How to take care of pregnant cats and dogs

THE stork has visited your cat, what will you do?

A pregnant cat can use some extra tender loving care and there are ways you can help to make her and her kittens healthy and comfortable. The same is true with pregnant dogs.

Experts from Pet Food Institute and the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines have the following tips to ensure a safe and sound maternity for cats and dogs.

ENSURE THAT YOUR PET IS IN BEST HEALTH
Balanced and sound nutrition is essential for any cat or dog, and pregnant pets may have additional specific nutritional requirements. It’s important to discuss your pregnant pet’s food needs with a veterinarian. 

Providing measured portions of food can help in regulating the size and weight of the pet. You don’t want your pet to gain or lose excess weight during pregnancy, which may lead to delivery complications. For dogs, doing regular exercises, like going for a walk or a game of fetch, can help them stay healthy before labor. Plenty of rest is also important for them to recharge and refuel.

PROVIDE A WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT
A safe and secluded spot in the house is the most ideal place for your pregnant pet to rest. Make all her necessities, such as water and food, accessible, and place soft bedding for her to rest on. Remember that she needs her personal space, so keep her away from areas of heavy foot traffic around the house to avoid stress.

KEEP THEM CLEAN
Your soon-to-be-mom cat or dog should be clean and free of ticks and parasites. Give her a regular wet or dry bath and brush her fur regularly. 

PROVIDE DRINKING WATER
Pregnant pets should always have clean and fresh water available to them. Try putting up water stations around the house for their convenience. 

GIVE COMFORT AND SUPPORT
Stay with and watch over your pet closely once she goes into labor, probably even if she's delivering her litter at a clinic. The presence of abnormal amount of blood and or colored mucous or pus should make you want to get veterinary help immediately.

After giving birth, your mother cat or dog will need more nutrition to feed her litter. Necessary adjustments to her diet should be made to maintain her health and that of her new family.

PFI aims to promote pet health by encouraging pet owners to choose carefully formulated, nutritionally complete, and balanced US-commercial pet food products. With their Well Fed, Well Nurtured campaign, PFI seeks to drive awareness of responsible pet ownership throughout the Philippine pet community through proper feeding and regular veterinary care.