Jack Russell Terrier Forum:
Pregnancy in 1st heat

Actually I have 2 rat terriers (1 male, 1 female). There was no message board for rats so I'll ask this here and see if anyone can help. My male is 3 yrs old and my female is almost 8 months old. I think she might have gotten pregnant in her first heat. What are the risks? Will she be ok? Everyone keeps saying they should'nt get pregnant until they are over 1 yr old. Has anyone ever had this happen, and were the puppies and mom ok? Thanks~

Your female should be okay. Try and be with her when she whelps. Have you ever whelped puppies? With her being so young, you may need to help her. You can have her preg tested. Your vet will draw a blood sample and can test her, or you can aultra sound her. This does happen, probably more then most want to admit. Yours in terriers Patti