Those who have had to experience my ‘lecturing’ about fat dogs will know that I have a fixation about emphasising the need to have our pets look lean and well conditioned, instead of fat from over-feeding. On some other occasion, I will dwell again some more on this matter of over-feeding and offering snacks between meals. For now, however, it is enough to recognize that the pregnant dog should not be fat, nor should she be ‘skin and bones’ and showing signs of malnourishment. Also, if the current pregnancy is coming right after her immediately previous pregnancy and nursing of puppies, she should not be exhibiting any signs of wasting away or being rundown. Please note that a bitch can become pregnant and give birth to puppies twice in a 12 month period.
So, how do we know when the pregnant bitch is in perfect health? My eyes go first to her coat; it should be sleek and shiny; then I look at her eyes: they must be clear without any discharge; and her eyes must display an alertness and contact with the immediate environment. There is a little test I carry out which you can do at home as well. Press a finger against her gums (which should be a healthy pink, not red and inflamed with gingivitis). When you remove the finger, the spot should be white and then immediately return to the original pink colour. If it remains white, then that could reflect a possible anaemia.
When speaking of malnutrition, most people think the condition is due to too little food or low quality food. But in the true sense of the word malnutrition means bad (faulty) nutrition and the end effect could not only be emaciation, but obesity (fatness). Excessive weight (and the operative word is ‘excessive’) and undue weight gain within a short period of time are also causes for concern in the pregnant bitch. If she is pumped with food and becomes fat, in a short time, it is quite likely that the puppies she is carrying will be fat too. This in turn may lead to problems when the time comes for her to deliver the pups.
Having understood the general arguments made in the paragraph above, let’s look now at some specific considerations:
We should recognize that pregnancy (and, later, nursing) is arguably the most important period in a female dog’s life, especially when we are talking about precise nutrition.
Malnutrition can precipitate the emergence of other ailments and even jeopardize the health of the puppies while in the womb and afterwards. Actually, good feeding begins even before the bitch becomes pregnant and definitely before she comes into heat.
During the first month of pregnancy (remember the dog’s pregnancy lasts for about two months), I would suggest that you continue with her normal diet that is high in protein.
During the second month of pregnancy, you would have to increase the protein content of the ration (eg more meat – beef, fish, chicken, legumes, etc). You could increase the ration about 50 per cent. I should mention that the quantity of food offered is not the only consideration. High digestibility is also important to help increase calorie (energy) intake, especially if smaller amounts of food are offered during the day (= better absorption of the food from the intestines into the bloodstream). Pregnant dogs have very high energy needs.
There are commercial foods on the market that specifically target pregnant bitches. If you can’t find such a product, then you may use puppy chow (yes, you read right), because this type of commercial feed is higher in protein – which is just what you want for the pregnant bitch during the second month of her pregnancy.
Often I have been asked the question whether the pregnant bitches should be given extra vitamin and mineral tablets. My answer is usually that, if one feeds and has continuously fed the animal correctly, there is no need for extra anything.
Enough for today. Next week we will continue with the care of the pregnant bitch. Until then, please enjoy your week.
Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals. Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you do not wish your pet to have puppies or kittens, you may exploit the GSPCA’s free spay and neutering programme. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.
