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Choosing to breed with your bitch is an important decision. You need to think about it very carefully. Raising a litter is a lot of work and can be expensive. Also, don't forget that you need to find good homes for the puppies!
Pre-mating
Before mating your bitch you should take her to the clinic for a check up. We will ensure that she up to date with vaccination and that she is free from worms and fleas. We will also guide you to ensure that she is free from inherited diseases. You should not breed with your bitch until she is at least 2 years of age.
Heats/Cycles
There are 4 stages to the reproductive cycle of a bitch. Stage 1 is called prooestrus. Prooestrus is marked by a bloody discharge from the vulva. The vulva also appears swollen. At this stage the female is attracting attention from male dogs but she will not be interested in them. This stage lasts for approximately 9 days. The second stage is called oestrus. Oestrus is marked by a change in the discharge from a bloody red colour to a straw colour. During oestrus the female will be very receptive to males. This stage lasts for about 9 days. The third stage is called diestrous. Diestrous marks the end of ovulation. The hormones released during diestrous will support a pregnancy if the bitch has been mated. This stage lasts for 2 months. The final stage is call anestrous. Anestrous is a period of quiet. It is the time between heats. It lasts for 4-5 months.
Pregnancy
The gestation period of a dog is about 63 days.
 Pregnancy can be confirmed by palpation, ultrasound, xray and/or a blood test. It usually can be confirmed by one of these methods, 30 days after the last mating. Once confirmed you should change your bitches diet to a premium puppy food such as Hills Science Diet or Eukanuba. These foods are designed for pregnant bitches, and have higher protein and fat levels than adult food. It is important to stick to the recommended feeding amounts to ensure that your bitch does not put on too much fat during her pregnancy.
By the 5th week of pregnancy the bitches nipples and mammary glands start to swell. By the 6th-7th week the bitch's abdomen is enlarged due to the growth of the puppies. By the 8th week the bitch's mammary glands enlarge considerably and she starts to produce milk.
Whelping (labour)
A week before birth, you should introduce the bitch to a designated 'whelping' area. Don't be upset however if she chooses to whelp somewhere else!
Stage 1 of labour marks the initial relaxation and dilation of the cervix as well as the first contractions. This stage is not easily recognised however some bitches will be restless, pant heavily, shiver, nest and go off their food. Some will also have vomiting and diarrhoea. This stage usually lasts about 12 hours.
Stage 2 of labour involves intense contractions of the uterus and the delivery of the puppies. Most bitches will lie down during this stage of labour. As the puppies are delivered, the bitch will lick at and eat the membranes surrounding the pup. She will sever the umbilical cord with her teeth. The interval between puppies can vary and can be as long as 2-3 hours.
Stage 3 of labour is characterised by the expulsion of the placenta. In bitches, each puppy has its own placenta. The placenta is often dragged out with the pup but it can be expelled up to 15 minutes after the puppy has been delivered. It is normal for the bitch to eat the placenta.
The bitch should not require any intervention or assistance during whelping. However if you are concerned about the time between pups or if you think things aren't going to plan, please contact the clinic.
Postwhelp care
 After whelping the pups usually find their way to the bitch's nipples and start to suckle. For the first 12-24 hours after birth, the bitch lets down colostrum. Colostrum contains high levels of antibodies that are absorbed into the puppies blood stream and protect it against disease. It is therefore extremely important that all pups get a good suckle during this time period.
A day after whelping, the bitch and all of the puppies should be examined by us at the clinic. We examine the bitch to ensure that she has expelled all of the membranes and that she is producing milk. We examine the pups and look for cleft palates, congenital defects and assess their size and weight.
All puppies should be monitored for weight gain. For the first week, pups should be weighed every day. For the second week they should be weighed 3 times and after that they should be weighed weekly.
It is important to ensure that the bitch is fed a high quality diet whilst she is lactating. A premium puppy food is best.
At 3 weeks of age, puppies can be offered solid food. Softened premium puppy dry food is best. Use large flat bowls and be prepared for mess! Pups should be fed 4 times daily at this stage. By 5 weeks the puppies should be almost weaned off the bitch. Between 6-8 weeks of age the puppies should have their first vaccination and be prepared to go to their new homes!!
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