Breeding dogs is an exciting experience. From the time a proper mate is
found to the point that the puppies are born, it is crucial to take
careful steps to make this successful.
Professional dog breeders do not breed frequently and will only do so
when a pair is found to be healthy that will ensure the birth of
healthy offspring.
The ideal breeder should have the pair of dogs tested for every
possible disease as well as have all the information regarding the
pair’s ancestors and health records on file. Should a breeder
find no problem in the history of the pair, then the process can begin.
Dogs normally come into heat twice a year which is every six months.
Larger dogs can come into heat every eight or ten months which usually
lasts about three weeks. Vaginal bleeding is a sure sign that the
dog is in heat as well as swelling in the vulva.
A dog's pregnancy or gestation period lasts between 60 to 67 days. Most dogs give birth after 63 days.
The only way to determine the stage of the dog’s pregnancy is by
keeping the track of time from the day of the breeding. Keeping a
record of this on file is advisable for reference purposes.
Exactly three weeks after breeding, the mother must be examined to confirm the pregnancy.
The dog must be given a formulated and premium brand of dog food for
the duration of the pregnancy and throughout the nursing period
preferably with strong nutritional foundation.
During pregnancy, the mother's food consumption will almost double
compared to the pre-pregnancy level so increased feeding must be given
to ensure that there is enough for both the dog and the puppies.
Behavioral changes are to be expected during this time. The dog will
demand for more affection or may experience a few days of vomiting.
Later on, the expectant mother will search for a secure place to
deliver the puppies. So, one must ensure that a proper place is ready
when the time comes. An ideal place for an expecting mother is a box.
Depending on the size of the dog, it must be spacious enough for the
dog to move around and must have layers of newspaper inside it that
will absorb birthing fluids. This should also have low sides for the
mother to look outside and for the breeder to easily check if
assistance is needed to make it easy to remove soiled papers without
interrupting the mother and the newborn puppies.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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