Pregnancy and Your Pet

Having an expectant animal companion in the household is an exciting time of anticipation for the whole family. Responsible breeding of pets is a great opportunity for children to learn about how new life is formed, how to foster care for the pregnant female, and later care and nurture necessary for the mother’s young after birthing.

Occasionally a female animal may have difficulty with conceiving due to poor interest or fertility problems. Homoeopathic remedies can play a significant role in addressing imbalances and encouraging a healthy reproductive system. The remedy Sepia is frequently used for female reproductive and hormonal imbalance regulation. However, it should be noted that there are numerous remedies that can be effective. A well selected remedy is dependent on the total complex of symptoms exhibited, not just a ‘disease label’ that really only demonstrates a few symptoms of the case rather than the animal in its entirety!

Other examples of singular indications include Platina that can particularly suit Siamese cats due to this breed’s psychological associations with this remedy. Ovulation problems that are preventing conception may be one indication for the remedy Pulsatilla. Pulsatilla also has a reputation for turning breech presentations when accompanying symptoms agree.

Once a mating has been successful and fertilisation has taken place, there are two prominently used remedies that help maintain a pregnancy in animals that have a history of failing to hold. One is Vibernum opulus which is best used during the first trimester in those animals with a tendency to early miscarriage. The other, Caulophyllum, is more suited towards the end of the last trimester where it helps tonify the uterus and promote a trouble-free birth (or whelping as it is called).

Therapy with homeopathics should not be relied upon on their own. Diet, lifestyle and environment are key components for gestation to remain healthy and reach full-term unaided. Food is not the only nourishment. Kindness, gentleness and loving devotion are paramount for mental and emotional well-being for your pet.

As a mother’s body builds several new bodies within, tremendous demands are made on the mother’s tissues to supply all the required nutrients. If the mother doesn’t receive enough quality food to offer complete nutrition, her own body will provide whatever is lacking. A depleted female that is bred again and again, accumulates a nutritional deficit that becomes greater with each pregnancy. This will eventually result in the mother becoming ‘dis-eased’ and/or the young to become weak and susceptible to disease.

• Eclampsia, or milk fever, is a severe disturbance that stems from calcium depletion. It is seen most at the end of pregnancy, directly after birth or during nursing. Homoeopathic Belladonna (at least 30c but 200c or 1M potency better) is one of the first remedies to consider to help stabilise signs such as difficult breathing or panting, dilated pupils, high temperature, rapid pulse, excitement, restlessness or agitation, aggression, stiffness of movement, inability to stand with rigid leg muscles, muscle spasms, and gum discolouration. This is a potentially fatal condition so do not delay a hasty visit to the vet. Injections of suitable calcium salts are often required to save the mother!

• Homoeopathic Calc-phos, given periodically during the last trimester, may also act preventatively against eclampsia. Calc-phos encourages calcium uptake and utilisation and helps the mother provide adequate calcium for bone and milk formation. Bonemeal is an excellent supplement to balance the diet with calcium, phosphorus and other trace elements during gestation.

• Feed an optimal natural diet ensuring that foods contain no artificial additives such as non-natural preservatives, colourings, flavourings, sweeteners, stabilisers and humectants. Supply in abundance only fresh pure water (spring or filtered) and don’t use plastic bowls. Minimise use of household cleaning substances that may be toxic, plant and lawn herbicides, insecticides and fungicides.

• Be cautious of some herbal preparations. Some herbs that are fine to give under normal circumstances may actually be detrimental during gestation. Consult with your herbalist, or knowledgeable animal therapist, which herbs are beneficial and which are not safe to give to a pregnant female, or verify allowable quantities of certain herbs.

• Protect litter-bearing females by avoiding the use of potentially harmful conventional flea treatments, cortisone, vaccinations, sedatives, anaesthetics and X-rays unless natural aids fail and circumstances demand this type of medical approach.

• Prevent her becoming overheated in hot weather or from overexertion. Heat stress can retard foetal brain growth. If transport in an aeroplane can’t be avoided ensure that where she is to be confined has adequate ventilation. Lack of oxygen at high altitudes can induce a number of foetal abnormalities.

You will find that a number of remedies, that might be needed during gestation, can also be beneficial with some problems that may develop during and after parturition. While homoeopathic remedies are completely safe and non-toxic for expectant mothers and their young, please consult your classical homoeopath or animal specialist for guidance to avoid disappointment with unsuccessful outcomes due to an inaccurately chosen remedy or dosage regime.

Contact details for consultations with Tanya can be found at:
www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/therapist/1971