San Antonio Veterinarian Clinic
Caring For a Pregnant Dog
Taking care of a dog that is pregnant can be quite different than taking care of any other dog. Any illnesses that the dog contracts while pregnant can affect the puppies just as much if not more than the mother. In fact, if your dog does become ill, she will need to see a San Antonio veterinarian clinic as quickly as possible. Taking care of a pregnant dog takes a lot of time and patience.
Frequency of Breeding
One of the most important things to consider when breeding your dog is to make sure that it is not done too frequently. In fact, it is recommended by the San Antonio veterinarian clinic that you breed a female just once every other year, allowing the female to rest in between. The more a dog is bred, the lower the quality of the pups will be.
Prior to Breeding
Prior to breeding a female dog, the owner should take her in to see a San Antonio veterinarian clinic to make sure she is up to date on all of her shots and healthy in general. They may also want to prescribe her a special food specifically for the last few weeks of her pregnancy to help ensure that her puppies are healthy and strong when they are born.
Care of the Pregnant Dog
Once a dog is pregnant, special care must be taken that she remains healthy. Eliminating her exposure to other animals that are sick is very important. Any illness can adversely affect the pups that the mother is carrying and in addition, if the pups are affected, the mother can suffer ill effects as well. Various ailments can cause the pups to be born underdeveloped. These pups can cause issues with a female that will require treatment from a San Antonio veterinarian clinic.
After the Puppies are Born
After the puppies are born, taking care of the mother and her newborn puppies must continue. For instance, a mother will require at least three times as much food as she would typically eat. A San Antonio veterinarian clinic can help you determine exactly how much she needs. If the mother does not receive all of the nourishment that she needs, the pups will suffer in turn.
Taking care of a pregnant or nursing female dog takes extra care. If you have chosen to breed your dog, you will need to take the extra precautions necessary to make sure that everything goes well. If it does not, the puppies and your dog can both suffer the consequences.