What is a miscarriage in dogs?
A miscarriage in dogs refers to the spontaneous loss of fetuses during pregnancy. It is also called pregnancy loss or spontaneous abortion. Miscarriages can occur at any stage of pregnancy, but they are most common in the first 4 weeks (source).
There are a few potential causes of miscarriages in dogs:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Infections like Brucella canis
- Trauma or injury
- Genetic or developmental abnormalities in the fetus
- Stress
- Toxins or drugs
Some of the most common symptoms of a dog miscarriage include:
- Vaginal bleeding or abnormal discharge
- Lethargy, depression, or loss of appetite
- Fever
- Abdominal pain, contractions, or straining
- Passing of fetal tissue or underdeveloped puppies
Can a dog miscarry just one puppy?
Yes, it is possible for a dog to miscarry just one puppy out of a litter while the other puppies continue to develop normally. This occurs when one or more fetuses is reabsorbed by the mother’s body or delivered stillborn before the due date, while the rest remain viable in the uterus.
There are a few reasons a dog may miscarry just one puppy, including (Purina):
- Genetic or developmental abnormalities in the individual puppy
- Problems with the placenta or umbilical cord of one puppy
- Infections in the uterus
- Hormonal imbalances
- Physical trauma
So while it’s sad to lose even one puppy, the good news is that the rest of the litter may still be carried to term and born healthy if care is taken of the mother dog. It’s important to monitor her closely and be alert for any signs of complications after a single puppy miscarriage.
Signs your dog miscarried one puppy
There are some key signs that your dog may have miscarried just one puppy from her litter. These include:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge. You may see bloody discharge or discharge that is green, black, or pus-like in color. This indicates the passing of fetal tissue from the uterus. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, vaginal discharge at any point during pregnancy could signal a miscarriage.
Abdominal pain and discomfort. Your dog may seem restless, have trouble getting comfortable, or cry out in pain. There may be tenderness in the abdomen when touched. According to WagWalking, abdominal pain can accompany a partial miscarriage.
Behavioral changes. Your dog may seem sad, lethargic, or disinterested in food after miscarrying a puppy. The loss of even one pup can cause behavioral changes.
Passing of fetal tissue. You may see a sac with a partially developed puppy inside that has been miscarried. This is the afterbirth from the lost puppy.
Risks if your dog miscarries one puppy
A single puppy miscarriage can pose some risks for the dog that pet owners should be aware of. One of the most significant risks is infection.
According to the VCA Animal Hospitals, “Infection is a common cause of miscarriage in dogs. These infections can be bacterial, viral, or parasitic. Brucella Canis is a species of bacteria that is a common cause of infectious abortion in dogs” https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/miscarriage-in-dogs.
If any fetal tissue remains in the uterus after the miscarriage, it can become infected and lead to complications like sepsis. That’s why it’s important to monitor your dog closely after a miscarriage and contact your vet if you notice any signs of infection, such as fever, vomiting, or foul-smelling discharge.
Another potential risk is retained fetal tissue. If some tissue remains in the uterus, it can prevent any remaining fetuses from developing properly. It’s a good idea to take your dog to the vet for an ultrasound after a single puppy miscarriage to ensure the uterus has been fully evacuated.
Finally, miscarriages can also cause psychological stress for dogs. The loss of even one puppy is still a loss, and your dog may exhibit signs of grief, anxiety, or depression. Be patient and loving with your dog to help her through this difficult time.
Caring for your dog after a single puppy miscarriage
It’s important to monitor your dog for complications and provide her with emotional support and rest after a single puppy miscarriage. Some things you can do include:
- Closely monitor for signs of infection like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or vaginal discharge. Contact your vet if you notice any of these signs as they may require antibiotic treatment.
- Make sure your dog has a comfortable, quiet place to rest and recover. Provide soft bedding and limit activity for a few days.
- Give your dog extra affection and attention during this difficult time. The loss of even one puppy can be emotionally difficult.
- Allow time for the hormones related to pregnancy to normalize. Your dog may exhibit nesting behaviors or milk production even after losing a puppy.
- Avoid intense exercise or strain in the week following the miscarriage to prevent potential uterine complications.
- Ensure your dog remains hydrated by providing fresh, clean water at all times.
With rest and a watchful eye for complications, most dogs recover fully after miscarrying a single puppy. However, if you have any concerns about your dog’s health or behavior, contact your veterinarian.
