PREGNANCY

Breeding from your bitch is a big responsibility and a choice that should be thoroughly researched before embarking upon.

Once you have decided to breed from your bitch it is important that you fully research what to expect so that you are prepared for the changes that will happen and the altered requirements of your bitch during the pregnancy. An excellent resource for this is the “Book of the bitch” by J.M. Evans and Kay White. Your vets will also be able to provide advice and guidance if you have any concerns at any stage.  

Length

A bitch’s pregnancy usually lasts an average of 63 days, although as with people, this can vary between individuals.  

Feeding

There is no need to increase her daily food allowance during the first 6 weeks of the pregnancy and provided a good quality, complete diet is being fed, there should be no need for additional vitamin or mineral supplements. From week 6 onwards the majority of the puppies’ growth takes place and so a gradual increase in food can be introduced until at full term you are feeding a further 50% in addition to her normal food allowance. It is advisable to split this into smaller meals spread throughout the day as she will not be able to tolerate too much bulk due to the extra pressure on the abdomen from the puppies. High energy foods can further decrease the amount of bulk being fed.  

Exercise

Regular exercise is very important during pregnancy and most bitches will regulate their own exercise as the pregnancy progresses. It is important, however, not to let your bitch over exercise – particularly in hot weather - and as her size increases monitor her for signs of tiredness and adjust the walk length and speed accordingly.

Flea and worming treatment

It is important to keep up with regular preventative treatments such as flea and worming during pregnancy as the bitch can pass worms on to the puppies via the placenta and in her milk after they are born. It is essential that you ensure that the treatment you are giving is safe to use in pregnant bitches. A common protocol is to worm the bitch with a preparation that is given daily from day 40 of the pregnancy through to 2 days post whelping. However, it is best to contact your veterinary practice for advice as they will be able to prescribe a treatment that will be safe to use during pregnancy.

Preparation for whelping

It is important that the bitch has a place where she feels comfortable and secure in which to whelp. It is therefore a good idea to provide her with a whelping box in the week or two leading up to the birth so that she can get used to it. A whelping box should be large enough for her to be able to move around in, and have sides that are low enough to allow her to get in and out, but to keep the puppies safely confined inside. It should contain lots of comfy, washable bedding for her to nest in, and should be in an area that is quiet and yet near to you, such as a quiet corner of the living room.

Onset of whelping

The whelping process may take anything from 1 to 36 hours depending on the breed and the number of puppies in the litter. Immediately prior to the onset of whelping, the bitch will become restless and begin preparing her nest. She may also go off her food and begin panting. These signs could last for up to 24 hours before delivery of the puppies begins. It is important that you are around to monitor the bitch during the whelping process especially if it is the bitch’s first litter, however too much interference may distract her so it is best to allow her to get on by herself and just be present to step in if there is a problem.

Once the bitch begins to strain you should see a dark green/black fluid filled sac which is the water bag that will appear before the arrival of the first puppy. If this does not appear within 2 hours of the onset of straining, contact your veterinary surgery for advice. Similarly if straining does not begin again within 2 hours of passing the first puppy, veterinary advice should be sought.

Following the birth of a puppy it is important to check that the bitch is caring for the puppy correctly, especially if it is her first litter. She should clean the puppy thoroughly which will stimulate it to breathe, and then continue to nurse it throughout the whelping. If she does not do this you will need to intervene and wipe the puppy gently but thoroughly, making sure that the nose and mouth are clear of any fluids. Gentle rubbing of the puppy should continue until the puppy is breathing and making noises at which point you can try and introduce it to the bitch, or keep it warm in a separate box with a hot water bottle and plenty of bedding until the bitch has finished whelping and is more receptive.

Most bitches will whelp without any assistance, but it is important to be prepared and research whelping thoroughly beforehand – in particular for your bitch’s breed – so that you know when intervention is necessary, and when to obtain further advice from your veterinary surgery.

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