I think my dog might be pregnant

[welshigirl]

Two weeks ago I saw my chow chow in the garden with a male terrier which I later found out hadn't been "fixed" but I never saw tham "at it" so to speak.

They were out for upto 20 minutes as they alwyas have a little run in the garden before bed and I noticed she had this terrier with her and she was in heat.

She is an 8 year old chow chow but lately shes been very sleepy and eating her food but is always begging me for more,I really don't know what the signs of pregnancy are in dogs,I have checked her nipples and they seem ok,not swollen and her belly doesn't seem harder but she wouldn't show signs straight away would she?

Any recomendations would be appreciated,thank you.

[calgal]

A pregnancy late in life isn't safe for an older dog. I would have her spayed right away just in case she is, and to avoid the possibility of her getting pregnant in the future.

[mrsgrubby]

oh geez, if your dog was in heat and the terrier was not neutered, then she is likely pregnant.

I too would contact you vet right away and have her spayed. They can do it even if she is just a few weeks pregnant, and you will never even have to know that she was or wasn't.

[IceyBlueSibes]

Agreed. Have her spayed ASAP.

[KennelMom]

Another vote to have her spayed ASAP.

[Cassiepeia]

Yes, definately have her spayed.

Cass.

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

8 is senior for a Chow and a pregnancy at this time of her life would bring with it a severe increase of potential problems for both her and any puppies that may be produced. Her heart alone is not as strong as it was earlier in life. Give or take the average lifespan for a dog is about 13 years.

Not only does a possible pregnancy put your girl at great risk but by not having her spayed you also increase her risks for infections of the uterus as well as cancer of the breast tissue.

If you believe that she was in contact with an intact male, whether you saw them actually tie or not, the very best thing you could do for her is to contact your vet and have him or her schedule a proper time to be spayed before pups could possibly be born.

[Novel]

Another vote for having her spayed, to protect your pup from a very risky pregnancy.

[bigdoglover]

I agree with everyone.....the one time cost now of having her spayed will be much less than the long term cost of an "oops" litter or health problems (or both).

[welshigirl]

Can she be spayed even when shes pregnant?

There is a precaution injection she can have I am aware of up til 48 days from when the "could" have mated but I am worried this might make her ill,has anybody else had this injection and if so what side effects does it have?

I feel so stupid and guilty and you guys must think I am a totally bad dog owner and rightly so too but I just want the best for my baby

Thanks for all your replies so far.

[KennelMom]

Can she be spayed even when shes pregnant?

Yes, but talk to your vet about the time frame.

There is a precaution injection she can have I am aware of up til 48 days from when the "could" have mated but I am worried this might make her ill,has anybody else had this injection and if so what side effects does it have?

I feel so stupid and guilty and you guys must think I am a totally bad dog owner and rightly so too but I just want the best for my baby

The best thing for your dog is to have her spayed. Any non-breeding dog should be altered. Period. (*standard disclaimer on the relatively few dogs that should actually be bred and who should be breeding them*)

Guilt is a good thing when it influences us to do what should be done. Many, many dog owners are good owners, but just not prepared/committed/savvy enough to handle an unaltered dog. We already have too many thousands of dogs dying in shelters every day to let our pets keep having "oops" litters.

I wouldn't even worry about the shot - which I've never heard of to even begin to give advice. Have your dog spayed. There are health benefits to spaying that may extend her life span in the long run.

[KennelMom]

OK...here's a web site that I trust that explains your options. I think a discussion with your vet about your dog's age and overall health is definitely in order to decide if she should be spayed while pregnant or if other pregnancy termination options or more appropriate.

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body...rmination.html

[12weimgirl]

I would have her Spayed shes to old to have a litter and it cold be a huge risk for your dog and the puppies. Is there any reason why you dont want her spayed?

Lauren

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Originally Posted by welshigirl

Can she be spayed even when shes pregnant?

There is a precaution injection she can have I am aware of up til 48 days from when the "could" have mated but I am worried this might make her ill,has anybody else had this injection and if so what side effects does it have?

I feel so stupid and guilty and you guys must think I am a totally bad dog owner and rightly so too but I just want the best for my baby

Thanks for all your replies so far.

The very best thing you can do for her is to discuss this all with your veterinarian. He or she will know the dog's history / medical background and condition the best and can help you make an educated decision on which route would be best. Each dog is different.