9 month old Pug might be pregnant

Question
I was wondering if my 9 month old pug could be pregnant, it was her 1st heat, I had been keeping them separated, my male was actually scheduled to be neutered next week, and I came home a few days ago from work and my babysitter had let them out in the backyard together and they were stuck together. My male is 11 months old. She is only 14 1/2 lbs.? Is this safe, what should I do. She is tiny, I don't know if she'd be able to carry or deliver? I don't want anything to happen to her!

Answer
Hi there,

It's very possible that your dog is pregnant.

Unfortunately, there is not a pregnancy test for dogs. You need to bring your dog to the veterinarian for an exam to confirm pregnancy.  This exam must take place at about three weeks after breeding, either through blood testing, ultrasound, or a physical examination. Your vet can best answer your question of if there would be a problem with delivery, due to your dog's size.

Pugs have a high incidence of needing caesarian sections to deliver their litters because they have problems giving birth naturally.  It is reported that Pug puppy mortality in emergency c-sections is 12.7% , while in elective procedures it is 3.6%.  
This means that having a litter of Pug puppies can be quite expensive and very time consuming for you. A female who has had a C-section may not be willing or able to care for her puppies in the first few days.  You will have to do it, including bottle feeding and keeping them warm.

If this litter is not wanted,  please talk to your veterinarian about spaying your pregnant dog at this time, and ending this pregnancy.

Best of luck,
Patti