Can the pregnancy continue normally?
Yes, it is possible for a dog’s pregnancy to continue normally after miscarrying one puppy. According to this source, dogs can miscarry one or more puppies and still carry the remaining puppies to full term.
Whether the pregnancy continues normally depends on the cause and timing of the single puppy miscarriage. If the cause was an isolated issue, like an illness or traumatic event, and the miscarriage occurred early in the pregnancy, the chances are good that the other fetuses will be unaffected.
However, if the cause is an underlying health condition in the mother dog, or the miscarriage occurs later in the pregnancy, it could put the other puppies at risk as well. Discuss the specifics with your veterinarian to determine if the pregnancy can proceed safely or if steps need to be taken to protect the remaining puppies.
How to tell if your dog is still pregnant
If your dog has miscarried one or more puppies, you may be wondering if she is still pregnant with more pups. There are a few signs you can watch for to determine if the pregnancy is continuing:
Palpate the abdomen for puppies. Gently feel your dog’s belly to detect any remaining fetuses. Pregnant dogs will have enlarged, firm abdomens around 4 weeks into gestation. Handle her belly carefully and stop if she shows any sign of discomfort.
Monitor weight gain and appetite. Dogs who are still pregnant after a partial miscarriage will continue gaining weight and need extra calories to support the developing puppies. Track her weight weekly and feed her high quality puppy food.
Observe nesting behaviors. Dogs close to delivery often start gathering bedding, pacing, and digging in preparation for birth. If your dog miscarried early in pregnancy she may not nest, but nesting activities are a clue the pregnancy is progressing.[1]
Schedule an ultrasound or x-ray if you are uncertain. Imaging can confirm the number of remaining fetuses and their heartbeats. An ultrasound may also reveal health issues requiring veterinary care.
Caring for your pregnant dog after a miscarriage
If your dog has miscarried one or more puppies but is still pregnant, it’s important to take extra care of her during the remainder of her pregnancy. Some tips for caring for your dog after a partial miscarriage include:
Provide excellent nutrition
Make sure your dog is getting high-quality food enriched with nutrients to support her health and the health of her remaining puppies. Your vet may recommend supplementing with additional vitamins and minerals.
Limit stress
Keep your dog comfortable, relaxed and away from stressful situations. Provide a quiet space for her to rest. Stay calm around her and give lots of affection.
Regular vet checkups
Your vet will want to monitor your dog closely after a miscarriage to ensure the remaining puppies are developing normally. Regular ultrasounds and checkups will be needed. Follow your vet’s advice diligently.
With proper care and support, many dogs go on to deliver their remaining puppies without complication after miscarrying one. But be sure to watch for any concerning signs and contact your vet right away if needed.
When to seek emergency vet care
In some cases, you may need to seek emergency veterinary care after your dog miscarries a single puppy. According to the VCA Animal Hospitals, you should take your dog to the vet immediately if you notice any of the following [1]:
- Heavy bleeding from the vulva
- Signs of infection such as fever, foul-smelling discharge, loss of appetite, lethargy
- Vomiting or diarrhea, especially if containing blood
- Weakness or collapse
Excessive bleeding, infection, and other complications can pose a serious risk to your dog’s health after miscarrying a puppy. According to WagWalking, emergency care is especially crucial if the dead puppy remains in the uterus [2]. Seek prompt veterinary attention if your dog shows any concerning signs after a single puppy miscarriage.
Preventing miscarriages in dogs
There are several steps dog owners can take to help prevent miscarriages in their pregnant dogs:
Proper nutrition and exercise – Make sure your dog is getting high-quality food formulated for her life stage and activity level. Feed smaller, more frequent meals during pregnancy. Provide daily walks and playtime. According to the VCA Hospitals, obesity and poor conditioning increase miscarriage risk.
Avoid toxins and stress – Keep your dog away from toxic substances like lead and pesticides which can trigger miscarriages. Reduce stress by providing a quiet space for rest, avoiding loud noises and children/strangers bothering your dog. Stress hormones may lead to pregnancy loss.
Breed testing and health screening – Certain breeds like Collies are prone to genetic mutations that increase miscarriage risks. Get genetic testing done before breeding. Also have your vet do a thorough pre-breeding health exam to catch any underlying medical issues.