shipoo

Question
my shipoo got pregnant from  another shipoo - and just found out they are siblings. what can go wrong with the puppies?

Answer
Dear Yahayra,

Thank you for writing to me about your situation.  This is precisely why I encourage people to spay/neuter their dogs..just to be safe and prevent this kind of unforseen complication.

What can go wrong lies in the realm of the unknown, but that being said, anything that is a flaw in the breed, can become a dominant trait...and this isn't good.  If a breed is prone to an immune disorder, for instance, the chance would multiply to the point where it would become a definite for this to happen.

Additionally, for every heat that a dog goes through the chances for cancer increase dramatically.

I urge you to spay your dog after this pregnancy is over.  Speak to your vet about the possibility of aborting the pregnancy if this poses a health risk for any of the dogs or offspring.

Best Regards,
Shelley Davis