Introduction
The topic of abortion in dogs is an important one for pet owners to understand. Even though we do everything we can to prevent pregnancy in our pets, sometimes accidental dog pregnancies still occur. In these situations, pet owners need to know their options regarding terminating the pregnancy.
Deciding whether or not to abort a dog’s pregnancy is a complex choice involving medical, financial, ethical and emotional considerations. There is no universal right or wrong answer, but having the facts allows owners to make an informed decision in their pet’s best interest. This article explores the key factors surrounding abortion in dogs, including typical reasons, procedures, risks and more.
Overview of Dog Pregnancy
The average length of pregnancy for dogs is around 63 days, but this can vary between 56 to 70 days depending on the breed. Dogs go through the same stages of pregnancy as humans, just in a shorter timeframe.
The stages of dog pregnancy include:
- Early signs – Around 4 weeks, symptoms like swollen nipples and morning sickness may be noticeable.
- Embryonic stage – From 2 to 4 weeks, embryos implant into the uterus wall.
- Fetal stage – From 4 to 6 weeks, puppy fetuses grow rapidly and their organs and bones develop.
- Final fetal stage – From 6 weeks onward, the puppies continue growing in size and the mother’s abdomen swells.
Some common signs of pregnancy in dogs include:
- Swollen or enlarged nipples
- Weight gain and larger abdomen
- Increased appetite
- Lethargy and increased sleeping
- Morning sickness
- Shortened heat cycles
When Abortion is an Option
The point at which abortion becomes an option largely depends on the stage of pregnancy. Generally, abortion should only be considered in the early stages, before major fetal development has occurred. A dog’s normal gestation period is around 63 days. Experts recommend abortion in the first 4-6 weeks of pregnancy to minimize complications. Determining exactly how far along the dog is will influence whether abortion is feasible.
To determine stage of pregnancy, a veterinarian will perform an abdominal palpation to feel for fetal growth and development. They may also run blood tests to check hormone levels, which rise during pregnancy. An ultrasound can confirm gestational age and give an accurate picture of the litter size and fetal development. These diagnostic tests allow the vet to pinpoint the pregnancy timeline and advise whether abortion is still a viable option. Generally, abortion risk increases after 6 weeks as the fetuses grow larger and more developed. However, some vets may perform abortions up to 8 weeks in extenuating circumstances. The doctor will make recommendations based on each dog’s unique situation.
Reasons for Abortion
There are several common reasons why a dog owner may consider abortion:
Health of the mother – If the dog is very young, very old, or has health issues that make pregnancy dangerous, abortion may be recommended to protect the mother’s health. Pregnancy complications like eclampsia can be life-threatening.
Health of the fetuses – If testing reveals the fetuses have genetic abnormalities or health problems, abortion may prevent their suffering. This is especially considered if the abnormalities are likely fatal.
Accidental pregnancy – Owners who did not intend for their dog to be bred may opt for abortion. This includes cases like an accidental mating at a dog park, or an intact pet escaping and breeding.
Abortion Procedures
There are two main types of abortion procedures for dogs – medical abortions using prescription drugs, and surgical abortions performed by a veterinarian.
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion involves the use of prescription drugs to terminate the pregnancy. The most common drug used is called misoprostol, which causes contractions of the uterus leading to expulsion of fetal and placental tissue. This medication can typically be used to induce abortion in dogs up to 45 days pregnant.
The misoprostol is administered by mouth, via insertion into the vagina, or as an injection. It may take up to 4 days after administration for the abortion to be complete. Side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, or uterine cramping are possible.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is a procedure performed at a veterinary clinic or animal hospital. It is generally used for pregnancies that are over 45 days along. The surgery can be performed under heavy sedation or with the dog under full general anesthesia.
The veterinarian will make an incision in the abdomen and gently remove the uterine contents, taking care not to damage the uterus or other organs. They may also give medications after to encourage the uterus to contract and complete the abortion.
Surgical abortion carries standard risks of anesthesia and infection. The dog will likely need pain medication and monitoring after surgery.
Risks and Complications
Dog abortions are considered relatively safe when performed by a licensed veterinarian. However, there are some potential risks and complications to be aware of:
Infection – Any surgery carries some risk of infection. Antibiotics will likely be prescribed to help prevent infection after an abortion.
