DRYING UP A FEMALE AFTER WEANING

[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

[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.

[Cottontail Chaser]

Southern States sells a product called Bag Balm....It works good...

[bluegrass]

Its sold here in Michigan as well, and I have used it too....Tony

[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.

[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..

[beaglecrazy-scott]

THANKS FOR THE ADVICE....SCOTT

[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.

[tnbeagleman]

I've used the methed Gus posted for several years and it has always worked.

[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

[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...

[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.

[jim m]

rubbing alcohol works great!

[bradadkins]

I agree with Jim..rubbing alcohol works for me..

[Honey Pot Hounds]

Guys, all I can say to most of you is that I'm glad I'm not one of your bitches!!!!!!!!!
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."
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