Unwanted pregnancy

Stray dogs and cats are one of the most pressing problems of modern cities. The growth of their numbers is due to intensive breeding. In addition, the population is constantly replenished by lost or discarded pets. Including those born as a result of accidental, unplanned knitting. 

Unwanted pregnancy in pets. Methods of its termination

Unplanned pregnancy in a pet dog or cat is not uncommon. It can occur if the owner did not notice the beginning of heat. Also, the female can run away during ovulation. Interruption may also be necessary, for example, when fertilisation occurs after the first heat, when the female's body is not yet ready to bear offspring, or when a small bitch is covered by a very large male. When such situations occur, owners turn to veterinary clinics with a request to interrupt the carrying of foetuses.
 
For bitches, there are hormonal drugs that prevent fertilised eggs from implanting in the uterine walls. Drugs are used only in the early stages of nurture. The method is not without disadvantages. Due to the peculiarities of the structure of the reproductive organs of the bitch, the imbalance of hormones, medical abortion can lead to the development of purulent inflammation of the uterus (pyometra). The disease is treated only by surgical removal of the organ and ovaries. No such drugs are produced for cats.

Another way to avoid unplanned cubs is to amputate the uterus along with the foetuses.

Symptoms and diagnostic methods

In the first weeks of pregnancy is almost imperceptible. For about 15-18 days, the nipples swell, turn red. Then other signs appear:

- morning sickness;

- enlargement of the abdomen;

- weight gain;

- increased appetite;

- changes in the behaviour of the female (she requires increased attention, caresses, cats a lot, loud purring).

The listed symptoms indicate not only the carrying of calves, but also various disorders in the body. If they appear, it is necessary to take the pet to a veterinarian to make sure that the presence of foetuses with the help of ultrasound examination. It can detect pregnancy as early as the 15th day after conception.

How to prevent unwanted pregnancies

The most reliable way to exclude the appearance of unplanned kittens, puppies - timely castrate individuals of both sexes, not intended for breeding. This is a simple and standard manipulation.

The operation helps to:

- prevent oncological pathologies of reproductive system organs;

- increase the life expectancy of the animal by an average of five years;

- avoid hormonal failures, false pregnancies;

- prevent negative behaviour during the period of sexual hunting (marking, yelping, desire to run away, aggression and other moments);

- reduce the risk of gynaecological pathologies.

The intervention is easy, does not require complex postoperative care, long rehabilitation period. After a few days, pets return to their usual life.

Possible negative consequences of castration (for example, obesity or urolithiasis in cats) are bought with the help of proper nutrition, increasing the physical activity of the animal.

In cases where castration is contraindicated or mating is not planned in this particular heat, it is acceptable to use hormonal contraceptive drugs.

Attention: all drugs have a number of contraindications. It is necessary to consult a veterinarian before using them.

Mild contraceptive action has oral drops Stop Intim from the company Apicenna. They effectively regulate sexual behaviour. They are suitable for delaying, interrupting heat during exhibitions, trips to the countryside or for controlling the number of litters.

The way to avoid unwanted mating is the owner's choice. However, it should be done in conjunction with a doctor, after examination of the animal. There you can minimise the risks of side effects and complications.