One of the Handy Dog Booklet Series WHELPING OF PUPPIES By CAPT. WILL JUDY Editor of Dog World Magazine j Author of The Dog Encyclo- pedia, Training the Dog, Care of the Dog, Kennel Building and Plans, Principles of Dog Breeding, and Sirius Series PfiiM ANGUS GEORGE E. & HARRIETTA DWYER ROUTE 1, BOX 261K ALBANY, OREGON 97321 JUDY PUBLISHING COMPANY CHICAGO 1945 ^' COPYRIGHT, 1945, WILL JUDY Purchasable at any bookstore or from the publisher Excerpts to a reasonable extent can be made but with specific credit to author and publisher Printed in U.S.A. • First edition, 1932 — 2,000. Second edition, 1935 — 3,000. Third edition, 1937 — 4,000. Fourth edition, 1942 — 4,000. This FIFTH edition, 1945—6,000. PUBLISHER'S NOTE This is one of a series of TWELVE booklets by Capt. Will Judy on specific dog subjects of practical interest and published under the name HANDY DOC BOOKLETS. Figure denotes current edition. 1. FEEDING THE DOC***** 2. HOW TO SHIP DOCS*** 3. DOC IN SHOW RINC***** 4. DOC SHOWS AND RULES*** 5. LAWS ABOUT DOCS*** 6. WHELPINC OF PUPPIES**** 7. HOUSEBREAKINC DOC**** 8. HANDLING THE MATING*** 9. STUD DOG'S CARE AND MANAGEMENT*** 10. ANATOMY OF THE DOC** 11. PUPPIES AND THEIR CARE** 12. HOW TO SELL DOCS** It is a pleasure to invite attention to the scientific, authoritative, vigorous manner of presentation characteristic of his vy/ritings, not only on dogs but also on general subjects. The price of these booklets is 25c each, 3 for 50c, 7 for $1, 8 or more, 13c each; or a special price of $1.50 for all twelve. Or all twelve nicely bound in book form, $2.50. Cash or COD. Any assortment of titles. Order either by number or title. As the subjects covered by the Handy Dog Booklet Series are those which interest every dog owner, breeder and lover in a practical, important way, the publishers take pleasure in offering them in this convenient, low-priced booklet form. More copies have been sold (141,000 total thus far) than of any other printed matter in the dog field. JUDY PUBLISHING COMPANY JUDY BUILDING, 3323 MICHIGAN BOULEVARD, CHICAGO 16 MOVM or JUDY BViiCfDBV iERvlCl April, 1945 WHELPING OF PUPPIES After the fifth week of pregnancy, violent exercise, fast and continued running, jumping up and down, should be avoided by the bitch. She should be walked slowly two or three times daily for some distance (a half mile each way), and on lead. Do not permit her to play with other dogs, either sex, after the sev- enth week. In general, she should be treated with consideration but not coddled. Feed mostly lean meat; feed liber- ally, two or three times daily — small meals rather than one large meal and its resulting distended stomach. Whole wheat bread, liver and 'beef heart can be included. Plenty of fresh milk if the bitch wants it. Give milk of magnesia or other suitable laxative once weekly during pregnancy or mineral oil can be given twice weekly. For about four weeks before the bitch is due to whelp, place a level teaspoonful of bicarbonate of soda in the drinking water every third day. Beginning shortly after mating, cal- cium lactate, calcium gluconate (this is preferable), or dicalcium phosphate can ibe given daily. Calcium gluco- nate injected by the veterinarian shortly before and shortly after whelp- ing, tends to avoid milk fever (eclampsia), acid milk, fits and nerv- ousness. Most of the commercial "conditioners" provide these. Clean the bitch's teeth thoroly sev- eral times during the week before whelping to lessen the probability of navel and other infection in the new- born puppies. Keep her free from skin infections as much as possible. Do not worm a pregnant bitch after six weeks since mating. Be sure to worm her if the presence of worms is clearly evident, for round worms can infect the puppies in the womb. How Long Pregnant? Sixty-three days is allowed f©r ges- tation in the bitch, not including the day of mating. The sixty-second day is often the whelping day, the day when the puppies are delivered out of the uterus or womb. Occasionally a whelping may occur as early as fifty-eight days or as late as sixty-five days. It is time for worry, for an injection of petruin, or for a caesarean after this day. Early delivery may indicate a large litter. [3] WHELPING OF PUPPIES-^ %The above arrangement, for small breeds {up to cocker in size) can be a large box or a per- manent stall in the kennel building. % Dimensions vary with the breed. The center piece is grooved for an extra bar to be put in when the puppies are large enough to crawl over the baseboard. • There can be a strip extending about three inches above the floor on all four sides as a refuge for the puppies should the mother be in danger of rolling on them. %A — compartment for mother and puppies. B — resting refuge for the mother. C — sliding bar; th^ lo7cer bar also can be taken out so thai quarters will be enlarged. D — protecting strip for puppies. Needed Supplies in Advance It is well to obtain in advance cer- tain supplies useful when the litter is actually arriving. We suggest some or all of the following: Clean newspapers for the floor while the mother is whelping; paper handkerchiefs, soft cloth, or clean rags for drying the puppies, cleaning the mother, and cleanup uses. A bucket for waste material and afterbirths ; a wash basin and a towel for one's hands, with very mild dis- infectant; a clean blanket for the bitch and puppies to rest on. Brandy for use if the puppies need it immediately after being born — two drops in a teaspoon of warm milk; a teaspoon; scissors sterilized in boil- ing water ; vaseline ; eye dropper for emergency feeding of puppies. Is Bitch in Whelp? ; There is no sure, easy sign for the inexperienced breeder to observe. The swelling of loins is not noticeable until after the fifth week. The pres- ence of feti (puppies) in the womb can not be determined before four weeks. At that time they may be as large as hickory nuts. Place the bitch on her side and have her facing you. Put one hand underneath, the other on top of her abdomen. Move the fingers along the abdomen. One maybe able to feel the swollen tubes on each side, and the puppies in them. The breasts begin to enlarge with milk content at about six to seven weeks after mating. Bedding for Whelping The whelping quarters, whatever they be — ^box, blanket, stall or room, should be arranged several days in advance so that the bitch may become accustomed to them. Do not have a whelping box too large as puppies may wander away. Bed it with a rug or tack down tight- ly an old blanket. Do not use rags or cloths as puppies