Breeding Bitches
Prior to breeding it is a good idea to determine if your bitch is a good candidate to carry a litter of puppies. There are many factors to consider if you plan on breeding your bitch. This considerations should be looked at prior to the bitch coming into season.
1. First thing to consider is whether the bitch is a maiden bitch or if she has already had puppies. Maiden bitches have their own problems such as mating difficulty and inexperience. Bitches that previously had a litter need to be carefully considered before mating especially if they had a c-section or other difficulites
2. Bitches intended for breeding need to be physically fit and well exercised. An overweight bitch will have more trouble carrying and delivering their puppies
3. Heat cycles should be recorded on a calender to know what 'normal' is. Does she cycle ever 5-6 months or is it every 4 months. Some bitches are regular, some are not. It is important to do this to predict oestrus a plan a mating in advance
4. Pre-Breeding Exam: A week or two ahead of your bitch's estimated heat, you should have a pre breeding exam done. If this is your bitch’s first breeding, you will want to have your vet examine her and make certain she doesn’t have any stricture, which could prevent a live cover breeding and make whelping puppies impossible.
Once you have an idea when your bitch is nearing her heat cycle, you should worm her and get any necessary vaccinations. You will NOT want to vaccinate her once she is bred and pregnant.
5. Other things to consider in certain situations: Brucellosis testing, pre-breeding genetic screening (OFA, Optigen, VetGen, etc, Reproductive tract culture, Detailed review of any previous reproductive problem and Consultation to plan future breeding strategies for success!
6. Finally it is important to consider the breed in question as every breed has problems of one kind or another. Therefore, further screen or tests may be necessary before breeding e.g., hip dysplasia, cardiac monitoring or genetic blood testing
1. First thing to consider is whether the bitch is a maiden bitch or if she has already had puppies. Maiden bitches have their own problems such as mating difficulty and inexperience. Bitches that previously had a litter need to be carefully considered before mating especially if they had a c-section or other difficulites
2. Bitches intended for breeding need to be physically fit and well exercised. An overweight bitch will have more trouble carrying and delivering their puppies
3. Heat cycles should be recorded on a calender to know what 'normal' is. Does she cycle ever 5-6 months or is it every 4 months. Some bitches are regular, some are not. It is important to do this to predict oestrus a plan a mating in advance
4. Pre-Breeding Exam: A week or two ahead of your bitch's estimated heat, you should have a pre breeding exam done. If this is your bitch’s first breeding, you will want to have your vet examine her and make certain she doesn’t have any stricture, which could prevent a live cover breeding and make whelping puppies impossible.
Once you have an idea when your bitch is nearing her heat cycle, you should worm her and get any necessary vaccinations. You will NOT want to vaccinate her once she is bred and pregnant.
5. Other things to consider in certain situations: Brucellosis testing, pre-breeding genetic screening (OFA, Optigen, VetGen, etc, Reproductive tract culture, Detailed review of any previous reproductive problem and Consultation to plan future breeding strategies for success!
6. Finally it is important to consider the breed in question as every breed has problems of one kind or another. Therefore, further screen or tests may be necessary before breeding e.g., hip dysplasia, cardiac monitoring or genetic blood testing