During the pregnancy of the female dog, her body will undergo many changes and chemical reactions to create the ideal conditions for the embryos to develop inside her.

Everything in the body of the animal begins to work so that at the end of the nine weeks of gestation it gives birth to its cubs. However, sometimes problems occur that end in miscarriage, which causes the animal to lose its babies.

It is important to know well the symptoms of abortion in a female dog to avoid that his health can also be at risk, so we give you the necessary information in this article.

What is a spontaneous abortion?

A female dog may miscarry or reabsorb a litter of puppies at any time during her pregnancy due to a number of reasons. Without adequate levels of progesterone or proper nutrition, it is impossible for you to maintain your pregnancy. An infection or other illnesses can also cause a miscarriage. If your dog shows vaginal discharge, or if she suddenly becomes lethargic and depressed, she may have had a miscarriage, although you will need to take her to the vet for a proper diagnosis.

A miscarriage is the spontaneous reabsorption or expulsion of the lifeless litter of a female dog. It is a sudden and irreversible event for the puppies (who are born lifeless) and for the mother (who can suffer from health complications), although most female dogs make a full recovery. If complications are detected in the pregnancy well in advance, it is possible to help the dog to reach the end of the pregnancy and to give birth to her puppies, always with veterinary help.

Symptoms of miscarriage in female dogs

A miscarriage can cause the expulsion of the bodies of the puppies or a reabsorption of the same. If the litter is reabsorbed in early pregnancy, your dog may not show any signs. However, if a miscarriage occurs closer to the due date, a fetus will be aborted. In that case, you may see vaginal discharge, contractions, or expelled placental or fetal tissue. Often times, a dog owner does not realize that the female dog has miscarried, as she may eat any shed tissue before it is discovered. A female dog that has suffered a miscarriage may become lethargic or depressed, or she may become dehydrated if she refuses to eat or drink.

Causes of miscarriage in female dogs

There are many different reasons why a pregnant dog may miscarry. These include:

• Infection, such as brucellosis, herpes, or toxoplasmosis.
• Low progesterone levels.
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Fetal defects.
• Endocrine disorders, such as Cushing’s disease.
• Genetic defects.
• Response to a certain medication.

Depending on the cause of the miscarriage, certain dog breeds may be more susceptible than others. Malnourished dogs are more likely to miscarry as they lack the necessary nutrients to carry a pregnancy to term.

Diagnosis of miscarriage in female dogs

A miscarriage may go undiagnosed if the owner does not realize that the dog was pregnant. This can happen especially in early pregnancy, when the dog is more likely to reabsorb the prenatal tissue and show no signs of its condition.

If you suspect that your dog has had a miscarriage, take her to the vet immediately. In this way he will be able to evaluate the possible presence of fetuses by palpation, x-rays or ultrasound, which will reveal any puppies that are present.

X-rays and ultrasound are especially helpful both in identifying uterine contents and in determining the viability of fetuses still present. Depending on the cause of the miscarriage, your vet may recommend additional tests for infections or other underlying conditions, which will need to be treated to ensure the overall health of your dear friend.

Treatment of miscarriage in female dogs

Treatment for female dogs who have had a miscarriage is supportive and varies depending on the circumstances. Restrict your dog’s activity and make sure she remains hydrated while she recovers. If any of the fetuses are still viable to save, the vet will find a way to help your dog so that she can give birth without complications. If not, you’ll need to make sure your dog has expelled all pregnancy-related tissues, which can only be verified with an ultrasound.

If the pregnancy was aborted due to an infection, your dog will require antibiotics. Any other underlying conditions will need to be treated as well. Intravenous treatment may be recommended if your dog is severely dehydrated. The prognosis varies depending on the cause of the miscarriage, but most female dogs will recover and be able to conceive again in the future, with the exception of those who have developed brucellosis or a uterine infection.

Recovery from miscarriage in female dogs

Your dog will need extra attention from you while she recovers from her miscarriage. Most female dogs show signs of depression after the loss of their litter, but over time, they should recover and go back to their old ways. Limit her activity for the first few days after the miscarriage, and make sure she has access to clean, cool water, as well as a quiet, comfortable place where she can rest.

Check the vaginal discharge daily and notify your vet if you notice anything unusual in your pet. As the dog recovers, the amount of discharge will decrease until it stops completely. On the other hand, the vet may recommend a follow-up exam based on the cause of the miscarriage, especially if there was an infection involved.