Whether it is a pet dog raised by an individual or a stud dog raised at a breeding farm, regardless of an unplanned pregnancy or a planned one, as long as the dog shows signs of pregnancy, most owners will try every means to ensure the fetus’s healthy development. Regarding how to protect the pregnancy of the bitch, we need to further understand. First, we have to know what are the common causes of miscarriage in dogs? Let this serve as a warning.

　　1. Common Causes of Miscarriage in Dogs

　　If you do not take good care of your pregnant bitch, she can also miscarry. If you want your precious dog to safely and healthily give birth to puppies, quickly learn about the common causes of miscarriage in dogs.

　　1. Infectious miscarriage: Brucellosis in dogs, canine herpesvirus disease, staphylococcal infection, Escherichia coli infection, and salmonellosis are the main causes of infectious miscarriage in dogs;

　　2. Parasitic miscarriage: Canine toxoplasmosis (a protozoal disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii) induces miscarriage;

　　3. Common miscarriage: Due to defects in the reproductive cells of the dog, leading to abnormal embryo development, excessive number of fetuses, placental abnormalities, and endocrine disorders. Additionally, stress factors (high temperature, fright, fighting, hunger), nutritional factors (nutritional deficiency or excess, obesity), chronic systemic diseases, reproductive diseases, and improper medication also cause miscarriage.

　　2. How to Prevent Miscarriage in Dogs

　　Although dogs do not carry pregnancy for as long as humans, it is still very difficult for them. We all hope that dogs can safely give birth to puppies and keep both mother and babies safe. Therefore, care for the pregnant bitch must be especially cautious. Preventing miscarriage is a key issue during pregnancy. So what should we do daily to prevent miscarriage? Let's discuss together.

　　To prevent miscarriage, it is best to have the bitch checked by a veterinarian for Brucellosis and other infectious diseases before mating. During pregnancy, feeding management and care should be strengthened, and try to let the bitch avoid strenuous play or going out frequently. If the bitch is found to have Brucellosis or toxoplasmosis, she should not be bred or impregnated again because even if mating and pregnancy occur, miscarriage will eventually happen, causing loss and suffering to the bitch. For bitches with a history of miscarriage, progesterone injection during pregnancy can prevent miscarriage.

　　When signs of miscarriage appear, fetal protection measures must be taken. The sick dog can be given intramuscular injections of progesterone at doses of 2–5 mg per administration for 3–5 consecutive days. Symptomatic treatment should be administered. If the dog is weak, it should be promptly sent to the hospital for fluid infusion and glucose supplementation. When body temperature rises and blood tests indicate inflammation, antibiotics should be injected. For difficulties in fetal expulsion, retained placenta, or uterine bleeding symptoms, oxytocin and other labor-inducing drugs should be used. In cases of fetal decay, besides antibiotics, the reproductive tract should be washed with 0.1% potassium permanganate solution.

　　3. Feeding Management of Pregnant Bitches

　　For managing feeding of pregnant dogs, besides providing a complete diet, feed must be hygienic and of good quality. Moldy, rotten, spoiled, toxic, or strongly irritating feed must never be given to prevent miscarriage. Frequent changes in feed should be avoided, and feed volume should not be too large to avoid affecting fetal development. During early pregnancy (about 35 days), special feed is not necessary, but timely feeding is important. After one month, as the fetus rapidly develops and the nutritional requirements sharply increase, besides increasing the amount of food, pregnant bitches should be supplemented with easily digestible and protein-rich feeds rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins, such as meat, offal, eggs, and dairy products. From day 35 to 45 of pregnancy, feed 4 times daily; avoid feeding very cold feed or water to prevent gastrointestinal irritation that could affect digestion or even cause miscarriage.

　　Pregnant bitches should have appropriate exercise: about 2 hours daily in early pregnancy (around one month), and free activity in later stages. Avoid heat, and never hit or force the dog to jump over or climb obstacles.

　　Although the gestation period for dogs is relatively short compared to humans, from another perspective, giving birth to many puppies is not easy. Therefore, thorough checks must be done before mating to ensure no problems, and the pregnancy care work cannot be taken lightly.