[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by gemy

I am not sure how profound it was; but it certainly contained many lessons for those who think breeding is just a laissez-faire part of life.

Let me elaborate:

1. Don't travel with a very pregnant bitch on Dec 30th, and stay in environments that are far less than ideal .... such as a MOTEL.

2. I never have hesitated if a bitch goes over one hour with unproductive labour; off to the vet we go! And yes some books say 2hrs, some 3hrs, but I will NOT risk my bitch's life. And let us not forget the travel time to the vet, and perhaps the wait time. Also the pre heat the car stage, the arrangements for newborn pups.

3. If you have had mutiple birth deaths, a necropsy might just save the life of the remaining pup or at least tell you if there is a high likelihood of internal organ damage, and this pup will simply not make it!

4. There is quite simply no such thing as being over prepared. You need to stock up on all the supplies you need well in advance, including a puppy whelping formulae. And hey don't forget about your family, they will need to eat too; so pre stock your freezer with home made dinners that your family can microwave, while you are in the whelping room. Also don't forget yourself. I do in the winter time anyway make up a few day supply of oatmeal, that I can qquickly heat up in microwave and add fruit and nuts too for a nutritous and sustaining breakfast. Homemade soups in the fridge/freezer for lunch etc.

5. Of course let us NOT FORGET the PRE BREEDING tests that should be done; particularly STD's. Brucellosis.

6. Elimination of newborns is very important to go 36 hours without is of high concern.

Trying again. This is more required reading.