The Patter of Litter Feet

During pregnancy it is not advisable to increase the amount of food rapidly as the bitch will put on weight be­fore the extra nourishment is needed by the puppies. How­ever, many breeders believe in the addition of supplements containing calcium and other minerals, and vitamins during pregnancy. While the total amount of food should not be increased, the percentage of meat, eggs, fat, milk, and other protein-rich food is augmented. When the bitch begins to show evidence of being in whelp the amount can be raised, as she will generally develop a ravenous appetite while the puppies are growing. As she becomes weighed down and uncomfortable with a large litter during the last weeks her appetite will lessen. Increase the concentrates and lessen the meal or cereal base of her food, so that she will continue well-nourished while eating less. Tempt her appetite with meat and liver, and milk if she likes it.

Exercise during pregnancy is a much-debated question. The bitch should not be "packed in cotton wool" until she has puppies, but neither should she be forced to exercise more than she is inclined to. Jumping and rough play are definite­ly out, but many bitches will voluntarily join such activities. During the latter part of pregnancy this should be prevented forcibly if necessary as she can injure herself or her pup­pies.

The place where the bitch is to whelp should be pre­pared a week or so in advance, so that she may spend her nights there and become accustomed to the place. Then she will not be uneasy when the time comes; generally she will accept the whelping room or pen and go there when she is going to whelp.

Layers of spread-out newspapers make excellent bedding for the area, in sufficient thickness to provide absorbency, and can be covered over, then picked up and replaced while the old ones are burned. If the bitch is in whelp, she will start losing the hair around the breasts at least a week before the puppies are due. The area should be kept clean, and washed thoroughly before she whelps.