By Dr. Dan Meakin
Most female dogs experience their first “heat” period between six and nine months of age. Large breeds may be somewhat later. This is observed as a period beginning with the enlargement of the external genitalia (vulva) followed in seven to nine days by genital bleeding.
If you choose to avoid heat periods and puppies it is wise to have an ovariohysterectomy (spay) performed. This can be done anytime after six months of age except when the dog is in heat. Should you desire puppies it is advisable to wait until the dog has had at least one heat cycle before breeding her. Breeding is usually best done during about the 10th to 14th days of the heat cycle. Puppies are generally born 60-65 days later.
Sometime prior to breeding the female should be examined by a veterinarian for anything that might interfere with normal breeding or whelping (having puppies.) She should be brought up to date on her vaccinations and parasite examinations.
During pregnancy she should be fed a diet specifically formulated for the pregnant dog. Your veterinarian can advise you about her nutrition. During the last 1/3 of the pregnancy the amount of food should be increased sometimes up to twice that of her normal amount. Do not overfeed, however, as an overweight dog will probably have more trouble delivering.
Provide a clean quiet place for your dog to have the puppies. When labor starts she may choose to be alone or with you; honor her desire. During the middle stage of labor she will have forceful contractions. This period may last a few hours. If after this time she fails to produce puppies you should consult your veterinarian. When the puppies are born you should watch, but not disturb her to insure that there is one placenta expelled for each puppy. It is not necessary that the placenta follow immediately after each puppy. Intervals up to 30 minutes can occur between the births of each puppy.
It is generally wise to handle newborn pups with caution. They should be left alone as much as possible to sleep and grow. Excessive handling is detrimental and can actually introduce infections. Neither the mother nor the puppies should be exposed to other dogs until the puppies have at least begun their vaccinations.
At about 3-4 weeks of age the puppies can start to eat softened puppy food. Then they will begin to fill up on food and nurse less and less until they can be weaned at about 6-7 weeks of age. At that time the female’s food and water should be reduced to help her reduce her milk production.
Please call your veterinarian if you have any questions.
Dr. Dan Meakin is the owner of All Creatures Animal Hospital, 1894 Ohio Pike in Amelia. Call (513) 797-PETS.