Pregnancy signs

[kara287]

Hi

My two minis recently mated a few times and I was wondering what and when we could expect symptoms? I would be grateful of any pointers as to what to look out for or when to take her to the vets to check!

Thanks

[zeta1454]

Not sure from your post if this is an accidental mating?
However, if there is any possibility that you may be caring for a bitch in whelp in the near future and raising a litter and you do not have an experienced mentor ( e.g. The bitch's breeder) to help you, I would definitely get a copy of The Book of the Bitch as this is an invaluable guide to everything you need to know about canine pregnancy and whelping:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Book-Bitch-J-M ... +the+bitch" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Also do read through all the different links given on the Kennel Club website re breeding as there is lots of information there which you will also need to know:

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breedin ... -your-dog/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hopefully both your dogs have already had eye tests from a BVA eye specialist vet but, if not, do book this ASAP as you will want reassurance that there are no current signs of hereditary eye problems in either. If you do have a litter of pups in the future you will need to take them to the eye specialist also at around 6/7 weeks of age to be screened to ensure they do not have Congenital Hereditary Cataracts. You can find full information and a list of panellists here:

https://www.bva.co.uk/Canine-Health-Schemes/Eye-scheme/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

As regards your immediate question, it is usually around five weeks post mating that signs of pregnancy may appear. The breast tissue becomes more enlarged and there can be vaginal discharge of a colourless mucus. From that stage you have about 4 weeks until birth. An X Ray can be done from day 45-50 or a blood test or scan at the vet if you want to have a vet check up. As a novice breeder, that may be a good idea in any event to have your bitch health checked at that time.

If you do think that you have a litter of pups coming, you will have a huge amount of research to do as a novice without a mentor. Much of what you need will be found in the book and via the links that I have given above but you could also check out the Puppy Plan website which offers step by step guidance on how to raise a litter:

http://www.thepuppyplan.com/breeder#.V2kBbpB4WK0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Breeding a litter (even if it has been unplanned) is a huge responsibility and does take a great deal of time, energy and dedication if it is to be done with the best care of the bitch and puppies in mind and of course the long term future of those pups too.


If this has been unplanned, I would ensure that for the future you do have one or both of your dogs neutered though as it is extremely difficult to manage male and female entire dogs in the same household to avoid unwanted pregnancies

Good luck and hope all goes well with your bitch



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[kara287]

Hi, thanks so much for the informative reply, it is thankfully a planned litter and I have done an extensive amount of research along with speaking with the breeders of both my dogs to ensure I knew what to expect. I just wondered from any previous mini owners what signs they had seen and when I could expect them as most books are generic rather than specific to breed!

It's such an exciting time and I guess I'm quite impatient to know! I'm booking her in for a 4 week scan at our vet and they were both bva eye tested previously but have regular check ups at our vets and everything from nails to weight are scrutinised!

When I got my girl mini the intention was always to have a litter and if she is pregnant they would be due around her birthday which is lovely!

Thanks again

Kara

[Robin black mini]

Hi Kara..I see your male is barely a year old...

14 Aug 2013
Dog #2: Loki
is a: Black Mini Dog
Born: 12 jun 2015

The health testing that a responsible breeder carries out for pra is usually done around 2 years of age and then each year thereafter...so,your dog is rather young to be used as a sire...it is a case of not what he can do ,but what he should be doing at this age...
You sound like you are starting out so please don't take offense and definitely start the eye checks that are essential for this breed to avoid major heartbreak for your puppy buyers down the line

Health testing the pups should absolutely be done before they leave you..at eight weeks they can be tested for HC ..hereditary cataracts ...and this will ensure the buyer can be confident they have a healthy( eye tested) pup to take home.The specialist will also be able to look at the retinas of the pups,but they will be too young to certificate...however he will give you an appraisal of how healthy their eyes are .