You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Most pet pregnancies are uncomplicated, and a healthy litter is produced and raised. Just occasionally, things can go wrong so it is important to recognise the early signs that all is not well. 

Problems during pregnancy are not common, except in some lines of some breeds of dog (eg bulldogs) which can have trouble giving birth naturally because of the size of the fetus compared to the size and shape of the females pelvic canal. In these bitches an elective caesarian section often has to be performed. 

During pregnancy itself potential complications include :

• Resorption of the fetuses
• Abortion - due to infections, exposure to toxins, genetically inherited problems

At the time of birth complications include :

• Difficulty giving birth - called dystocia
• Stillbirths
• Poor lactation - often associated with poor nutrition
• Infection of the breasts - called mastitis
• Infection of the uterus - called metritis. Often associated with retained placenta
• Prolonged uterine haemorrhage
• Prolapse of the uterus - uncommon
• Milk fever - called eclampsia - due to inadequate calcium in the bloodstream
• Youngsters may not gain weight, or do well and may "fade" and die

Signs to look out for in females that are pregnant include :

• Unexpected vaginal discharge - especially a blood-stained or dark green-black coloured discharge
• Any general signs of illness and malaise - inappetance, lethargy, depression, vomiting, increased thirst
• Measure body weight throughout pregnancy. Weight loss can be a matter for concern - especially during the last third of preganacy
• Breast development should be obvious during late pregnancy
• Breasts should not be hard and painful. Milk should be cream-white coloured, not bloodstained.
• Prolonged period of giving birth, with excessive straining 
• Prolonged pregnancy without signs of giving birth

Signs to look out for in new born animals include :

• Crying a lot
• Not sleeping
• Measure body weight -at least once daily. An initial loss of weight is normal but prolonged weight loss or poor weight gain are a matter for concern
• Inadequate food intake - refusing to feed
• Normal neonates should pass faeces and urine frequently
• General signs of disease - diarrheoa, regurgitation of food, coughing/sneezing, difficulty breathing

General preventative procedures that should help minimise the likelihood of problems include;

• Make sure the mother is fully vaccinated
• Make sure the mother has been wormed
• Make sure the mother gets sufficient high quality food
• Keep the mother in a dry, comfortable environment throughout pregnancy
• Monitor body weight of the mother during pregnanccy
• Monitor body weight, feeding and toilet habits of the new born
• Seek the advice of your veterinarian if you notice any of the signs above, or if the mother or pups are not doing well. 

Updated October 2013