Cat Pregnancy

Female cats can have a heat cycle anywhere from three to five times a year. The first time this happens may be as early as five or six months old or it may be that a cat will not have it's first heat cycle until it is a year old. Cats do not have any predetermined breeding cycle so a cat going into heat can happen at any time of the year.

A cat will usually have the kittens about 65 days after conception. It is hard for the first few weeks to tell if a cat is pregnant. It is important to allow the pregnant cat to have normal exercise and proper nutrition for the duration of the pregnancy. It can be an exciting time for your family to use the pregnancy of the cat to show young children

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The progression and birth of the kittens.

Cats will generally become very loving and affectionate toward their family during the pregnancy. As the end of the pregnancy comes closer you will want to set up several safe quiet birthing areas for the cat and allow her to choose which one she wants to use. The mother cat will probably end up moving the kittens several times after the birth to a spot that she thinks is safe. So be prepared to find baby kittens in strange places.

You will want to take the cat to the vet on a routine basis during the cat pregnancy in order to assure everything is going well. You will want to allow the mother cat and the kittens time to bond after the birth.

If this was an unplanned pregnancy then of course you are going to have to make the decision to allow it to continue or end the pregnancy by having the cat spayed. What every you decide remember this is a loved member of your family so be gentle and kind with either choice.

Cat Pregnancy

What every you decide remember this is a loved member of your family so be gentle and kind with either choice. Excellent information about cat pregnancy can be found at catcarecompendium.com

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Canine Pregnancy Guide

In many ways canine pregnancy is not that different from human pregnancy, although it is somewhat shorter, averaging sixty-three days. A dog's diet, as well as their consumption of medicine needs to be monitored during pregnancy, just like a woman's should be, and you may notice changes in your dog's emotions and social behavior. She can even experience morning sickness!

Most dogs will gain 15-25% of their original body weight during pregnancy, although this does depend on the number of puppies they are carrying and some do not put on noticeable weight until the last week before whelping.

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Nutritional intake needs to increase during canine pregnancy and lactation; your dog may even double the amount she eats. During lactation she will need a high protein puppy food, and you may want to gradually introduce this during the last two weeks of her pregnancy, or even earlier. If you are concerned about providing the right pregnancy diet to meet your particular dog's needs you should consult your veterinarian.

You should try to avoid nutritional supplements during canine pregnancy, even though these may seem like a good idea. Your dog will naturally produce everything her puppies need to thrive during lactation, and supplements may interfere with this process. This is particularly applicable to calcium supplements. If you use a good quality, high protein dog food, supplements will not be necessary.

A lot of canine medication is safe to use during pregnancy. If you give your dog regular preventative medication for heartworm you should continue this throughout pregnancy and lactation. Some medicines to get rid of other types of parasite, such as hookworms or roundworms, can be used but you should consult your veterinarian before administering these. It is important that your dog does get treatment for these conditions as otherwise she can pass them on to her unborn puppies.

Vaccinations should not be given during canine pregnancy. However, if possible, it is a great idea to have your dog vaccinated just before becoming pregnant as this will ensure she has a high level of antibodies to pass onto her puppies during lactation.

About halfway through her pregnancy you should take your dog to the veterinarian for a wellness check and to confirm the pregnancy. The veterinarian will be able to do this by examining the stomach, but a blood test can be done to provide a conclusive result.

You may want to have a radiograph done three weeks prior to the deliver to count the puppies. Knowing how many puppies to expect will help you to prepare for the delivery. Remember that your dog can become pregnant by more than one male during any one heat stage so you may be surprised at the number of puppies she is going to produce.

During the last three weeks of your dog's pregnancy you may want to isolate her completely from contact with other dogs. This will ensure she does not pick up the herpes virus. While this is usually harmless in adult dogs, it can trigger a miscarriage in your pregnant dog.

You may find she wants to stay close to you during this time anyway. She may dislike being left alone and will probably become more affectionate, if a little irritable. As the delivery date approaches she will start to look for a safe place to give birth, and you should give some thought to where this will be.

As with human pregnancy, it is important to remember that canine pregnancy is a natural process, and your dog has been blessed with the natural ability to carry it through. With a little extra attention to nutrition, and some protection from common diseases, this should be a stress free time for you and your dog.

