HOME : SERVICES : YOUR PET'S HEALTH : DOC'S NOTES : CONTACT US : BROCHURE : ORDER PET SUPPLIES

<< Return to Your Pet's Health

CANINE BREEDING
PREGNANCY AND WHELPING INFORMATION

Female dogs generally have two reproductive cycles each year. This process begins at puberty, which is usually, seven to eight months of age. It is important that you do not breed until at least two years of age.

The period of estrus, i.e. “heat” last approximately twenty-one days. The dog is usually receptive to the male only during the second week. Most breeding occurs between days eight and twelve. If breeding is not desired, the dog must be confined and restricted from male dogs for the entire three weeks since ovulation can occur at any time. Some animals, especially pets, will not stand for the male and must be physically held or bred artificially. These dogs must have close veterinary supervision, using vaginal smears observed under the microscope, and serum progesterone levels, to determine the proper breeding time. If the animals do breed, it is recommended breeding every other day as long as the female will accept the male. After a normal breeding, the dogs will remain “tied” together for up to ˝ hour. Occasionally, the male turns around and the dogs appear “end-to-end.” This is normal and to be expected; there is no cause for alarm.

Since pregnancy represents a considerable strain on the female, they should not be bred every season. Acceptable breeding programs include breeding every other heat or breeding two consecutive heats then skipping a third.

If pregnancy results from the mating, the puppies will be due in about 63 days. Begin counting from the first breeding and remember that this figure is an average and three day either way is normal.
Prior to breeding the female should be checked for internal parasites and be current on vaccinations. It is also recommended that both male and female be tested for brucellosis. During the pregnancy the female should be switched to a puppy formula until the puppies are weaned.

PREGNANCY AND WHELPING FACTS

  1. To check for pregnancy:
      a) ultrasound 18-21 days after last breeding date
      b) relaxin blood test 25 days post ovulation
      c) radiographs 45 days from breeding date.
  2. The dog should get milk in her breasts 1 to 3 days before whelping.
  3. Make a whelping bed/box 4X4X6. Temperature should be about 80 degrees.
  4. Use newspaper for bedding- place in a secluded, but familiar area of the house.
  5. Clip hair around the breast and vulvar area. Wash areas prior to whelping to insure good hygiene.
  6. Twenty-four hours before labor, the rectal temperature will drop from 101.5 degrees to 100.0 degrees or less.
  7. When labors nears the dog will dig and make a nest. Excessive panting and vomiting might be noted. If uncontrollable tremors develop notify the Veterinarian, as this can be a sign of low blood calcium.
  8. The next step is active labor. Usually dogs have puppies with no difficulties. Difficulties, however, do occur and we are always available for assistance. If hard labor (straining, bearing down and pushing) goes on for one hour with no signs of pups, call us. If a puppy’s head, feet or tail can be seen and the puppy is unable to be delivered in less than thirty minutes, call us. If everything appears normal, leave the dog and pups alone. Noise and movements often distract the dog so that she does not properly contract or take care of the pups.
  9. The pup is usually presented in a sac, but a small green sac of fluid may appear before the pup is delivered. If the mother doesn’t break the sac, you must. Wipe off the pup with a towel, cleaning head and mouth area first. You must sever cord about 1 “ from the stomach wall after thirty minutes IF the mother dog does not.
  10. The mother may rest about 30-40 minutes between pups before labor starts on the next pup. This time can be shorter or extended to one hour. Pups often come in pairs, with a longer period of time between pairs. If a period of over one hour has lapsed between puppies contact us.
  11. Afterbirth will come following each pup, or may wait and come later. Make sure there is one afterbirth for each pup.
  12. Make sure pups are nursing the first two hours following birth. After mother cleans pups off, put in a separate box and put with mother when delivery is done.
  13. When mother dog is done with delivery she will rest and nurse pups. Food and water should be given. Exercise mother dog outside to relieve herself.
  14. Pups tails are docked and dewclaws removed at 2-3 days of age.
  15. Pups should be dewormed at 2, 4, 6 weeks of age and start vaccinations at 6 weeks.
  16. Start feeding pups a high quality puppy food (we recommend Science Diet) at 4 weeks of age. Soak food in water to form a mush. So not let very small puppies eat dry food due to problems of choking.
  17. Pups should not leave litter until at least 42 days of age.

<< Return to Your Pet's Health


HOME : SERVICES : YOUR PET'S HEALTH : DOC'S NOTES : CONTACT US : BROCHURE : ORDER PET SUPPLIES


© THE CABLE AREA VETERINARY CLINIC & CCS, INC.
Web design by CCS,Inc.