The Breeding Bitch
Note the dates of mating.
Gestation is on average around 60 days but can vary from 54 to as much as 72 days.
VACCINATIONS
Your bitch should be up to date with her vaccinations preferably prior to mating.
WORMING
From day 40 of pregnancy the bitch should be wormed daily with a wormer such as panacur liquid or granules until 2 days post whelping. This is to eliminate encysted Toxocara canis larvae from the bitch which can migrate to infect the puppies in the uterus and via the milk.
NUTRITION
No change in diet needs to be made if the bitch is on a good quality, well balanced diet.
The majority of foetal growth occurs in the last third of pregnancy and this is the time that food increase should take place.
The increase of food allowance should be made gradually e.g. 10% increase per week from day 42, leading to 50% more than maintenance, at the time of whelping.
INFORMATIVE READING
An excellent book can be purchased called BOOK OF THE BITCH, A Complete Guide to Understanding and Caring for Bitches by J. M. Evans and Kay White. This can be bought through book shops or online at Amazon for around £9.95. IT IS NOT AN ALTERNATIVE TO VETERINARY ATTENTION BUT A GUIDE ONLY. Veterinary help must be sought if necessary.
ISBN number is 1-86054-023-6