Canine Pregnancy Guide

If you'd like more information on nutritional deficiency in pregnant and lactating dogs [http://www.thedogsbone.com/articles/77/1/Pregnant-And-Lactating-Dogs/Pregnant-And-Lactating-Dogs---Signs-Of-Nutritional-Deficiency.html], click here. Rebecca writes on dog health and other four legged issues.

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Heat and Pregnancy - The Most Stressful Times in a Dog's Life?

Any woman who's experienced PMS or been pregnant can empathize with other women going through the same thing; it's not much different for your dog! When she's in heat or due to be, she'll experience rapid and turbulent changes to her hormonal levels that may temporarily alter her character.

The heat cycle - also known as 'season' or estrus - usually happens for the first time when your dog is around eight months old but some breeds don't start until they are eighteen months old. After that, it should occur every six months but this differs with each breed.

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The signs that she's about to come into season include changes to her personality such as signs of distress and restlessness, changes to her appetite, swelling of the vulva and often a pink discharge and tucking her tail in if another dog comes near her.

During this time, you may find that she's clingy and doesn't want to 'share' you with anyone. She might also become aggressive towards other dogs - even dogs she's familiar with - especially if they are male. She may become difficult to control outside and might try to 'flirt' with male dogs but then become aggressive if the dog tries to mount her. Unless you specifically want to breed from her, it's usually best to keep her as close to home as possible with as little contact with other dogs as possible.

If she becomes pregnant, you may notice that she again becomes aggressive and/or anxious. This is normal and is nature's design to help the bitch keep her and her puppies safe at this vulnerable time. The average gestation period for dogs is about 63 days and it's very important to pay special attention to her diet; obesity during pregnancy can cause blood sugar disorders that endanger the lives of mother and pups.

Her need to protect her unborn pups is paramount to her so try to avoid putting her in situations that are likely to trigger that protectiveness into aggression or distress. For instance, avoid having new people around her and don't try any obedience training during her pregnancy. Don't make changes to the home such as moving her basket or redecorating; she needs things to be as calm and 'same-old' as possible.

During the final three weeks of her pregnancy, she needs seclusion as much as possible. This includes stopping contact with any other dogs you may have. The past few months will have been a difficult and confusing time for your dog. On the one hand, she's doing what nature intended and reproducing but on the other, she's not used to doing this and some dogs cope less well with change than others.

Being in heat and being pregnant are very stressful times for a bitch but you can help her by ensuring that her world is as comfortable and unchanging as possible. Stability and wellness matter more now than probably at any other time in her life so whether she's in heat or pregnant, treat her as you would expect to treat a human female; gently and with understanding!

Heat and Pregnancy - The Most Stressful Times in a Dog's Life?

The author is the owner of DogSymptoms.org. Learn about dog parvo symptoms and pregnant dog symptoms from an expert at his dog symptoms site.

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Precautions With Pets During Pregnancy

If you have pets in the family, it is natural that you will have concerns regarding them during your spouse's pregnancy. Fortunately, you need not rush to offer your pet for adoption. Discuss with your vet any risks that your pet may pose for the baby and take adequate steps to eliminate them before bringing the baby home.

These are some of the precautions you might have to take with your pet:

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Dogs

o Retrain your dog to modify any of its habits that could be a problem once the baby arrives.
o Teach it to distinguish between its own toys and those of the baby.
o Once the baby arrives, continue to show attention to your pet as before to avoid jealousy.
o Do not leave your dog alone with the child.

Cats

o Have your spouse tested for toxoplasmosis immunity to avoid infecting the baby.
o Do not let your spouse change your pet's litter box.
o Do not leave the cat alone with the baby.

Birds

o Inform your spouse's doctor about your bird and discuss precautions you may need to take.
o Have a pet bird examined beforehand to rule out the risk of infection to your baby.
o Make it a practice for both you and your spouse to wash your hands after handling your pet or its cage.

Exotic pets

o Inform your spouse's doctor about your pet and discuss precautions you may need to take.
o Make it a practice for both you and your spouse to wash your hands after handling your pet or its cage.
o Do not allow pets such as reptiles, amphibians, or tarantulas near the kitchen or area where you prepare your baby's food.
o Do not let your baby handle your exotic pet.

Precautions With Pets During Pregnancy

Paul Banas is a founder of http://www.GreatDad.com

He writes articles on planning a baby, pregnancy tips, newborn baby and many more topics related to dads.

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