may be suffocated in them. Newspapers can be used altho there is some danger of ink poisoning. Simply a hard, clean, dry, crackless wooden floor in warm weather is an ideal whelping and nursing bed. See illustration of special whelping box on page 4. Whelping quarters, if not in the home, should be heated. The typical poultry brooder stove with thermo- stat (cost about $15 to $20 complete) is satisfactory. A large oil stove also may be used. Note the illustration above. S— WHELPING OF PUPPIES 4r - ^ ^doof to ^t Jo pups 10 front ■<6*> The foregoing sketch was submitted by R. S. Foster, chow breeder who writes: "This arrangement keeps the chill off the puppies and does not make it too warm. Heat can be regulated and the heater is very cheap to run." Wash the region of the vulva. If hair is long, cut it oif but not close. The vaginal passage can be explored carefully with rubbered finger for any possible obstructions. The finger should be vaselined, or better still, a rubber glove worn. First Signs of Coming Family The first advance signs of whelp- ing may be given as early as twenty- four hours before the first puppy ar- rives, and may consist of the refusal of the bitch to eat, the tearing of papers or other material into shreds for a nest, or scratching and looking about for a soft nest. In this as in most other activities of bringing new life into the world, instinct as a heritage from countless past generations, can be trusted to "do the right thing." ^ Nature is a good midwife; do not interfere overly with her. Beginning of Expulsion The rear parts of the bitch swell; a slight discharge may be seen. The travail or labor pains begin. The muscles of the abdomen contract or relax; the walls of the belly squeeze and then relax. The mother may stretch out her legs and appear suddenly to stiffen in the entire body. Then the muscles shorten or contract and the mother has a moment's rest. Aids in Starting Labor If the bitch delays in laboring, a finger exploration (rubber-covered) may start the act. Sometimes taking the bitch for a walk or even an auto ride or having her travel up and down the stairs may start the delayed laboring. As we write this, a press dispatch states that in New York City a five-year spitz fell out of a third-story window, climbed back upstairs, and promptly gave birth to four ipuppies, mother and oflfspring doing: well. If the first puppy is not delivered from the womb thru the vagina within six hours after pains begin, trouble may result; a veterinarian should be called promptly. Exercise before Whelping Castor oil as a purgative and a stimulant to labor pains is not desir- able. It may weaken the bitch when she most needs strength. A brisk walk outdoors just 'before labor pains begin, is a better purgative and stimu- lator. An emptied bladder is desirable. Within the womb, the sac or en- velope of mesh about the puppy is loosening from the womb wall. The puppy or developed fetus wrapped in a membrane of its own, starts, with the aid of the swelling and relaxing of the mother's belly, to move down one horn to the mouth of the uterus WHELPING OF PUPPIES— 6 TABLE SHOWING WHEN A BITCH IS DUE TO WHELP li i' i| ll II ll 1, |i ll l! |i ll II h 1! ll s i |2 li ll 11 li F i| \ 1 ^S 1 5 ~ 3 ~1 3 "1 3 1 3 1 2 1 3 1 3 I 3 ^ 3 1 2 2 6 2 6 2 4 2 4 2 4 2 4 2 3 2 4 2 4 2 4 2 4 2 3 3 7 3 7 3 5 3 5 3 5 3 5 3 4 3 5 3 5 3 5 3 5 3 4 4 8 4 g 4 6 4 6 4 6 4 6 4 5 4 6 4 6 4 6 4 6 4 S 5 9 5 9 5 7 5 7 5 7 5 7 5 6 5 7 5 7 5 7 5 7 5 6 6 10 6 10 6 8 6 8 6 8 6 8 6 7 6 8 6 8 6 8 6 8 6 7 7 11 7 11 7 9 7 9 7 9 7 9 7 8 7 9 7 9 7 9 7 9 7 8 8 12 8 12 8 10 8 10 8 10 8 10 8 9 8 10 8 10 8 10 8 10 8 9 9 13 9 13 9 11 9 11 9 11 9 11 9 10 9 11 9 11 9 11 9 11 9 10 10 14 10 14 10 12 10 12 10 12 10 12 10 11 10 12 10 12 10 12 30 12 10 11 11 15 11 15 11 13 11 13 11 13 11 13 11 12 11 13 11 13 11 13 11 13 11 12 12 16 12 16 12 14 12 14 12 14 12 14 12 13 12 14 12 14 12 14 12 14 12 13 13 17 13 17 13 15 13 15 13 15 13 15 13 14 13 15 13 15 13 15 13 15 13 14 14 18 14 18 14 16 14 16 14 16 14 16 14 15 14 16 14 16 14 16 14 16 14 15 15 19 15 19 15 17 15 17 15 17 15 17 15 16 15 17 15 17 15 17 15 17 15 16 16 20 16 20 16 18 16 18 16 18 16 18 16 17 16 18 16 18 16 18 16 18 16 17 17 21 17 21 17 19 17 19 17 19 17 19 17 18 17 19 17 19 17 19 17 19 17 18 18 22 18 22 18 20 18 20 18 20 18 20 18 19 18 20 18 20 18 20 18 20 18 19 19 23 19 23 19 21 19 21 19 21 19 21 19 20 19 21 19 21 19 21 19 21 19 20 20 24 20 24 20 22 20 22 20 22 20 22 20 21 20 22 20 22 20 22 20 22 20 21 21 25 21 25 21 23 21 23 21 23 21 23 21 22 21 23 21 23 21 23 21 23 21 22 22 26 22 26 22 24 22 24 22 24 22 24 22 23 22 24 23 24 22 24 22 24 22 23 23 V 23 27 23 25 23 25 23 25 23 25 23 24 23 25 23 25 23 25 23 25 23 24 24 28 24 28 24 26 24 26 24 26 24 26 24 25 24 26 24 26 24 26 24 26 24 25 25 29 25 29 25 27 25 27 25 27 25 27 25 26 25 27 25 27 25 27 25 23 25 26 26 30 26 30 26 28 26 28 26 28 26 28 26 27 26 28 26 28 26 28 26 28 26 27 27 31 27 Mill 27 29 27 29 27 29 27 29 27 28 27 29 27 29 27 29 27 29 27 28 28 >»1 28 2 28 30 28 30 28 30 28 30 28 29 28 30 28 30 28 30 28 30 28 Mfl 29 '2 29 3 29 31 29 j,i,l 29 31 29 31 29 30 29 31 29 •.el 29 31 29 31 29 2 30 3 30 J1.I 30 2 30 tell 30 tiMl 30 octl 30 umI 30 2 30 Jill 30 Ml 30 3 31 4 31 2 31 2 31 2 31 2 31 2 _ 31 4 where the vagina joins the womib opening. Causes of Whelping Trouble Uterine inertia, the cause of dy- stocia, is associated with several fac- tors, among them fatness and laziness of the bitch, abnormal size of puppies —they may be a'bnormal for the bitch but not abnormal for the breed, lack of the stamina and endurance which come naturally to the dog in the wilds but which may be lost easily in the conditions of modern living, and its resulting endocrine deficiencies. The last mentioned occurs more frequently among the radical depar- tures from the natural size or type of a breed; in other words, the glands influencing birth labor secrete less hormone in dogs of unnatural structure. Other factors also make difficult whelping. Fatness of the bitch is likely to occur in the family pet, the lazy dog, the proven matron slowing up with age, and the bitch bred for the first time after she is three or four years old. Thin bitches, of course, lack stamina too. Nervous females give up easily as also do fat bitches. They have not the determination to carry on at whelping time. Mind must aid body even in the animal kingdom. Physiological conditions may cause trouble in whelping, such as growth of soft tissues in the genital passage, persistent hymen, deformity of fiie pelvis due perhaps toinjury or prolapse of