If your dog is expecting a litter, you probably scheduled vacations and business trips around the expected big day so that you will be present for the puppies' births. Despite best laid plans, unexpected events can and do occur. Should this happen to you and you find yourself needing to board your pregnant pooch, make sure that your veterinarian and boarding facility staff members are both aware of the situation. For even better results, keep these three additional tips in mind.
Mind Your Ears and Tails
In many dog breeds, like Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, Jack Russel Terriers, Poodles, and Old English Sheepdogs, puppies' tails are often docked. Docking originated out of necessity, keeping working dogs' tails safe from injury. Today, breeds once developed for working purposes are now more commonly loved as house pets, but many breeders still opt to dock puppies' tails.
Ear cropping is another veterinary procedure that once protected animals' ears from being ripped off or damaged on the job. Like tail docking, ear cropping is not as commonly used for functional purposes, but many breeders continue with the tradition.
If your pregnant pet represents a breed that is traditionally docked or cropped, alert the boarding staff to your desires. Docking usually takes place within days of birth, so make arrangements if you want this procedure done. Ear cropping is usually performed later in a puppy's youth; the best age for cropping depends on the breed.
Keep Your Pet Comfortable
Professional breeders recommend introducing the expectant mother to a whelping box three weeks before the predicted due date. Your girl will spend a lot of time here, so make sure that your pet is comfortable and acclimated to the box.
If you must leave your dog at a boarding facility in the weeks or days before the expected date, ask the boarding facility staff if they can accommodate the whelping box. That way, your expecting pet will feel safe in her surroundings, and you can bring the box--and maybe even puppies!--home with you upon your return.
Alert Staff to Your Dog's Special Needs
Dogs have been birthing litters for thousands of years. Be that as it may, domestication and breed characteristics have complicated the process for many canine mothers.
Several notable dog breeds struggle giving birth naturally and often require caesarian sections. These breeds, which include English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, Scottish Terriers, and Pekingeses, require caesarian sections up to 80% of the time!
If you own one of these breeds, make sure that you alert the boarding kennel staff to this issue. Boarding staff members are very experienced with dogs and puppies, but usually do not see a lot of litters born in their facilities. Thus, it is your responsibility to inform staff members of the risks that your pet faces.
For more information, contact a company like Georgetown Veterinary Hospital Inc.
Share8 May 2015
Animal emergencies happen quite often, and I have seen a lot of different injuries at the veterinary office I work at. Vehicle incidents, falls, and fights with other animals can all cause these injuries. Some of the most surprising emergencies I see though, are when pets eat substances that make them ill. Dogs and cats can both get sick by ingesting flowers, essential oils, and certain types of food items that humans eat. I even see some animals that become ill when they eat shoes, towels, and their own toys. I know that the vast majority of pet owners love their animals dearly. Most medical emergencies are purely accidental. You can easily save your precious feline or canine from harm as long as you know how the most common injuries occur. The articles posted here can help you with this, so start reading to make sure your pet remains healthy.