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DRYING UP A FEMALE AFTER WEANING

Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 4:14 pm
by beaglecrazy-scott
JUST WONDERING IF YOU GUYS DO ANYTHING SPECIAL TO HELP A FEMALE DRY UP AFTER WEANING HER PUPS? MAYBE SOMETHING THAT WOULD MAKE HER BAGS GO BACK TO THE WAY THEY WAS BEFORE SHE WAS BRED...THANKS...SCOTT

Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 4:32 pm
by mike crabtree
I try to wean the pups at 5 weeks. After they get big is when they really stretch the bitch. I also cut the females feed back to a little less than what i fed her before she was bred.

Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 5:28 pm
by Cottontail Chaser
Southern States sells a product called Bag Balm....It works good...

Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 6:11 pm
by bluegrass
Its sold here in Michigan as well, and I have used it too....Tony

Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 6:48 pm
by gus
Withhold feed for twenty four hours, the next day feed her half ration, the next day go back to her normal ration. I read that many years ago in a beagle book written by a Vetrinarian. It works for me.

Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 7:42 pm
by kevin
I USE A PILL CALLED SOY ISOFLAVIN THAT I GET FROM THE PHARMACY.. AT WAL-MART IT'S 4.00-5.00/BOTTLE. GIVE ONE TABLE FOR 5 DAYS AFTER YOU WEAN THE PUPS.. IT WILL DRY HER RIGHT UP..

Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 7:44 pm
by beaglecrazy-scott
THANKS FOR THE ADVICE....SCOTT

Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 7:45 pm
by Emery
Another way to slow milk production is to limit her time with the pups. For instance, at 5 weeks, take her away and let her feed either 2 or 3 times the first day, then next day, take her down to 2 feedings, do a couple days at 1 feeding a day and then take her away permanently. I know it is more work, but she won't engorge nearly as much and won't be so uncomfortable.

Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 5:11 pm
by tnbeagleman
I've used the methed Gus posted for several years and it has always worked.

weaning

Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 7:53 pm
by Lone Pine Beagles
What works for me:

I wean the pups at exactly 4 weeks. 1st shot also.

Cut the feed for the female to 3/4 normal ration.

Exercise her. Mother nature will kick in and dry up those bags if she's trying to condition herself.

good luck,
Lone Pine Beagles

Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 8:07 pm
by S.R.Patch
Withhold water 24 hrs. That will halt milk production.
Rubbing Camphophenique on the milk bar will also aid in drying/drawing up a bitch nice and tight again... ;)

Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 8:36 pm
by jeffro
I agree with Emery Limit the feeding time the Pups have at about 4 1/2 weeks. Keep plenty of food out for the pups.By 5 1/2 weeks you should have them down to once a day.Then skip about 3 days put Mama back in there they will pull her utters up nice and tight. Repeat again in a couple more days.Works good for me.

Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 8:28 am
by jim m
rubbing alcohol works great!

Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 11:38 am
by bradadkins
I agree with Jim..rubbing alcohol works for me.. :cool:

Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 3:58 pm
by Honey Pot Hounds
Guys, all I can say to most of you is that I'm glad I'm not one of your bitches!!!!!!!!! :lol:
I wouldn't consider not feeding or watering my bitch. As far as I'm concerned She can eat to her hearts content if her weight isn't up to par.
I start feeding my pups mush at 3 weeks and slowly work up to moist kibble. By 5 weeks momma is only doing a couple short visits a day and overnight with the kids. Then its overnight only for a few nights...then its "no more mama." :cry:
As with every other species of female...after nursing her teats are not going to be as firm as they were before...it shouldn't really matter too much in a hunting dog...it's not like they will drag on the ground or anything...and actually my Honey still won quite a few nice ribbons in the showring after she lost her girlish underline too.
Its just another fact of nature that only a good plastic surgeon can fix ;)