vagina. Where dogs of different breeds mate, one of a large and the other of a small breed, the dam of the smaller breed, the puppies may be too large for the mother's ability to deliver. Dogs of greatly differing size may mate; we recall an instance of an 7— WHELPING OF PUPPIES English setter male and Pekingese bitch. Two puppies may arrive at the opening of the womb at the same time or a puppy lying near the open- ing may interfere with another about to be delivered. Most bitches lie on their side when whelping. Bitches whelping for the first time may utter short cries of pain. Man "Twists" Nature Nature and man often are not "on all fours" in the breeding of live stock. Man makes use of selective breeding and gets type which Mother Nature would arrive it only after several thousand years of iccidents. Man has done pretty much as he pleased and likely in the future, will bring to pass many queer things in the breeding of animals. In dogs he has developed models, types, breeds far different from nature'si mould. The primal or natural type of the dog, as evidenced in the wolf, coyote, jackal, and fox, is the long, lean, lithe figure, neat- ly put together. We term it racy. But man, aided by freaks and the accidents of heredity, has developed numerous canine breeds which are utterly strange to nature's ways and demands. Consequently, there are an increasing number of difficulties in whelping of puppies, in maintaining stam- ina, and in continuing the tradition of serving as viseful members of the dog family in service to mankind. Act Not Naturally Dangerous Altho birth is always accompanied with pain and severe straining on the part of the mother, it is not to be con- sidered that the act is dangerous on this account. The fetus or puppy about to be born should come out of the womb at the cervix (opening) and enter the birth canal in such position to make the passage practicable. It never is an easy passage. See illustration of female sexual organs on page 8. Difficulty in Expulsion A necessary consideration is the size of the pelvic opening so that the puppy can pass out of the womib into the vagina (see illustration). Even tho the puppy or any portion of it is not of unusually large size, difficulty may arise out of the position of the puppy as it leaves the womb. If the spinal axis or backbone of the mother and that of the fetus are parallel or in line, parturition, the act of birth, is comparatively easy. This sketch made from an Xray photograph of a dam in whelp shows location of pup- pies in womb {about five days before whelping). Spheres, of course, indicate skulls. Puppy may Come Either Way If the puppy is turned at a right angle or approaching that angle in comparison to the line of the mother's backbone, trouble will arise. Also even tho the puppy may lie parallel to the mother, the fetus may enter the vagina head first or feet first. Never use instruments ; they kill puppies and injure the mother. Pitu- itrin (or pitocin) may be injected to assist in propelling the puppy from the wonnb. The only help suggested is when a bitch has trouble in delivery, that she be held gently on her side with her head down. ^ Permit no strangers within her sight. Youatt of England, first of modern writers on dogs, said in 1839, "Great nutabers of bitches are lost every year in the act of parturition." This is true today tho not to the same large extent. Umbilical or Navel Cord The fetus or puppy to be born is attached from its navel to the inner side of the womb with a cord Imown as the umbilical cord. It may vary from a few inches to a foot long and is a network of connective tissue. The puppy itself arrives in a mem- brane (not afterbirth). The mother tears this off, devours it, and coming to the umbilical cord, bites off the umbilical cord or an attendant may snip it off with a sharp scissors. It should be cut so that about three- fourths of an inch remains. This is WHELPING OF PUPPIES— a MALE SEXUAL OL^OANS FEMALE SEWAL OUGANS LEFT, Male Sexual Organs: 1. Bladder. 2. The rectum portion of the colon or large intestine leading on to the external opening or anus at 3. 4, Scrotum or hag containing the testicles (5). 6. Penis. 7. Sheath or covering of penis. 8a and 8b. Vas deferens — tubes from the prostate gland to each testicle (and carrying semen into the urethra). 9. Urethra duct, carrying urine from bladder to external exit (penis, male; vagina, female). In male, urethra is also a genital duct for semen. Do not confuse urethra with ureters, of which there are two, one leading from each kidney to the bladder. 10, Prostrate gland. ^ RIGHT: 1. and 1. Ovarian bursa or sacs. 2. Ovaries (one on each side). 3. Fal- lopian tubes (one on each of the two horns), 4. Main body of uterus or womb. 5. Bladder (to rear). 6. Os uteri (mouth of womb), from which puppies emerge. 7. Vagina (external open- ing). 8. External urethral orifice (where urine emerges). 9. Fossa clitoridis. 10. Fetuses (puppies) in the womb. 11. Region of kidneys. 12. Rectal opening (above vaginal opening). 13. Vulva attached to pelvic bone for support. absorbed into the abdomen of the puppy within thirty hours. Navel or Umbilical Hernia If not absorbed, by reason of being too shortj or of infection developing, an umbilical or navel rupture may result. However, even then, the rup- ture commonly cures itself before the age of four months. If the protrusion continues into maturity, it is not seri- ous unless the protrusion is longer than one inch. A mother rather old, whose teeth are not even, may bite the cord un- evenly and thus cause slow healing; or decayed and dirty teeth may cause an obstinate ulcer at the navel open- ing. A large button or like circular surface placed across the navel and kept there with adhesive tape for two to three weeks aids greatly. Puppies tear off bandages. A tight, wide bandage entirely around the body is best. Iodine lightly applied about the rup- ture causes an inflammation which draws the rupture inward and aids in closing the opening. It is well to touch the navels of the puppies with a very light disinfec- tant (iodine is good) ; this can be repeated daily for three days. Navel fever may result from infect- ed navels and bring death to some of the puppies within five or six days. 9— WHELPING OF PUPPIES What often is mistaken for acid milk in the mother, Hkely is really navel infection with subsequent inter- ned cold and poisoning. The myste- rious death of puppies at a few days of age may result from this navel fever or poisoning. The umbilical cord of the puppy, which the mother