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Breeding your Bitch

Successfully breeding your bitch can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful consideration and understanding of the entire process. Breeding involves knowledge of the reproductive cycle, gestation, whelping, and raising puppies. When done well, it can be fulfilling, but complications can be disappointing.

General Information on Oestrus (Heat) in Bitches

  • Oestrus Cycle: This is the mating period, starting typically at 6-12 months, and the cycle repeats approximately every six months.
    • Stages:
      • Proestrus: Vaginal bleeding for 4-9 days; females won’t mate.
      • Oestrus: Females accept males; lasts 4-13 days.
      • Metoestrus & Anoestrus: Periods of ovarian activity without outward signs.
    • Important Points: Consider your pet “in season” for 21 days. Consult a vet if your pet’s cycle seems irregular.

Mating in Dogs

  • General Information: Dogs usually have 2 reproductive cycles a year, starting at puberty (5-12 months depending on breed).
    • Receptive Stage: Usually in the second week after vaginal discharge begins, females will accept males for a few days to two weeks.
    • Breeding Assistance: Generally, no assistance is needed, but sometimes help is required.
    • Mating: Dogs may become “tied” together; do not forcibly separate them. Avoid breeding during the first heat; breed every other heat or skip the third for the health of the female.

Normal Gestation in Dogs

  • Gestation Period: Lasts about 63 days, but can range from 58-68 days.
    • Diagnosis of Pregnancy: Blood tests from 23 days, more reliable at 30 days. Ultrasound from 21 days, more reliable at 28 days.
    • Physical Changes: Noticeable after 5 weeks, with significant abdominal enlargement and mammary gland development.
    • Behavioural Changes: Increased restlessness, seeking seclusion, and nest-building behaviour in the last few weeks.
    • Nutrition and Exercise: Good nutrition is crucial, especially in the last five weeks when needs increase. Moderate exercise is recommended.

Normal Birth in Dogs (Whelping) Preparations for Whelping

  • Whelping Box: Provide a whelping box with 15-20 cms high sides in a secluded area.
  • Bedding: Use newspapers or washable materials like quilts, blankets, or towels.
  • Monitoring: Check the mother’s rectal temperature from day 58 of pregnancy. A drop of nearly 2 degrees indicates labour within 24 hours.

Labour & Delivery

  • Stages of Labour:
    1. Stage 1: Restlessness and nervousness lasting 6-24 hours. Exercise the mother during this stage.
    2. Stage 2: Contractions and expulsion of puppies. A greenish sac may appear first, followed by the puppy. The mother usually handles the delivery process.
    3. Stage 3: Resting stage between deliveries, lasting 10-30 minutes.

Obstetric Care

  • Post-Delivery Care: Remove membranes, clean the face, and stimulate the puppy. Tie and cut the umbilical cord and apply iodine.
  • Assistance: If a puppy is lodged, use steady traction to help. Contact the vet if needed.

Behaviour of the Mother

  • Expect nervousness and protectiveness. Aggression usually fades over time.

When to Contact the Vet

  • Emergencies: Lodged puppy, persistent labour for 30 minutes, weak labour for 6 hours, more than 4 hours since the last birth, or greenish-black discharge without delivery.
  • Extended Pregnancy: Lasting more than 65 days.

Caesarean Section

  • Reasons: Health issues, mechanical obstructions, or large babies.
  • Post-Surgery: Mothers usually resume normal maternal duties. Contact the vet for any issues.

Care of the Bitch after Whelping

  • Diet: High-energy, high-protein diet.
  • Fluids: Provide fresh water.
  • Activity: Allow exercise as desired.
  • Bowel Movements: Increased frequency and possibly soft stools initially.
  • Mammary Gland Care: Clean nipples daily and monitor for issues such as mastitis.
  • Vaginal Discharge: Normal for the first few days, may last several weeks.
  • Behaviour: Contact the vet if the mother seems restless or refuses to nurse.
  • General Effects: Shedding is normal; consult the vet if bald spots or excessive weight loss occur.
  • Oestrus: Should occur within six months after birth.
  • Spaying: Schedule after weaning and cessation of milk production.

Care of Newborn Puppies

  • Warmth: Keep the room at least 18°C and avoid cold floors.
  • Nursing: Healthy puppies have full stomachs and seem content.
  • Crying: Persistent crying indicates a problem; contact the vet.
  • Eyes: Open at 10-14 days.
  • Weaning: Start pan feeding milk when eyes open and gradually introduce solid foods.
  • Worming: Every month until six months old, then every three months.
  • Vaccinations: Begin at six weeks to protect against infectious diseases.