Incomplete procedure – In rare cases, some fetal or placental tissue may be left in the uterus. This could lead to infection or continued pregnancy symptoms. If tissue remains, a follow-up procedure may be required.
Reactions to medications – Some dogs may have adverse reactions to medications used during the abortion. Mild lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea are possible. Severe reactions are rare when veterinarian-prescribed drugs are used properly.
Overall, most dogs recover well from abortions when proper protocols are followed. But owners should monitor their dog closely after the procedure and contact their vet if any concerning symptoms develop.
Aftercare
After an abortion, proper aftercare is crucial for your dog’s health and wellbeing. Here are some tips for aftercare:
Monitoring Health
Closely monitor your dog for any concerning symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea or bleeding. Contact your vet if you notice anything abnormal. Your vet will likely want to do a follow-up exam 1-2 weeks after the abortion to ensure your dog is healing properly.
Preventing Future Accidental Pregnancies
Since your dog has now gone through pregnancy and abortion, it’s especially important to prevent any future accidental litters. Get your dog spayed as soon as recommended by your vet, usually after her body has recovered from the abortion. Do not let her go into heat again or breed. Keep a close eye on her when outdoors to avoid any mating with male dogs. Contraceptives like hormone injections may also be an option.
Costs
The costs associated with having an abortion for a dog can vary greatly depending on the reason for the abortion, how far along the pregnancy is, the method used, and other factors.
Some of the costs that may be incurred include:
Exam and Tests: The veterinarian will likely perform an exam, take x-rays, run blood tests, and do an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and determine how far along it is. These procedures may cost anywhere from $100-300.
Procedure: The actual abortion procedure can range in cost from $100-500 depending on the method used. Surgical abortions tend to be more expensive than medical/drug-induced abortions.
Medications: If a medical abortion is performed, the medications used can cost $50-200.
Follow-up Care: After the abortion, follow-up vet visits and tests are usually recommended to ensure the dog is recovering properly. This can cost another $100-200.
Pet insurance may cover some abortion costs, but owners should verify coverage. In total, owners can expect the costs to be anywhere from $500-1000+ depending on the specific circumstances.
Ethical Considerations
There are many ethical issues surrounding the termination of a dog’s pregnancy. Some view aborting puppies as unethical, since they believe life begins at conception. Others see it as a responsible way to prevent the birth of unwanted puppies who may end up in shelters or euthanized. Here are some key considerations around the ethics of dog abortion:
Animal rights groups generally oppose elective abortion for dogs. They argue dogs should have autonomy over their own bodies and reproduction. Performing an abortion without the dog’s consent violates her rights. They contend spaying or neutering is a more ethical option than abortion.
Some view abortion as equivalent to killing puppies. They believe terminating a pregnancy is taking away the lives of unborn puppies. Others counter that fetuses in early pregnancy are undeveloped and lack consciousness or the capacity to suffer.
Another consideration is the stress abortion procedures may impose on the mother dog. As with any surgery, there are risks of complications. Anesthesia and surgery could be traumatic, creating an ethical dilemma.
Quality of life is a factor. If puppies are unwanted, they may face neglect, cruelty, euthanasia or homelessness. Some see abortion as merciful compared to bringing more dogs into adverse conditions.
Population control is a consideration. With overcrowded shelters and stray animals, abortion prevents contributing to this crisis. However, spaying is a better long-term solution.
There are reasonable ethical arguments on both sides. Pet owners must weigh these considerations carefully when deciding what they feel is most responsible for the animals involved.
Conclusions
Throughout this article, we’ve explored some key points around dog pregnancy and abortions. To recap: Dog pregnancy lasts around 9 weeks, and abortions are typically only recommended in the first 4-5 weeks; the main reasons for abortion are health complications, issues around breeding, and behavioral problems; and there are medical and surgical methods, both of which carry risks.
Ultimately, the takeaway is the importance of responsible dog ownership. Preventing unwanted pregnancies through spaying and neutering is ideal, unless you are an ethical breeder. Additionally, being informed on dog pregnancy and prenatal care helps provide your dog the best life possible.
If you have an unspayed or unneutered dog, regular veterinary checkups are crucial. Talk to your vet about spay/neuter recommendations, based on your dog’s health and your circumstances. Responsible pet ownership takes dedication, but helps create the happiest and healthiest lives for our furry companions.