Losing a pregnancy is a heartbreaking experience, not just for humans but for pets as well. When miscarriages occur, pet owners are often left concerned and puzzled.
Lifestyle spoke to a veterinary surgeon who shed light on what it really means when your pet gets a miscarriage.
What causes miscarriages in pets?
According to Dr Maube, the leading cause of miscarriages in dogs and cats is infections. “Dogs are often infected by a bacteria called Brucella, which causes Brucellosis. It’s very notorious in dogs,” he says adding, “On the other hand, cats are infected by a blood parasite known as Toxoplasma, which causes Toxoplasmosis.”
Aside from infections, poor nutrition is another common cause of miscarriage. “There are essential nutrients that an animal needs to have plenty of when they’re pregnant. For example, vitamin A is very important when it comes to maintaining the lining of the uterine walls. Selenium is also very important in maintaining uterine health,” Dr Maube says.
Toxic foods and poor food storage can also lead to pregnancy complications which often result in miscarriages. “We’ve had many issues with people who give their animals foods bought by the roadside. Such foods are easily contaminated with toxins. Sometimes the food can be exposed to moisture making it moist and filled with harmful toxins that could harm your animals,” he says.
The vet advises pet owners to prepare meals at home using fresh ingredients, especially animal protein for cats.
Hormonal imbalances also contribute to miscarriages. “Progesterone is important for maintaining pregnancy. It’s like a hormone that makes the uterus grow well, creating that conducive environment. When your pet doesn’t have enough progesterone hormone, most likely the pregnancy will not come to term. When you notice that your pet has a miscarriage you should have it checked by a vet to confirm whether there is any hormonal imbalance.”
Stress and physical trauma are significant contributors to pet miscarriages, often overlooked by owners. Dr Maube cautions, “If an animal is about to give birth and is confined in a very tiny kennel without enough space, that’s a lot of trauma happening. Or animals being kept in very large numbers, sometimes they fight, and sometimes they’re bullied by other dogs. That stressor can lead to miscarriage.”
What are the signs of a miscarriage?
Since animals and cats cannot speak, it is up to the human paw-parent to be keen and check for signs of a miscarriage. “Some of the easy-to-tell signs of miscarriage include; unusual discharges coming from the reproductive area, sometimes thick, pus-like discharge, sometimes accompanied by blood.” A pet may also refuse to eat, become lethargic, or exhibit unusual behaviour.
In some cases, the miscarriage may be more evident: “You just wake up one morning and find the fetus and the accompanying structure lying there. That’s a sign.”
Dr Maube says that when a pet gets a miscarriage, the first step is to seek the assistance of a vet. “Talk to your doctor, call them, make an appointment, and discuss. Don’t leave your animal; make sure your animal is examined,” Maube advises. He adds that some fetuses might remain inside the uterus, increasing the risk of infection and possible death of the animal.
Animals, like humans, grieve. Unlike human beings who can seek psychological assistance, animals cannot speak. Dr Dennis Maube recommends showing your pet tender love and care when it loses its pregnancy. He says, “Be there for them. Make sure you maintain their routine. Take them for a walk, take time just to be with them, pet them. Let them feel love at that time. Remember that even before giving birth, they usually start preparing for the baby. When they lose their puppies or kittens, they’re usually very frustrated. You see them even trying to nurse imaginary babies. They’re usually very stressed,” Maube explains. To help them cope, Dr Maube suggests showing them love.
How to prevent a miscarriage
Preventive care is key. Dr Maube says that regular vet checkups, proper nutrition, and stress management can help reduce the risk of miscarriage. Provide a proper structure. Don’t overcrowd animals. And if you’re a breeder, be a responsible breeder. We don’t encourage puppy milling (breeding often). Spaying and neutering are also viable options to prevent unnecessary breeding and health complications. If it’s not a must to breed, you can just spay the animal. However, if you must breed, give the animal enough time after the miscarriage to recover. Give it at least a year,” he advises.