bites ofiF, commimi- cates witii an artery and a vein in the liver and thus septic poisoning is easily had. The Afterbirth The placenta or afterbirth, a mesh of tissue, may come with the puppy, hut usually later. The mother eats it usually and it is well that she does. The afterbirth contains a sexual stim- ulant not unlike that secreted by the sexual organs and this likely aids the mother in cleaning out her system and in producing a milk supply. Should llie afterbirth not be en- tirely cleaned out of the womb, the mother may bleed at the vagina even as late as four weeks after whelping. A diet treatment of raw beef, cod liver oil and olive oil is suggested for a week. Then the uterus should be douched thru the vagina with a mild antiseptic in water tibree times daily. The water should be boiled and then douched slightly warm. Injury Causes Bleeding If the bleeding continues week after week, likely the bitch will not conceive the next time. A chronic rupture or ulcer is indicated. A bitch that bleeds out of the vagina some days before whelping, may have a cancer in the womb. This will not harm the coming litter but usually renders the bitch barren thereafter. Puppies Fed in Womb The placental fetal manbrane or after- birth is only a continuation of an early wall of the yolksac which completely sur- roands the embryo (later the fetus). Over the entire surface of this sac or placenta, villi, hairlike in nature, establish a relationship between the embryo and the uterus. But the blood vessels of the fetus and of the mother are not continuous ; they are constantly separated by lajrers of mater- nal capillaries and fetal capillaries. Possibility of Natal Infection There is a free echange of nutritive and waste products between the capillaries of the mother and the capillaries of the fetus, or youncT in the mother's womb. The circu- lation is so separate and complete that or- dinary disease germs do not pass thru. AGES OF THE DOG 10 weeks old 10 days old Eyes opening 10 years old (70 yrs, in the human span) Consequently, tho the mother be infected •with contafiiouB disease, the fetus seldom contracts it thru the blood stream. How- ever, worm eggs may pass thru into the fetus and puppies be bom with worms fascarids). How Fast Puppies Come A bitch in good conditicm should whelp her puppies as soon as an hour or not longer than twelve hours, tho eighteen to twenty-four hours is not uncommon. Bitches too fat have trouble and require longer time. Pups should emerge out of the vagina at intervals of five and ten minutes to perhaps two hours. Delay usually means a large puppy on its way. If the vagina is dilated to the stage where the puppy can 'be touched easily with the finger, mechanical aid or caesarean should not be given before a period of two hours. Don't Interfere Unnecessarily The average bitch will whelp very well without aid. Some dogs may need help hut unless the help is clearly needed, it is better that none be given. Quiet, no vibrations, and a temper- ature of about seventy degrees (on or near the floor) during all the time of whelping and for ten days after- ward, are demanded. A chilled pup easily can become a dead pup. This short treatise persistently empha- sizes the dependence to be placed upon na- ture and mother instinct. How, the reader inquires, did puppies survive in the thou- sands of years all dogs were whelped in the wilds, perhaps in wintry weather, with snow for a bed? Our memory goes back to a ramshackle WHELPING OF PUPPIES— W barn on one of winter's coldest days. The icy blasts whistled thru the open sflpaces of the bam walls. There in a corner was a pointer mother, her seven puppies two days old, squirming, whining, suckling — the mother much con- cerned over them. The bed was about six inches of straw — out in the open. All sur- vived— without the aid of owner, veterinari- an or this short treatise. But not all puippies are like these lucky seven. Perhaps in the order of nature in the woods, for every puppy running about, one died within forty-eight hours after birth. This survival of the fittest and toughest logically insured stamina, strength and endurance in the wild dog. Today it is true that weaklings are saved from whelping death — which in turn contributes to the tendency for a race of pure bred animals to deteriorate slowly in stamina. Nature weeded them out but the breeder of pure bred stock saves them for the sake of a sale or the possibility of a type winner. Nature also adjusted its struggle by rea- son of the fact that springtime was the chief mating time for dogs. Many puppies whelped in wintertime died at birth. Pup- pies whelped in summertime (from spring romances) survived in much greater pro- portion and their first heat arrived the fol- lowing Sipring — and their first mating, for nature and the male have little regard for the immaturity of the bitch. Thus, as nature runs affairs, the vast majority of dams are born in summertime and come into the first mating season the following spring. The dog breeder changes this to a great extent tho it is true that he too (prefers spring matings so that summer whelpings can go thru the first fateful three months outdoors and in the sunshine. An electric heating pad placed un- der the blanket or rug will help. Some breeders place an electric lamp under a large cowl or inverted ibowl so that the heat rays are thrown down on the puppies. Some bitches are poor mothers (and usually remain so at all later whelp- ings). Usually the mother licks the puppy dry immediately. If she does not pay attention at once to the puppy just delivered, rub the puppy well with a bath towel, keep dry and warm (if necessary, until all the puppies have been whelped). If they are slow in finding their way to the teat, place them there. Moisten the nose with a bit of warm milk, gently open the mouth by in- serting a finger, then place puppy at a flowing teat, forcing teat into its mouth. Warm a puppy if necessary with a warm cloth as soon as the mother has licked it. Dry it and place at a teat. If a puppy is seemingly dead, do not give up. Wrap up and leave in a warm place for three or four hours. It may cling to life and be saved. There are not a few instances of later champions having been laid aside at birth as dead, only to perk up and survive. Don't have a Large Audience Only an attendant who is well known to the mother and has her full confidence, should be permitted in the whelping place. More than one person is not advisable. There are instances where the moth- er eats her young. This unnatural happening