Vet Approved Guide: Abortion & Spontaneous Pregnancy Loss in Dogs – What Every Pet Parent Should Know 2025 🐶🐾 

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Whether you're considering terminating a planned pregnancy or your dog has experienced a spontaneous miscarriage, understanding the medical aspects, risks, and recovery steps is vital. This 2025 vet-approved guide outlines everything you need to know to ensure your pup’s health and safety. 🛡️

🔍 Types of Pregnancy Loss

• Spontaneous Abortion (Miscarriage): Loss due to causes like hormonal issues, infections, or fetal abnormalities.
• Elective Termination: Medically induced or surgical abortion performed under veterinary supervision.

⚠️ Common Signs of Pregnancy Loss

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Expulsion of fetal tissue or stillborn puppies
• Behavioral changes: lethargy, pain, appetite loss

Any of these signs requires prompt veterinary evaluation to rule out complications.

🧪 Diagnosing Pregnancy & Loss

• Ultrasound: Detects fetal heartbeat and age.
• Doppler: Confirms fetal viability;
• Bloodwork & Physical Exam: Assesses overall health and potential infections.

These steps help confirm an abortion and guide the next steps. 

🛠️ Elective Pregnancy Termination: Medical Options

When under veterinary care, the following medications may be used:

• Prostaglandin F₂α: Safely induces abortion; side effects may include mild vomiting, diarrhea, or panting.
• Dexamethasone: Promotes resorption or expulsion of fetal tissue; watch for increased drinking or urination.
• Injected Estrogens: Effective only shortly after mating; risk of serious side effects like pyometra or bone marrow suppression.
• Oral Estrogens: Not recommended—ineffective and risky.

🛡️ Spontaneous Abortion: Causes & Management

If your dog miscarries, the causes may include:

• Hormonal imbalances
• Infections (e.g., brucellosis)
• Genetic or developmental issues

After a miscarriage, vets treat any infection, monitor recovery, and repeat the ultrasound to ensure a complete miscarriage. 

🚨 When to Seek Emergency Care

• Heavy or prolonged bleeding
• Severe lethargy, fever, or vomiting
• Failure to pass fetal or placental tissue
• Signs of pyometra or systemic infection

These symptoms require immediate veterinary attention.

💖 Post-Abortion Care Tips

• Monitor bleeding and appetite;
• Administer prescribed antibiotics if infection is suspected.
• Provide rest and gentle nutrition.
• Re-evaluate at 2–4 weeks to confirm uterine health.

A smooth recovery reduces the risk of complications like retention or infection.

🗣️ Decision-Making Tips & Prevention

• Spaying: Most effective long-term prevention;
• Health rewrite: Treat infections and ensure vaccinations before breeding.
• Professional guidance: All abortions should be under vet supervision to safeguard your dog's health.

📱 Vet-Backed Support Tools

• Ask A Vet: 24/7 access to professional veterinary advice. 🩺

🎯 Final Thoughts

Whether facing an unplanned pregnancy or a painful miscarriage, always consult your veterinarian before proceeding. With professional care, monitoring, and attention, your dog can recover fully and stay healthy. 🐾

For personalized support and peace of mind, download the Ask A Vet app today. 📲🐶