Your Pet Has Had A Litter: What Next?

Whether you were expecting it or not, the first time your pet has a litter can be a scary and overwhelming event. And not just for you, but for your pet as well. 

But now you’ve got newborn puppies or kittens to take care of, you have to focus on the practicalities. The worry can make this difficult, but think about what your pet and her babies need right now. 

And if you’re not sure where to start with a question like this, here are the most important steps. 

Pexels Image – CC0 Licence

Keep a Close Eye on Your Pet

She’s just given birth and is a new mother, and that’s difficult no matter the species. Keep a close eye on your pet over the next few weeks. Check for signs she’s in pain, and look for any problems she’s having with producing milk. 

You should also keep an eye out for discharge; while it’s normal for this to appear, and is a sign your pet is getting back to health, it shouldn’t smell bad or come out in excessive amounts. 

Always check with a vet if you’re concerned, as they’ll be able to come out and check on both your pet and her babies. 

Watch the Litter During Feeding Times

Your pet will most likely take to their new role as a mother, but even then, they’re probably going to need a bit of help with it. 

While most dogs and cats take care of every puppy or kitten they have, it can be easy for smaller, less agile ones to be left out of feeding or get less access to milk than their bigger brothers and sisters. 

Watch out for this by checking on the litter whenever they’re feeding. Put Pet ID Collars on each puppy or kitten to help you identify them, so you always know who’s who – as well as who’s most likely to be pushed away from a teat. You can then act quickly to make sure everyone gets their fair share. 

Spay and Neuter

A lot of pet owners don’t want to, but spaying and neutering keeps pets healthy and safe. And this is especially true if you weren’t expecting a litter. 

If you have a cat that you let out, and over time she’s seemed to get a bit rounder around the waist, get her spayed after she’s given birth. If you have both a male and female dog in the house, and suddenly you’ve got a litter on your hands, they both should be spayed and neutered. 

If you live in a pet friendly city, finding an affordable spay or neutering option will be more manageable. But even if you don’t, pet insurance can help to cover the cost and ensure that at least half of the surgery is paid for. 

When your pet has a litter, try not to panic! You’ll need to sink time, attention, and money into pet care, but knowing what to do will save on the cost.