Puppy- 6-8 weeks old (C3- distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus)
- 10-12 weeks old (C3 +/- KC - bordatella bronchiseptica,
parainluenza)
Bitch/Adult - Annually (C3 or C5)
- Parvovirus killed vaccination - a MUST if pregnant and not
up to date with vaccinations, or if in a parvovirus endemic/
high risk area. Must be given at least 4 weeks prior to whelping
so the bitch has time to develop immunity to pass onto the
puppies when lactating. - Disclaimer - some veterinary practices may have tri-annual over an-
nual C3 vaccinations available, these are also efective. Some practices
may also recommend further vaccinations depending on geographic
need (eg. Leptospirosis in some parts of northern Australia). Refer to
your local vets for appropriate geographical vaccination advice.
Is your Bitch a good Breeding Candidate?
Even if you feel you are doing all the right things you may not
end up with a healthy litter of pups. Your bitch may not con-
ceive, may abort, have issues throughout pregnancy or during
whelping, or produce unhealthy or defective puppies.
To increase the likelihood of a successful litter, prior to breed-
ing, bitches should be in an ideal health condition. She should
be her normal active self, eating and drinking well, no vomit
or diarrhoea, be of sound weight (obese or underweight bitch-
es can lead to many diiculties in pregnancy) and must be
fully vaccinated and wormed. She should not be mated until
aer her second heat. his is to ensure she is mature enough
to conceive, carry through the pregnancy and whelp without
growth related physical restrictions (e.g. pelvic size).
It is also ethical to check breeding animals for hereditary
faults prior to breeding them so that their puppies do not in-
herit the trait. For example, hip dysplasia, abdominal/inguinal
hernias, or for males retained testicles (cryptorchids). Bitches
must be up to date with all vaccinations. Distemper, Hepa-
titis and Parvovirus are all life-threatening diseases and are
preventable with efective vaccination programs. Bitches pass
on immunity developed from these vaccines through the pla-
centa to the foetus and when lactating pass orally to the pup
through colostrum (milk in irst 24-48h).
his is especially important in young pups prior to their vac-
cinations at 6-8weeks old. Efective worming regimes are also
imperative to prevent life threatening infections of round
worm and hookworm in puppies. If the bitch is not efectively
wormed prior to and throughout pregnancy, dormant worms
will activate and migrate through the placenta (roundworm)
and milk (hookworm) to the puppies. Worm infestations are
very serious in puppies and cause anaemia (low red blood
cells), diarrhoea, dehydration and death. Internal and external
parasite infections are also completely preventable.
VET CHECK
Canine Reproduction – Part 2
Canine Reproduction Part 1 focused on canine breeding management. his issue we will focus on optimal pregnancy care, if and
how you can help during whelping and when veterinary intervention is necessary.
Vaccination Regime
Worming Regime
Puppy- 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks (fortnightly until 12 weeks old) –
intestinal wormer (eg Drontal, Fenpral etc). - 4, 5 and 6 months (4 weekly from 12 weeks to 6 months old)
- intestinal wormer.
- hen 3 monthly ongoing – intestinal wormer plus tape
wormer.
Bitch/Adult- 3 monthly - intestinal wormer plus tapewormer
- 4 weeks prior to whelping – intestinal wormer ideally in line
with 3 monthly wormer
If you see your dog tieing it does not mean she will get preg-
nant. Alternatively, if you don’t see your dog tieing and she has
a heat she may still get pregnant. here are a few options of di-
agnosing pregnancy in bitches, if it is an unwanted pregnancy
the earlier you know the more choices you have to deal with it.
Check out this free App
for your phone
First Aid for Pets Australia- Clean towels
- Dental oss or strong thread to tie umbilicus
- Lubricant
- Hot water bottle or alternative external heating for
puppies (not too hot!)
Whelping Checklist
http://www.stockdogs.com.au AWSDM 21