Ask Joey-Is my dog pregnant?

June 1, 2009 by doggymom
Filed under Featured

Is my dog pregnant?

Dear Joey,

My 7 month old puppy Lilly went into heat a few weeks back before I could get her spayed. I didn't realize dogs went into heat so early. I was told it wouldn't happen until after she was a year old so I thought I had time.

Anyway, Lilly got out while she was in heat but we found her a few hours later. I didn't think anything at the time but now I wonder if she could have gotten pregnant while she was out. What should I do?

Anonymous
Tortured movie

Dear Anonymous,

It is highly possible that Lilly got pregnant while she was on her little outing. I don't know who told you that dogs go into their first heat at a year old but they were wrong! Dogs can be as young as 6 months old when they go into heat for the first time. I am wondering why you didn't ask your vet about it.

The first thing you should do is take Lilly to her vet. He/she will be able to tell if Lilly really is pregnant. Being that she is so young, she may have problems with carrying puppies to term and will need a doctor's care through out her pregnancy.

Next, after she has had her pups and has weaned them, please get her spayed so this doesn't happen again. It's not good for her to have multiple pregnancies so close together and the world does not need more unwanted puppies.

If it turns she isn't pregnant, I also encourage you to immediately make an appointment to get her spayed as soon as possible. If money is an issue, ask your vet if they know of any low cost spay/neuter clinics in your area.

Please don't delay in getting Lilly the proper medical care she needs! Good luck and let us know how it turns out.