Not too long ago, a group of "dog people," myself included, were having dinner, talking about some of the things relating to breeding and whelping that are seldom seen in veterinary publications on the subject.
We realized, as we spoke, that our experiences as breeders could possibly be of benefit to novices and veterans alike, and so I shall describe our topics of conversation. (Note: The following ideas are not meant to take the place of competent veterinary care in a crisis!) First, proceed with caution in regard to "smears" to check on the optimum time to breed your bitch. On many occasions, we have had bitches sent to us for breeding with veterinarian's instructions to "breed her next Thursday" because he/she read the smear the previous Saturday. Smears are valuable and important-but only if they are read in sequential order over time. They should be used to show an individual bitch's pattern of cellular changes to indicate imminent ovulation. Be sure that your vet does several readings if you are to depend on smears. Personally, we have found that the dog and bitch are most often the experts to be trusted! A really experienced stud dog will often not breed a bitch until she is ready to conceive. If you have such a dog, he is a treasure!
Occasionally, a very nervous or aggressive bitch arrives for breeding. To protect the stud dog, you may consider muzzling the bitch, but this action can upset her and make the situation worse. Patience and strong arms are most useful in these situations; patience for all concerned, strong arms especially on the part of the bitch's handler. It cannot be stressed too much that even the sweetest and gentlest bitch can struggle and attempt to pull away while the stud dog is breeding her. This can result in injury to the male, so the bitch owner/handler must hold her firmly. One of our dogs once bred a very difficult bitch in mid-air! But we all held tight!
While most normal newborn pups do survive, they are vulnerable creatures, and their owners must be alert to potential dangers. Be aware that newborns can easily become hypoglycemic (low blood sugar). Such whelps are weak, lose the strong suckling reflex so essential to their survival, become chilled, and die. Do not feed such puppies formula. They will not utilize it effectively. Instead, feed a sugar and water solution (honey or Karo syrup will substitute for the sugar). The proportions are not critical, just be sure it is sweet to the taste. This will not hurt the puppy, and may save his life if hypoglycemia is the problem. (Many neonatal puppy diseases mimic the same symptoms, so consult your vet if the sugar water fails. )
Recovery of the hypoglycemic whelp is swift; he regains muscle tone and vigor in a very short time. If you are experienced in the technique, you can tube feed the solution, but you can also use an eye dropper or just drizzle it on the tongue. Be careful not to overwhelm the puppy with liquid. When he is stronger, put him back on the bitch and make sure he is nursing normally.
Several of us had experience with newborn pups who went into convulsions---their entire little bodies rigid with spasm. Of course, they may have a variety of serious problems, but they may also be exhibiting symptoms relating to low blood levels of calcium. These pups can be cured if given a calcium injection by your vet in time. Speed is essential; do not "wait until morning." The one puppy we saved in this manner lived a full and happy life.
On the subject of heating pads: Remember that a baby puppy cannot tolerate too much heat underneath him when he is unable to escape from it. Usually, the lowest setting on the unit is sufficient for the infrequent times that you need to use it. Heat lamps, while also useful, must be monitored so as not to burn the pups. In short, do not overbake!
Finally, always work in partnership with a trusted veterinarian; but at the same time, don't be afraid to be demanding. Nobody knows everything, and we can all learn from experience, even the professionals. Over the years, all of us agreed that the vets with which we worked best were often breeders themselves, people who knew what it was to sit up all night with a sick puppy. People who would listen as a breeder described symptoms over the phone. People who would come out to do a C section in the middle of the night because they realized that it could not wait until office hours. Such professionals are worth any amount of searching, and will become your most valued allies.
Stephanie Abraham
P.0. Box 346
Scotland, CT 06264
