Whether you are in Orange County or not if your pet is not spayed or neutered then it is possible for them to get pregnant. This generally can happen about every six months for dogs, and every couple of months for cats.
Cats and dogs go into heat where their body allows for conception. Whether or not this is planned it is important for them to receive prenatal care just like a woman. There are certain signs to watch for which could indicate pregnancy in pets.
Possible symptoms include morning sickness, tiredness, and lack of appetite. If you noticed that your pet was hooked with another animal, then it is a good idea to schedule a veterinarian appointment about two to three weeks later.
The doctor will verify whether or not the animal is pregnant, and will then schedule a series of appointments to keep up with their care. Around week three they can utilize an ultrasound to determine if the puppies are developing alright, and how many pups or kittens there are.
When your animal reaches the stage when bone development needs to be checked, usually around the start of the third trimester, the animal will be brought back in for an x-ray. This will help them determine if the litter has been developing properly. If the ultrasound was unable to determine the number of pups or kittens then the x-ray will.
When it comes time for the animal to have their young then your veterinarian will tell you what to look for as well as what to do. You will need a birthing area for your animal, clean cloths, water, and a phone.
We hope that your pregnant Orange County pet has a healthy litter!