Every pet owner contemplates breeding their pet for various reasons ranging from a desire to see the “next” generation to “completing” their pet’s life. While the decision is discretionary and emotional, a few factors should be considered during the process. The important factors include age at breeding, fitness for breeding, preparation for the impending delivery and the handling of the litter.

The recommended age for breeding in dogs and cats is between two and six years. Fitness for breeding includes a thorough physical examination by a veterinarian for any anatomical abnormalities, in some instances requiring x-rays for determining hereditary or congenital abnormalities. After confirmation of the pregnancy, it is important to have a basic understanding of the process, to recognise the signs of delivery and to decide the location of the littering i.e., at home or a clinic.

The litter should be allowed to nurse from the mother for as long as 3-4 weeks and be separated from the mother ideally around the sixth week of age.

The writer is a veterinary surgeon at The Ark, Chennai. Send your pet queries to vetdoc.aravind@gmail.com