What does my pregnant dog need? Do I need to do anything for my pregnant cat? In this Vet Minute, Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Marty Greer, explains the use of supplements with pregnant dogs and cats.
Should I Give Pregnant Cat and Dog Supplements?
Really good supplementation starts even before the pregnancy. And there’s good reason for that. Her body needs to be ready to have ovulation to have good fertility, and for the uterus to be ready to go. So the first thing we have to do, even before we start planning for the pregnancy, is that we need to get her on an appropriate supplement.
We’re going to start with two products for her, Breeder’s Edge® B Strong™, and Breeder’s Edge® Oxy Mate®. Those both will help prep her system nutritionally for the pregnancy. In fact, I talk to people frequently that are asking us why their dog isn’t having a cycle every six months and what they can do about it and what drug they can put their dogs on. And I typically will say no drugs until we’ve done at least a 2 to 4 week course of Oxy Mate and B Strong. And I am constantly surprised by how many people send me an email or give me a call back just two weeks later and say, “Great, no meds. She’s in heat.”
Should I Give Supplements to a Non-Pregnant Dog or Cat?
The Breeder’s Edge® In Between for Her® is a great product to keep her nutritionally where we want her to be, so that when she does come back into heat, she’s ready to go. Then w aren’t playing catch up with that. Nutrition, and even food that seems to be really appropriate nutritionally may not always meet her needs. It also is important that she’s at her ideal body condition weight. If she’s too thin or too heavy, that in-between period is a great time to get her to ideal body conditions, so the pregnancy goes better for her.
What Are the Best Cat and Dog Post-Pregnancy Supplements?
My favorite is Breeder’s Edge® Oxy Momma®. That’s a product that’s going to help her to lactate. A lot of dogs for the first couple of days after the puppies are born, don’t have enough milk or colostrum to get those puppies off to a good start. So you can start the Oxy Momma product, which is an herbal supplement that has ingredients like fenugreek. That will help improve her lactation and get her body ready to go. When those puppies are born and ready to start nursing, she’s lactating effectively and efficiently so that the puppies get great nutrition from the very start.
If you need help, call us at 800.786.4751.
LEARN MORE:
Calcium and Food for Pregnant Dogs: FAQs
Food and calcium supplements are critical to the health of both a pregnant dog and her pups. Learn what to feed a pregnant dog, and when to safely give calcium for pregnant dogs.
30+ Things Not to Give Pregnant Dogs
During a dog's pregnancy there are certain medications and substances that should be avoided. Learn what should not be given to a pregnant dog.
Dr. Greer’s Dog Breeding, Pregnancy and Whelping Plan
Plan your dog breeding, pregnancy and whelping with help from Dr. Greer's easy-to-follow dog breeding guide.
How Much Weight Should a Pregnant Dog Gain
How much weight should a pregnant dog gain? Learn about pregnant dog weight gain, when pregnant dogs should gain weight, and how much to feed for best health.
Written by: Marty Greer, DVM
Director of Veterinary Services
Marty Greer, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, has 40+ years’ experience in veterinary medicine, with special interests in canine reproduction and pediatrics. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 1981. She’s served as Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services since 2019. In 2023, Dr. Greer was named the Westminster Kennel Club Veterinarian of the Year.