is caused by fright and a consequent desire to save the young, or by intense pain felt by the mother, or by an appetite too greedy for the hormones in the afterbirth. Som£ mothers may do this with each litter. They should be mMsded until puppies are ten days old. The other recourse is to remove all puppies as soon as born and handfeed until four weeks old. A cannibal mother usually remain so at later litters. Much of this habit likely is a heritage from wild days, when other dogs or other animals burst upon the 'bitch and sought to kill her and her young. "Pulling Out" the Puppy If the puppy protrudes partly out of the vagina and "sticks" there, its head or hindlegs already outside, the fingers should pull the protruding parts gently, and then, the fingers can work gradually higher. With the free hand, the belly of the bitch should be stroked. When the hand grasps the puppy, the hand should be covered with gauze for obtaining a firm hold. A towel can be twisted fairly tight around the body of the dam, just behind the ribs, as an aid in expelling the puppies. To avoid a common cause of death, dislocation of the neck joint, take hold with finger and thumb beyond this joint, as far back as possible, before pulling is begun. The Forgotten Puppy It is difficult to ascertain whether all the puppies have been delivered. If the bitch shows signs of straining, leaves her bed constantly, assumes the position of urinating, or continues to discharge blackish-green mucous, n—WHELPING OF PUPPIES there may be another puppy still in the womb or an afterbirth yet to be discharged. Dangers from Instruments Instruments are for use of the vet- erinarian— and then chiefly when sev- eral puppies already have been delivered and it is desired to save the bitch from death on account of a dead puppy or puppies remaining in the womb. Hair should be clipped in the area of the vulva and tail, the hindquarters and belly thoroly washed, and the bitch kept in standing position while the instrument is being used. If it is known definitely that a puppy is dead, effort should be made to crush it \vith the forceps before it is pulled out. Then the womb should be washed after this to avoid infection; the use of permanganate of potash or saline solution can be recommended. Let the Newborn Puppy Yelp When the puppy is delivered out of the vagina, the bitch should tear off the sac covering immediately and if she does not do this, the attendant should. Otherwise the puppy gets a slow start, and the lungs are not properly inflated. The puppy instead of being round and plump, feels stiff to the touch. He tries to move up the dam's flanks and ribs. This is a situation akin to pneu- monia and the puppy is trying to relieve the pressure on his lungs. A few lusty yells out of the new- bom puppy is a desirable thing for it indicates working lungs full of air and with proper breathing. The uterus or womb, the U-shaped tube, within twenty-four hours after delivery, reduces from its large swoll- en condition to about one-tenth of that size, or to its normal size, per- haps about the thickness of a lead pencil. Feeding the Mother The mother should not be fed until about an hour after the last puppy is delivered. Do not feed her during the whelping period. First, she should be permitted to get up, leave the puppies, go outside and relieve herself. Upon her return, she should have warm beef finely ground, soup and the like. At once thereafter she can have her regular diet, strong in lean meat with plenty of milk, calcium gluconate tablets, dry biscuit food, good soups, etc. The mother may be douched with bicarbonate of soda or light antiseptic soon after the last puppy is whelped. Douching must be done carefully and expertly. A tablespoon ful of mineral oil may be given her for internal cleansing. Wash her teats and belly with warm water several times during whelping. Do not use soap or disin- fectant. Wash breasts daily for first ten days or so, with a boracic acid or other similar solution. Milk but No Puppies Bitches formerly bred but passed at last heat, also bitches bred but failing to conceive, may have breasts swollen with milk. They may be used as foster mothers; or a little milk may be drawn off. Reduced diet should be given to these bitches. The Caesarean Operation (Condensed from Judy's Principles of Dog Breeding, 3rd ed.) Mutations or sports appeared in a breed, due likely to abnormality of the endocrine glands, at least likely to a confusion or unbalanced performance of the internal secretions which determined growth and development. These dogs possessing the unusual, were selected for mating to each other or to other specimens. Succeeding generations continued this selective and related breed- ing until new type was established thru heredity. Thus was established a fixed chondrodystrophy, an hereditary perpetu- ation of abnormalities. And the unfortunate situation follows that whelping is made more and more uncertain, more diflficult, because of these fixed departures from nature's types. Size Determined by Family In the author's Principles of Dog Breed- ing, he emphasizes that caesareans in cer- tain breeds are made necessary by the fact that small specimens are bred to obtain the small or toy size, but that these same small bitches produce puppies according to the average normal size of their breed and not their own ; and this selection of the abnormally small is made constantly, by man, against nature's dictates. There is the tendency that is dominant for the young to revert to the normal size ; consequently, puppies are too large to pass thru the opening or mouth of the womb, particularly of breeds whose heads are mas- sive, that is, large in proportion to other parts of the body. Pelvic Bones a Material Factor Breeds having large heads and small hips, may suffer trouble in whelping. The hips or pelvic bones consist of three pairs : WHELPING OF PUPPlES—n these form a cavity termed the pelvis. These bones are soft in piipp^ood; at the agre of twelve months they begin to set and become mostly inorganic and inflexible matter (innominate bone). Where the mis-shape or smallness of the pelvic opening does not permit the pass- age of the pup from the womb into the vagina and then out of the mother, an oiperation known as caesarean is demanded. A caesarean operation consists of the opening of the abdomen and then an open- ing of the uterus, and the taking out of the puppies thru this opening. It is a simple but major operation of surgery, often fatal in the hands of a veterinarian not skilled. Interferes Little