Furry Friends and Their Afterbirth: Should We Step In or Stand Back?

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Isn’t it fascinating how one topic can spark such a fiery debate in any gathering?

When I give lectures on dog and cat reproduction, there’s one question that never fails to ignite passionate responses: should we allow pet mothers to consume their own placentas after birth?

Some attendees advocate for natural instinct, arguing that we shouldn’t meddle with Mother Nature’s design. Others, however, express their disapproval, considering the act unsanitary, even unsettling.

The discourse becomes a swirling maelstrom of differing viewpoints, leaving everyone wondering—what’s the truth?

But what does the science actually say about this instinctual practice?

While the term ‘placentophagy’—the act of mammals consuming the placenta of their offspring after birth—may not be commonly spoken in conventional veterinary education, it certainly doesn’t diminish its relevance in the world of pet reproduction.

Fueled by the need to discern fact from opinion and to bring a measure of clarity to this contentious issue, I decided to turn to the wealth of knowledge available in veterinary literature. There, I hoped to find empirical answers that could inform this discussion with something more solid than personal viewpoints.

Probing the Mystery of Pet Placentophagy

In the realm of small animals, placenta consumption post-birth is often labeled as a ‘compulsive act.’ It’s a ritual commonly observed soon after the delivery of the placenta and the severance of the umbilical cord.

However, beyond these basic observations, our understanding falls disappointingly short. Even in the modern age, this behavior remains a tantalizing enigma.

My exploration into the world of veterinary scientific literature echoed this sentiment. Information was sparse, existing in mere whispers and conjectures scattered across various publications.

Dogs and cats consuming their placentas after birth? Acknowledged but not explored in depth.

Expert opinions on whether we should permit or prevent this act? Plenty to be found, but lacking in robust scientific validation.

I found myself at a dead end, surrounded by opinion but starved of fact.

Intriguingly, it was the field of human medicine that cast a new light on this mystery.

Here was a discipline where the practice of placentophagy was not only recognized… but also – to my surprise I must admit – extensively discussed.

Placentophagy: Miracle Cure or Mere Myth?

The placenta, the organ that provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby during pregnancy, is believed to retain hormones and nutrients that could be beneficial to the mother postpartum.

As described in this paper HERE, the practice of placentophagy is believed to offer several benefits, including:

• prevention of postpartum depression,

• pain reduction,

• enhanced recovery by providing analgesia,

• increased milk production,

• enhanced energy levels.

Advocates argue that the placenta retains hormones and nutrients such as estrogen, progesterone, lactogen, iron, β-endorphins, and oxytocin, which are beneficial to the mother postpartum.

However, the article emphasizes that the presence of these components in the placenta and their effects after consumption have not been thoroughly tested.

While the practice is gaining popularity in humans apparently, it’s important to note that the placenta is not sterile.

It can contain elements such as cadmium, mercury, and lead, as well as bacteria.

The potential adverse effects of these components on the postpartum consumer and nursing infant are unknown.

Despite the many claimed benefits of placentophagy, the article concludes that it is unclear whether consumption of the placenta is advantageous.

Another paper event states the following:

Strong evidence to substantiate these claims is lacking.

Pet Placentophagy: A Risk-Benefit Analysis

As you can see, while the world of human medicine is awash with information on the topic of placentophagy, the jury is still out on the proven benefits of this practice.

As a veterinarian, not a human doctor, I won’t comment on this practice in humans.

But after looking into the scientific literature, I found myself pondering: what advice should I give to my clients when they inquire about this practice for their dog and cat mothers?

In my professional opinion, we should discourage animal mothers from consuming the placenta after birth. As I often emphasize in canine neonatology, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

The potential risks associated with placentophagy, in my view, clearly outweigh the purported benefits.

One of the main risks I’ve observed is the development of diarrhea in the mother after consuming the placenta. Remember, the placenta is not sterile; it harbors bacteria, especially if it has touched the ground after the puppy or kitten has been expelled. A mother suffering from diarrhea, coupled with newborns that are incredibly fragile, is a precarious situation that we should strive to avoid.

Now, let’s examine the common arguments in favor of placental consumption and explore safer alternatives in veterinary medicine:

• Prevention of postpartum depression: While we don’t typically discuss this in veterinary medicine, I can see a connection with limiting postpartum stress in the mother. Stress can lead to severe consequences, such as the mother abandoning her puppies or kittens, or even cannibalism in extreme cases. Recent studies on the use of pheromones in maternities have shown that they can enhance the maternal bond and improve maternal behavior. This is a strategy I would definitely recommend implementing in maternities for puppies and kittens.

• Pain reduction after parturition: There have been significant advances in this field in veterinary medicine. Recent studies have explored the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) postpartum. This is a topic worth discussing with your veterinarian, as these drugs can provide pain relief without interfering with lactation or neonatal development, contrary to previous beliefs.

• Increased milk production and enhanced energy levels: The placenta is often viewed as providing an energy boost postpartum. However, this can be effectively achieved by feeding the mother an appropriate growth diet right after birth. This diet will provide the necessary energy boost due to the high energy requirements of lactation. Furthermore, a commercial growth diet that provides the right nutrients in the correct amounts and is safe (i.e., does not promote bacterial growth) is a significant advantage. Neonatal septicemia is always a risk to be mitigated, and a commercial growth diet is a safer alternative to placenta consumption in this regard.

In the fascinating world of veterinary medicine, the practice of placentophagy presents a compelling topic of discussion. As we’ve explored, the potential benefits of this practice are largely anecdotal and not yet substantiated by rigorous scientific research. On the other hand, the risks, such as the development of diarrhea in the mother and potential exposure to harmful elements, are tangible and concerning.

In my professional opinion, the cons of placentophagy in pets currently outweigh the pros. The health and wellbeing of both the mother and her newborns are of paramount importance, and it’s crucial to mitigate any potential risks. Again, as I often say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

However, the discussion doesn’t end here. The field of veterinary medicine is ever-evolving, and new research could shed further light on this topic. As we continue to learn and grow in our understanding, it’s vital to keep an open mind and stay informed about the latest developments.

I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this matter. What do you think about the practice of placentophagy in pets? What measures do you take in your breeding structures to ensure the health and wellbeing of the mother and her offspring? I invite you to share your experiences and insights, as your input could contribute significantly to this ongoing discussion.

Interested to learn more about canine neonatology? Download my free ebook on the topic HERE!