NUTRITION Feeding your Pregnant Bitch Diet plays a huge roll in your animal reproduction programme. If you are having problems start by looking at their diet. Phytoestrogens are endocrine disruptors that disrupt normal hormonal function. Phytoestrogens do not bind to estrogen receptors as firmly as estrogen produced by the body, so the effect may be weaker. The list of some of the foods that contain phytoestrogens includes A lot of these ingredients are in complete diets, so you will need to read the labels. What about Peas? When conducting a search online for why Peas are adverse to fertility I came across this statement: "There is a natural chemical in peas known as m-xylohydroquinone that may keep you from getting pregnant. Research on peas goes back as far as the 1950s. There is even research ongoing about how peas could be used as a natural contraceptive." There is no published research is available in the last 50 years on the topic of peas and infertility During a healthy pregnancy, female dogs increase their weight by an average of 25% to 50%. Therefore, nutrition during that period should be of high quality and rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. The overall condition and weight of future brood bitch will influence their health, the milk they produce produce, and the well-being of their puppies. As a dog's pregnancy is relatively short, and as long as they are on a good quality, nutritious diet, there is no need to change anything during the first few weeks. I have found that the majority of bitches bought to me to be scanned that are fed a complete diet of dried biscuit kibble go off this type of food very early on during their pregnancy. I would usually recommend a wet food like Forthglade, which has a high meat content, together with fatty fish, fish oils (sardines, sprats and mackerel etc), and eggs. Scrambled egg with cheese has always been a favourite with my girls, and goes down well with the puppies when weaning too. In the final third of pregnancy, the dog needs high-energy, nutritionally balanced meals. The bitch will generally be consuming at least 50 - 75% of her normal diet by week 7 - 8. During the last week of gestation your bitch will generally want less food, don't worry if she is eating more than 50% less than she was the week before as she will have made lots of reserves during the previous few weeks. The labour process itself can cause stomach upsets, and you shouldn't try and force your bitch to eat. But ensure she drinks enough water to avoid dehydration during labour. Life aid electrolyte made by Norbrook is a useful part of your whelping kit as this can later be used for your puppies. Caulophyllum 30c Prepares the cervix for labour and empowers Contractions Caulophyllum 30C ****************************************************** Phytopet Herpes Combination 30c (Homeopathic Nosodes) Homeopathic dilution of; Herpes Simplex 30C, Herpes Zoster 30C Suggested use: One pillule two or three daily begin before mating and continue through pregnancy up to two weeks post whelping. For acute conditions increase dosage to one dose every 2-3 hours up to 6 doses per day All of your whelping supplies can be purchased from Abnoba Pet Store |