with Nursing The skillful veterinarian saves all the puppies, and within six days the mother is well healed up and the sutures can be removed. Puppies can nurse at the teats almost immediately after the operation. If there is a delay of more than twenty- four hours after labor begins, the danger of the oiperation increases. Infection from dead puppies soon brings on gangrene and consequent blood poisoning. Let Them Eat and Sleep Give nature her chance; the tend- ency is for the owner to be more excited than the whelping bitch. Do not handle the puppies any more than is necessary; and very little handling is necessary. Do not run into the room every few minutes and interfere with the mother either during whelping or immediately thereafter. Puppies are born blind and deaf. Keep them in a subdued light, not bright sunshine, for the first ten days. For the first fortnight, they lie quietly contented, just growing, al- most fast enough for one to see them swell. The only noise out of them is from one who has been nosed away from a choice teat. His piercing cry does not announce any crucial distress. Until the puppies are four weeks old the mother is cook and supply section. At four, give meat broth, chopped meat, "baby food" — all gradually until weaning time — six weeks. Removing Possible Dew Claws If dew claws are on the hindlegs of any of the puppies, remove them about five days after birth with a pair of sharp scissors, large ones pre- ferred. Sterilize them first in boiling water. One person holds the puppy and another with a clean snip close to the leg, removes the tiny piece of gristle without the puppy knowing what is taking place. Dew claws are not found on all puppies. They are removed so that when the dog runs or digs later, they do not interfere and tear off. W^ recommend that if present, they be removed from all legs. Certain breeds require dew claws (by standard of breed) — Pyrenees, briard, saint bernard. Putting Defectives Away Within a few days after birth, such deformities as harelip (can be treated successfully), cleft palate (incurable), and other visible deformities should be looked for. The deformed puppy- should be treated for the deformity or destroyed at once. Destroy puppies less than 24 hours old in cold water (not warm water) but keep them under the surface for at least three minutes. This is a death without pain. , Tails, Ears and Registration Ears of breeds which are cropped, should be cut at about three months of age. These breeds are *bouvier, boxer, briard, dane, dobe, *all three schnauzers, bull- terrier, manchester, *staffordshire, af- fenjpinscher, brussels, miniature pinscher, boston. *Optional. Registration of litter and of indi- vidual puppies should be applied for when puppies are about thirty days old, altho there is no time limit. Worm the puppies at ten weeks- earlier if a bad case of worms is definite. Tails of breeds which are docked, should be cut about the third day. The following is excerpted from the author's Dog Encyclopedia : If the tail of an adult dog must be shortened, the operation is one for the knife of the veterinary surgeon. It is far preferable to perform the de- tailing operation early and 48 hours after birth is an excellent time. It can be done with the aid of the thumb nail and the forefinger on small breeds and breeds of thin tail, and in these cases, not later than 48 hours. While someone holds the pupipy, gn^asp the tail in the left hand firmly; with the thumb and index finger of the right hand, grasp the rear end of the tail, and jerk the thumb nail thru the tail and turn quick- ly to the right. This method by the twisting motion re- moves the tail at the joint. It is not at all easy to locate a joint in the tail of a puppy less than ten days old. There are other methods of de-tailing, including that of some oldtime breeders J^—WHELFING OF PUPPIES who use their own teeth. This has a de- cided advantage as the motion of the teeth tends to pull the skin ends together over the bitten part of the tail. In general, an instrument should be used, A sharp strong pen knife, a razor blade, or a pair of sharp heavy scissors can be used. When the tail is being docked, the skin should be pulled as far as possible from the tip of the teil back toward the base of the tail. This permits rebounding of the extra skin over the cut end. But even this is not entirely necessary. Some breeders never do it and are satisfied with results. It is customary to state that vaseline or balsam or some other salve or astringent be applied to the cut end. One party that disagrees with this method is the mother for she immediately licks the end of the tail clean. And this is well, for few medi- cines have as great antiseptic and healing power as the saliva of the bitch. The common practice is to have a flat saucer containing diluted iodine handy. The instant the end of the tail has been snipped off, the puppy is lifted over the saucer and the open end held in the iodine for a second of time. It is better that two perform the details of de-tailing. One can hold and the other cut. When using knife or razor blade, the tail should be held firmly on a level surface. All the puppies should be examined about ten minutes after they have been placed back in the nest to detect any excessive bleeding. Tighten a rubber band or string around the cut tail to stop the bleeding, remove after an hour. The mother should be kept away and out of hearing during the de-tailing. She'll be back in a rush of worry and tail licking. How Mach of the Tail Should Be Removed? If the tail a^ppears thick and heavy, likely it will not grow as long as the tail which is inclined to be thin ; consequently not quite as much should be removed from the thick heavy tail. When in doubt, take off too much rather than too little. A tail should never be so long that it bores the spectators. It is interesting to note that a number of the standards do not demand tail docking altho the tail is always docked. Remove about two-fifths of the fox- terrier tail. This can be reduced even to one-third. Take off two-thirds of the tail of the Brussels griffon. This fraction also applies to Yorkshire terriers and English toy spaniels. Miniature pinscher — see dobe. Toy poodle — see poodle. All spaniels except Irish water spaniels, which are not docked, and the English toy spaniels, should have a full three-fifths removed. But take off two-third's of the cocker spaniel's tail. Brittany spaniel — not cut as it naturally grows about four inches long. A scant three-fifths or little more than