Quote:
Originally Posted by amyrainbow  My sister is a breeder and is coming to town to help me |
Good plan...it's always best to have an experienced breeder with you the first time (at least).
Quote:
Originally Posted by amyrainbow My first question will be about calcium and milk fever. One of my sister's dogs almost died from it so it has me worried. Do you feed calcium before pups - after - how much etc.? |
I've heard that some people give calcium supplements before the whelp, but I have always been told not to start until afterwards. Be sure that you are aware of the signs of eclampsia. Do you know how many she is expecting? The larger the litter, the more risk of this happening to mom.
Quote:
Originally Posted by amyrainbow The other thing that freaks me out is how many pupps and moms in here sound like they are dying or having serious complications! I read somewhere that 25% of pupps die - and I know there is a risk to the mom. Are there some of you out there that don't have all this death going on? |
Sorry to say, but these risk are just part of it. No getting around it. However, being as educated on the process and prepared as possible greatly helps you reduce the chances.
Quote:
Originally Posted by amyrainbow What is in your whelping kit - I read lists online, but thought I would get some info from some actual people |
Let's see, off the top of my head...
scissors--for cutting cords, not sharp, I use child's scissors
something to tie off the cords--plain dental floss, clamps, etc
alcohol--to sterilize as needed, like the scissors, etc
mucus bulb--for clearing the airways
stethoscope
LOTS of towels that you don't mind seeing ruined--chances are promising that you will NEVER get them clean
A few other things I always have on hand,
baby wash-I used this to wash at least the mom's hindquarters after whelp and after pups have fed. IMO, keeping all of that "stuff" on her can only attract bacteria and just, well, EWWW! Make sure that she is completely dry before putting her back with the pups
heating pad--if you are going to use it to regulate temp
artificial formula--in the rare case that you may have to supplement the pups
I'm sure there is more, but that's all I can think of right now.
Quote:
Originally Posted by amyrainbow As far as due dates - I witnessed the first tie on July 21st - I left my male and female together throughout her heat cycle - and I did see them attempting to breed up to three days prior - but they weren't tying - so I assumed she just wasn't quite ready - so, I suppose there is a slight chance that they could have tied a few days earlier than the first time I saw them - I do work... what do you think the closest guess as to due date would be? |
NEVER leave the male and female alone to tie unsupervised!!!
This could be very dangerous and cause serious damage to both of them. In addition, as you are finding out, it also makes it difficult to determine the due date. I would estimate the due date to be 63 days from the first time they COULD have tied....
Quote:
Originally Posted by amyrainbow Lastly, the temperature thing. I started taking the temp yesterday as my sis said the earliest she could deliver is around Sept 16th - since you are supposed to start a week early - I went ahead and did - although 2 weeks of temps 2 times a day seems a bit much. Anyway, she is running about 99.5 both mornings, and 100.5 both evenings. Is that normal - and how big is the drop. |
Temp is a good indicator of pending deliver in most cases. But don't put too much stock and plan too much on that alone. I have seen females that never had a temp change. Be very aware of a change in her behavior...that will be your best indicator.
GOOD LUCK!!!
