Dog Emergency Contraception: What to Do

Dogs that are in season are known for being highly fertile, and if they mate with a male during this time, there is a high chance they will become pregnant.

If you do not want your female to have a litter of puppies, you may be wondering about your options. Knowledge is power, and being aware of which emergency contraception is available for female dogs in the UK is important for all owners of unspayed bitches.

Each option has pros and cons, so read on in order to make a well-informed decision for your beloved pet.

What is Dog Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraception can be medical or surgical, and is a means of halting a pregnancy, so puppies will not be born.

How Emergency Contraception Works in Dogs

In the UK, we generally have two options. The method used depends on factors including the stage of pregnancy and whether the owner plans to breed her in the future.

The medical option is an injection called Alizin (aglepristone), while the surgical option would be an ovariohysterectomy (spay).

How It Differs From Routine Spaying and Neutering

Routine spaying is an entirely different ball game when compared to spaying a pregnant female.

A routine spay is scheduled for a time in the cycle when the uterus is small and there is a low blood supply.

This is much safer than when we spay for an unwanted pregnancy, and the complication risks are lower.

First Steps After an Accidental Mating

If your dog has just mated with a male, please do not panic. There are steps you can take to ensure a positive outcome.

Stay Calm and Record What Happened

Never pull mating dogs apart, as this can cause them real injury. Instead, as soon as they’re finished, separate them and ensure they cannot mate again.

How Quickly You Should Contact Your Veterinarian

While most assume they should contact their vet immediately, most vets will recommend that you act once the female is out of season.

If they are given the canine misalliance injection while still in season, there is a risk that they may mate again in a few days and will be back at square one.

What Information Will the Vet Will Need?

Your vet will want to know if your female has ever had a misalliance injection before, and when exactly she mated.

They will also weigh your female and perform a health exam to ensure they are given the correct dose of medicine and that they are a good candidate for it.

Veterinary Options To Prevent Pregnancy in Dogs

There are two main options to prevent pregnancy after mating available in the UK.

Medical Treatments Your Vet May Use

The medical treatment used is one which blocks the action of progesterone on the dog’s body. The dogs are given two injections 24 hours apart.

The injection can be given up to 35 days post-mating, but it is safest to give it immediately, once the season has come to an end.

Surgical Options as Emergency Contraception

For some, instead of the misalliance injection, a spaying surgery will be performed.

When Emergency Spay May Be Recommended

An emergency spay may be a better option when the female is further along in their pregnancy, past day 45.

A spay guarantees termination, when having a litter would be highly undesirable or would put the mother at serious risk.

Recovery, Follow-Up and Monitoring

After the misalliance injection, females should be seen by the vet again to ensure the injection was a success. This follow-up is usually scheduled for 4-5 weeks after mating.

After an emergency spay, a 1-2 week recovery period is required as the body recovers and the wound heals. Bitches are usually seen for a check-up about 3 and 10 days post-operatively.

What Are the Risks of Medical Dog Emergency Contraception?

This is not a risk-free procedure, and there is the potential for side effects and complications.

Short-Term Side Effects To Watch for

There is a risk of localised pain, redness, and infection at the site of the injection. Sometimes, an abscess may form. If the female has been pregnant for over 3 weeks, a visible miscarriage may occur.

Females often come back into oestrus within a couple of months, so a lot earlier than expected.

Possible Long-Term Reproductive and Health Impacts

More long-term, it is thought that using a misalliance injection should not increase the risk of uterine infections, nor should it negatively impact the female’s fertility.

What Are the Unsafe Home Remedies to Avoid?

There are no safe at-home methods of causing a female to miscarry, and this is always something that must be carried out by a veterinarian.

Why Human Morning-After Pills Are Dangerous for Dogs

Human morning-after pills are definitely not an option. They have not been tested for use, and the high levels of hormones could cause side effects like vomiting and lethargy, and may even be toxic.

When is Emergency Contraception Not Possible?

After day 45, it is no longer possible to use an Alizin injection. However, a spay surgery can be performed at any stage.

Early Signs of Pregnancy in Dogs

Signs of pregnancy can include abdominal swelling, enlarged mammary glands, mild nausea, a change in appetite, lethargy, and weight gain.

Be aware that these are the exact same signs that we see with false pregnancies, so they do not confirm the presence of puppies.

How Your Vet Confirms Pregnancy

Vets can confirm a pregnancy by palpating the uterus (at about week 4), an ultrasound scan (from about day 25) or X-rays (after week 6 or 7).

Options if Your Dog is Confirmed Pregnant

You may choose a medical or surgical abortion, especially if your bitch is very young or the male is much larger than the female. Similarly, if your female is unhealthy or carries a genetic disease, it may be best to terminate.

Otherwise, you may wish to go ahead with the birth. The litter can be sold or rehomed, or may be given up to a charity for rehoming.

How Can You Prevent Future Accidents?

The most effective way to prevent any unwanted litter is to neuter your dog.

Benefits of Routine Spaying for Dogs

Routine spaying has many benefits, including:

• No risk of puppies
• No need to deal with regular oestrus cycles
• No false pregnancies
• No risk of pyometra (uterine infections)
• Reduced risk of mammary cancer when done at a young age

Be aware, there are also some downsides to consider. Neutering (especially early on) can increase the risk of urinary incontinence, obesity and certain orthopaedic diseases.

Discuss with your vet the best option for your dog and the best time to spay them.

Managing a Dog in Heat and Reducing Roaming Risks

A female in heat needs to be kept on a lead whenever she is outside.

If she is in your garden, ensure it is secured, and there is no risk of a local male dog gaining access.

She will not be able to go to places like doggy daycare if there are un-neutered dogs there.

Why Should You Call An Emergency Vet Immediately?

Generally, you should not need to call the emergency vet if your female mates unexpectedly. Call your regular vet when they open.

If your female is experiencing signs of a miscarriage (unexpected bleeding), call an emergency vet for advice.

Warning Signs After Emergency Contraception Treatment

Contact your vet if your female is bleeding heavily or for a prolonged time after the injection, or if they develop a fever, lethargy or foul-smelling discharge.

Get Emergency Contraception for Your Dog

Contact us if your dog needs emergency contraception. It is best to call in advance, so we can ensure we have the medicine in stock- should you choose to go down the injectable route.

Dog Emergency Contraception FAQs

What should I do if my dog accidentally mates?

If your dog has mated but you do not want to continue with the pregnancy, call your vet promptly to make a plan.

Are there safe options for aborting a dog’s pregnancy?

Absolutely, an abortion can be achieved either surgically or with medication.

Is there a “morning-after pill” for dogs?

Not an over-the-counter one. “Emergency contraception” in dogs is typically vet-only medication (often an injection) or spaying (which prevents/ends pregnancy). What’s appropriate depends on where she is in her heat cycle and how long ago mating happened.

How soon should I contact a vet after an accidental mating?

Same day if possible. Timing matters, and your vet may also advise waiting a short period depending on where she is in her cycle. Also, keep her away from intact males; she can mate again during the same heat.