one-half should be removed for airedales, Welsh and Irish terriers. Lakeland, Norwich — three-fifths off. For the German short-haired pointer, take off two-thirds. Sealyhams and kerries tell the same story DOG TAIL5 jfH^y ston I) as foxterriers and a full one-third should be removed. While practically all terriers are docked, not one of the terriers of Scotland is docked ; these include Scottish terrier prop- er. West Highland white, skye, and cairn. Wirehaired griffon — take off two-thirds. Weimaraner, leave on 1% in. Bouvier, leave on 4 in. Old English sheepdog, leave on one joint. Dobe and rottweiler, take off all except first or first two joints (we recommend leaving two joints on). Schnauzer, all three breeds, leave three joints on. Poodle, all three varieties — take off ap- proximately one-half. Schipperke — take of all except one joint. APPENDIX PUPPY WEIGHTS (Similar weights can be implied for other breeds of approximately same size) Springer spaniel (matures 47 lbs. males, 43 lbs. bitches)— 10 oz. at birth; 1 wk., 1 lb. 4 oz. ; 2 wks., 2 lbs. 4 oz. ; 3 wks., 3 lbs. 4 oz. ; 4 wks., 4 lbs. 12 oz. ; 5 wks., 6 lbs. : 8 wks., 10 lbs. 8 oz. ; 3 mos., 20 lbs. ; 4 mos., 25 lbs. ; 5 mos., 31 lbs. ; 6 mos., 33 lbs. 8 oz. Cocker spaniel (average adult wt. 25 lbs.) —at birth 9 oz. ; 1 wk., 1 lb. ; 2 wks., 1 lb. 7 oz. ; 3 wks., 2 lbs. 1 oz. ; 4 wks., 2 lbs. 10 oz. ; 5 wks., 3J4 lbs. ; 8 wks., 6 lbs. ; 10 wks., 8 lbs. Pomeranian (matured 3^4 to 7 lbs.) — at birth .3 oz. ; 1 wk., 6 oz. ; 2 wks., 8 oz. ; 3 wks., 11 oz. ; 4 wks., 14 oz. ; 6 wks., 1 lb. 2 oz. ; 2 mos., 1 lb. 8 oz. ; 3 mos., 2 lbs. 3 oz. ; 4 mos. 2 lbs. 14 oz. ; 5 mos., 3 lbs. 6 oz. ; 6 mos., 4 lbs. Great Dane (120 to 160 lbs.)— at birth 1% lbs. ; 3 mos., 38 lbs. ; 6 mos., 80 lbs. CASE STUDY The following notes are excepted from the author's series of articles in Dog World Magazine (1939), describing the day-to-day WHELPING OF PUPPIES— 14 • Six cocker puppies {not Duchess' family). There's not a better personal salesman than a soft, warm, wiggling, playful, friendly puppy. And to the puppy all the world, and the humans in it, is an invitation to friendliness and adventure. progress of Duchess and her family, she being a blonde cocker owned by the author's wife. Four weeks after being mated. Duchess did not show to our eyes, the evidences of being in whelp. We went away on a twelve-day visit and on our return, gasped at the sight of her enlarged lower belly line at the loins. She confirmed the statement that definite conclusions concerning preg- nancy hardly can be drawn before six weeks after the date of mating. The Duchess became sedate, slept much, played less, could have eaten more eagerly. We moved her favorite chair away lest she, trying to leap up and failing, might fall down. She grew extremely large, weight 26 lbs., an increase of 30% of her normal weight. The sixty-three days ended on a Saturday. We named Friday as the day of delivery, pursuing the theory that a heavy litter in- dicated an early delivery, though we cannot agree with the theory the first delivery usu- ally is made early. We had settled down, I in my favorite chair a rocker (may some one come at last uipon the scene to sing its praises properly), to listen to the Louis-Schmeling fight in New York City for the World's Heavyweight Boxing Championship. The Brown Bomber must have known our situ- ation ; he ended the fight before the close of the first round, and four minutes later. Duchess began to walk about, look for a secluded spot ; she squatted but there were no labor pains. The water sac had emerged part way out of the vagina, in size that of a hen egg, and it remained there to her anxious an- noyance. After an hour of this dangling dalliance, she still did not begin travail. One injection of pituitrin was made be- tween layers of skin near the loin, this at 10:30 p.m., and a second about a half hour later. But she did not begin laboring until about 3 :30 a.m. Thursday, dropped the first puppy at six and five more by noon, a family of six, and without difficulty — ap- proximately a puippy per hour. We weighed the puppies at the age of twelve hours. Duchess immediately went back to her pre-mating weight of 20 lbs. Duchess had eight filling stations and within an hour, the bully of the gang, the parti male, largest of the litter (12 oz. at birth), was monopolizing the most gener- ous teat, located in the rear. Puippies, eyes shut, unable to walk, or hear, do not practice brotherly love. To the strongest belong the juiciest breasts. And it is brute strength which dominates. He who waits for an invitation, ends with the front breast and the label of runt. Pushing, whimpering, turning, moving seal-like, crying furiously the instant they were hungry and no teat at mouth's edge, the puppies lived a lazy life for days. Came forty-eight hours, or Saturday noon, and the time for de-tailing. The cocker in proportion to weight, build and height has the thickest of tails among the breeds that are docked. Indeed in thig breed, one should not delay in docking. FOUR DAYS AFTER WHELPING— Duchess is beginning to shed profusely. She should continue to lose coat until at wean- ing time about five weeks hence, she will be ipitiably coatless. SIX DAYS AFTER BIRTH, the pink noses of the buff and parti had darkened considerably. Toe nails of the puppies are sharp aad stiff— and used at every opportunity. Duchess is too zealous in her mother- hood ; the puppies are suckling and suck- ling, jabbing, pawing, and nipping ever- lastingly at her breasts. She must be kept away forcibly from the puppies for an hour interval at least twice a day. EIGHT DAYS AFTER BIRTH— rectums of two puppies had caked shut altho the mother, we thot, had kept them clean and soft. We applied some vaseline. NINTH DAY— Two puppies have both eyes open wide ; a third has one open and one shut ; the other three still have both eyes closed. One of the puppies, the smallest female, is most active. She can almost change her crawl into a walk. She is beginning to hold up her head when she moves. It usually is to be observed that the smaller puppies learn soonest to walk ; the big ones are fat and consequently lethargic. 13TH DAY— Already they feel over- warmth. The temperature is 88 degrees and for the first time they break out of a hud- dle, wend their crawling ways separately, and becoming quiet, fall asleep. 