The American Beagler Forum

As I sit here with my fingers crossed that my little RDII gyp got bred, I was thinking what to do next if she is. What do you guys do extra for a pregnant dog? Vitamins, supplements, different food, etc. Any helpful hints will be GREATLY appreciated, since this is my first time dealing wth this issue.

Ned

Deworm and start on a good puppy food and have a good whelping pen ready so when she is getting close she can get used to it.

Mine whelped six on just dog food. Sports mix 26/18. My buddy fed all the supplements and puppy chow. His had four and one died. IMO, you can't go wrong with just a good dog food and let nature handle the rest. It usually works out if you bred a bitch that is an easy whelper and she has good motherly instincts.

i would recommend having her x-rayed at about 50 days, so you'll know exactly how many pups she has. It will eliminate any guess work at time of delivery, you will be able to determine if she is having difficulty.

I usually switch over to Diamond Puppy food during her pregnancy, and until she weans the pups.

I took the advice of a vet I use on occasion, and changed absolutely nothing. Don't feed any more than normal because being fat and pregnant is hard on them. I ran her untill she started looking like a pumpkin,feeding only 1-2 cups depending on how hard she was run, and both her litters where fine. The feed I use is 24-20 dry food called Buddy Boy.Good luck with her .

Don't give her any booster shots while she is gestating or lactating

No vitamins or supplements, can cause birth defects if given at elavated levels, a good quality dog food will have all she needs.

Some switch to a puppy food one month prior, feed the same amount that she got prior to the mating, until about 2 weeks out, then increase the amount gradually. Some guys give a small chunk of cheese once a day until she whelps, last two weeks.

Best thing you can do is prepare a whelping area for her, pig rails, heating if needed, ventalation..etc get her it that area a 3-4 weeks prior, so she gets used to it. some wait to the day she goes, then wonder why she won't have them in the whelping box. She is going to want to be secure.

Then be patient, relax, help when you think, but instincts will click in her. Everyday pups are born, and some die.

wireman
got it right exercise her
i think thats more important that the food worry.L&S monk

I agree with keep on running them for the female and the pups sake. I run them some right up to the time she is big.