known pregnancy beyond the normal due date
What to Expect in Labour
- Nesting behaviour and restlessness
- Drop in appetite or temperature
- Shivering or contractions starting
If your pet is approaching her due date, it’s important to prepare a quiet, comfortable space for her and monitor her closely.
What You Can Do:
- Keep calm and stay nearby
- Minimise stress and loud noises
- Note the time between deliveries
- Call Oathall Vets if you are worried or unsure
Postnatal Concerns- Caring for Mum and Babies:
The mother must receive a high-quality, calorie-dense diet during lactation so consider switching to a growth or lactation-specific diet from late pregnancy through weaning and ensure fresh water is always available. Depending on litter size, she will require 1.5 to 3 times her usual food intake. Small, frequent meals or free-feeding should be offered, especially in the early weeks after birth. Monitor her weight and body condition regularly — contact us if she seems to be losing weight or struggling to eat.
After giving birth, most pets recover well and naturally care for their young. However, it’s important to monitor the mother and her litter closely for any signs of problems:
Watch for in the Mother:
- Loss of appetite or refusal to drink
- Lethargy or disinterest in her young
- Foul-smelling discharge or bleeding
- Swollen, red or painful mammary glands (possible mastitis)
- Trembling, panting, or signs of distress
Watch for in the Puppies or Kittens:
- Crying excessively or appearing restless
- Failure to gain weight or feed properly
- Cold to the touch or weak movements
If you notice any of these signs, please call Oathall Vets. We can check for retained placenta, infections, low calcium levels (eclampsia), and other post-birth complications.
Maternity Support from Oathall Vets
We offer pregnancy monitoring, ultrasound scans, and postnatal care. If complications arise during labour, our team is ready to provide urgent care including caesarean sections if necessary.
If your pet is pregnant or in labour and you’re worried about how things are progressing, don’t hesitate to contact Oathall Vets.
