ALLERGIC REACTIONS

 

Commonly due to insect bites, contact allergies or vaccinations.  Mild signs include facial swelling, hives and itchy skin.  If you pet is otherwise healthy and not vomiting, you may give Benedryl (diphenhydramine) by mouth at a dose of 1 mg per pound of body weight.  If this does not relieve the symptoms, or your pet is experiencing severe symptoms, please bring your pet in for an examination immediately.  Severe symptoms include moderate to severe facial swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting and/or diarrhea, weakness or collapse. 

 

BIRTHING PUPPIES AND KITTENS

 

It is difficult to assess if labor is progressing normally or not when the number of fetuses is unknown, but here are some signs that there could be a problem:

 

*If there are active labor contractions for >30-60 minutes and no fetus is produced

*If there is a sac visible for >15 minutes and no fetus is produced

*If there is a fetus visibly stuck in the birth canal

*If there are greater than 3-4 hours between deliveries

*If there is excessive vaginal bleeding or discharge

*If mom is having tremors or seizures

 

If your pet has not had a prenatal x-ray taken by your Veterinarian to count how many babies are present, that will likely be the first step needed to determine if there are birthing complications. 

 

Link to Birthing Info & Postnatal Care

 

Note:  It is normal for puppies and kittens to be born “breech”.  They can come out head-first or feet-first.  There should be one placenta following each fetus.  It is normal for mom to chew off the placenta and eat the afterbirth.  Be sure to keep mom and babies warm, and ensure that mom is laying still so that the babies can latch on and nurse.  Mom will probably be hungry and thirsty and should be offered puppy/kitten food during pregnancy and lactation.  If all is well in the meantime, see your veterinarian with mom and babies for a checkup on the third day after whelping.

 

CHOCOLATE INGESTION

 

Baking chocolate and dark chocolate are generally more toxic than milk or semisweet, but even small amounts of chocolate can be toxic in pets that are very sensitive to it or that have other health problems.  As little as 1/2 oz in a 5-pound pet can be toxic.  Sometimes, even the wrappers are ingested which can lead to an intestinal blockage.  Please call for advice or bring your pet in for an examination if it has eaten chocolate.

 

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Medical Questions