15— WHELPING OF PUPPIES 14TH DAY — Naval cords dried up all except the largest puppy, the parti ; his is about as large as a small pea. Tail ends healed and dried, the bone plainly felt and seen. Skin and plenty of hair will hide the bone tho always the touch of the finger tip will reveal it. 15TH DAY — Several puppies are actually walking, that is, moving without the belly touching the floor. 16TH DAY — Two puppies have barked distinctly — just one throat sound, no repe- tition. And one puppy really growled — something displeased him and he spoke in no uncertain gutteral tone. 18TH DAY— Three of the six puppies have now what they did not have at birth — teeth. The teeth are merely pushed-up points in the gums, a white point to be seen at the top. The front teeth or in- cisors and the tusks or canine teeth are more prominent than the teeth on the sides or in rear. 20TH DAY — Fed infant food, liquid, cereal ; puppies played with it, walked in it, and lickeid fitfully, unable to lap it with their darting pink tongues. Later it moved out of their bowels not fully digested. But the experiment can be considered successful ; it presages early weaning. ONE MONTH OLD— Ate a bit of raw scraped meat. Playful puppies beginning to let us know they have teeth that can make an impression. Some puppies scratching — a few fleas. Siding raised four inches to prevent puppies crawling over ; was ten inches high, now fourteen. Inclosure enlarged one-half more by moving siding back. Placed collapsible gate at door ; this is the customary child's gate ; it affords ventilation and keeps mother in room. Puppies not yet keen in eyesight ; noises do not waken them or particularly attract their attention. SIX WEEKS OLD— Each puppy is eating three ounces of scraped cooked meat daily, one and one-half ounces at each helping. A few days ago we heard the first real bark, not a scream or yip, but a throat sound. Most noticeable growth within last ten days has been in legs, next the head. THE END #^ ^ JtX^'^ • Puppies — puppies — puppies. It is estimated that 180,000 litters of purebred puppies are whelped annually. Above — furry, friendly, inquisitive collie puppies. Below — lovable, mischievous, lively, alert wirehaired foxterrier youngsters. ^l DOG BOOKS & SPECIALTIES ^ • ..Order from your local bookseller or from us. • All prices include delivery anywhere. • Sent C. O. D. If desired BREED BOOKS Each profusely illustrated. Each covers history, standard breeding, care and show- ing. Each by an authority. Well bound. THE BOSTON TERRIER— Perry. 2nd ed...$2.00 THE BOXER— Gordon 3.00 THE CHOW CHOW— Will Judy, 2nd ed. 3.00 THE DACHSHUND— Greenburg. 3rd ed. 2.50 THE GREAT DANE— Keckler, '. 3.00 THE. PEK I NCESE— Nicholas 3.00 THE RUSSIAN WOLFHOUND— Martin.... 2.50 THE SAINT BERNARD— Fleischli 2.50 THE SPRINGER SPANIEL— Riddle, 3rd 3.00 DOC WORLD MAGAZINE A monthly all-breeds magazine, covering ALL sections of America, ALL breeds, ALL dog subjects. Many pictures, features, news and hints on training, feeding, showing, and breeding. $2.00 for 1 year, $3 for 2 years, or a special offer of 5 years for $5.00. Sample copy 25 cents, or at your newsdealer. The best $2 per year investment you can make whether you have one or a hundred dogs, whether you are beginner or old- timer. ONE SUGGESTION ALONE may save the lives of your dogs, reduce expenses, correct. Improper diet, improve type and bloodlines, and increase your sales. TERRIER TRIMMING CHART 3rd ed. Complete Instruction in grooming, plucking, conditioning and preparation of ALL terriers for the show. By Will Judy. Two colors. $1.C0 each, 3 for $2.00. PICTURE CHART ALL DOGS ALL AKC recognized breeds correctly drawn according to official standards. Size 19x24 in., suitable for framing. Arranged by show groups. 5th ed. $1 each, 3 for $2. WORLD MAP OF DOGS New 2nd ed., two colors. All the breeds of the world with country of origin. Attrac- tive, educational, informative, $1 each. 3 for $2 (can be assorted with Picture Chart and Terrier Trimming Chart). PEDIGREE SERVICE Certified pedigrees furnished, based upon AKC, CKC and Field Dog Stud Books. 3 gen. $1.50 (if reg. Number of dog is not furnished, $2) ; 4 gen. $2.50, 5 gen. $4.50; 6 gen. $7. Cash must accompany order. CONTRACT BLANKS (We can not furnish samples) LEASING CONTRACTS for use in leasing or farming out bitches on share or other basis. Set of 2, 40c; 5 sets, $1.00. TIME PAYMENT CONTRACTS for use fn selling dogs on time payment basis. Set of 2. 40c; 5 sets, $1.00 (can be assorted with Leasing Contracts). BOARDING CONTRACTS for use when boarding dogs; prevent serious loss or law suits and orotect both sides. 5c each. KENNEL RECORD BOOK A complete book, looseleaf, with binder and 5ll necessary forms, for keeping exact, easy records of everything about the ken- nel. 8 different forms for all purposes. Use it for income tax records. $4.00. PEDIGREE CERTIFICATES BLUE RIBBON — beautiful 4-generation (62 dogs) well printed in two colors, on heavy ledger paper. 10 for 50 cents, 25 for $1.00 DELUXE — 4-generation, in three colors, with beautiful border, on stock certificate paper, the most distinctive certificate avail- able at 10 for $1.00, 25 for $2.00. The B. R. and Deluxe contain also a BHI of Sale, Transfer of Legal Title, and Receipt for Money Paid. SIX GENERATION— two colors. 126 dogs, white, very desirable for study of bloodlines, 10 for $1.00 or 25 for $2.00. All these blanks can be filled in on the typewriter. Fold nicely into a large (No. 10) mailing envelope. Free registration blanks with pedigree order. PUPPY COST LEAFLET Sets forth all the many costs in conduct- ing a kennel, breeding dogs, and caring for a litter. Explains reasonableness of sales prices. 50 for $1.00. Ideal inclosure with sales letter. STUD SERVICE RECORD For complete, exact records of all stud services, with fee and registration data, $3.00 SINGLE BLANKS, 4 for 50c min. order; 10 for $1. SIRIUS SENTIMENT SERIES Every dog lover should have these. The price is $1 for entire lot of 14 (each 4x9), or 5 sets for $3. 1. — Senator Vest's Tribute to a Dog. . . 2. — The Old Dog. . . 3. — How The Dog Was Named. . . 4. — A Dog's Prayer. . . 5. — My Dog is Dead. . . 6. — Purgatory of Dogs. . . 7. — Then Be Not so Cruel. . . 8.— The Dog's Bill of Rights. . . . 9.— Why Get a Dog. . . 10.— Why the World Likes Dogs. . . 11. — Don't Call a Man a Dog. . . 12. — Dog the Only True Love that Money Can Buy. . . 13. — No Room in Heaven for Dogs. 14. — Have a Heart. THE FEMALE A tribute in praise of the female dog. By Will Judy. Rev. 2nd ed. Give a cof>y to the prospect who demands a male. 50 for $1.00; TOO for $1.75. JUDY PUBLISHING COMPANY WORLD'S LARGEST PUBLISHERS OF DOG BOOKS JUDY BUILDING — 3323 MICHIGAN BOULEVARD CHICAGO 16