It’s a labor of love to ensure the healthy delivery of cute, cuddly puppies. They don’t “just happen.” Several factors play into successful dog reproduction and dog breeding programs, including knowledge about basic reproduction, reproductive health for dogs, whelping and post-natal care.
At BioZyme®, our team adores dogs of all breeds, colors and sizes. We realize that nutrition is our specialty, but nutrition and reproductive health work synergistically. Good health starts from the inside, and a healthy mama dog is more apt to have a healthy litter of pups. We’ve created this blog with those ideas in mind. We care about our furry friends so much that we created a line of nutritional supplements especially for dogs and cats – Vitalize® K9.
Reproductive Health for Dog Breeding
Several reproductive health factors should be carefully contemplated to ensure the health and welfare of both the breeding dogs and their offspring. Here are 7 key elements of reproductive health for dog breeding to consider:
1. Breeding Age
Ensure that both the male, stud, and female, bitch, dogs are of appropriate breeding age before mating. Breeding too early or too late in life can increase the risk of reproductive problems and complications. Generally, female dogs should be at least 1-2 years old and have reached sexual maturity. However, male dogs can begin breeding as early as 6-12 months of age.
2. Reproductive Soundness
Evaluate the reproductive health and fertility of both the stud and female before breeding. Ask your veterinarian to conduct pre-breeding examinations to ensure that the dogs are free from any reproductive disorders or health issues that could affect dog breeding success. These include physical exams, reproductive evaluations and fertility testing, which can all impact the reproductive health of dogs.
3. Genetic Testing & Breeding Compatibility
Consider genetic testing for hereditary diseases or genetic abnormalities common to the specific breed. Genetic testing can help identify carriers of genetic disorders and minimize the risk of passing on inherited health problems to puppies. Select breeding dogs that are genetically healthy and free from known genetic defects.
Evaluate the compatibility of the breeding pair in terms of temperament, conformation, health and genetic background. Choose breeding partners that complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses to produce healthy, well-balanced offspring with desirable traits.
4. Heat Cycle Monitoring
Monitor the heat cycles (estrus) of female dogs to determine the optimal timing for breeding. Female dogs have an estrous cycle, also known as the heat cycle or season, during which they are receptive to mating. When your dog first comes into estrous or heat, she will start bleeding. Do not panic. This is natural. It is a good idea to have a diaper on hand for her, especially if you keep her in the house. Other signs of heat include a swollen vulva and enlarged nipples.
The estrous cycle consists of four stages:
- Proestrus – marked by the start of bleeding; lasts about 10 days. Males will show interest, but most females will move them away because they know they are not ready.
- Estrus – bleeding tapers; lasts about 5 to 10 days. Ovulation begins (eggs are released), and both the male and female become receptive to breeding.
- Diestrus – immediately after estrus; the female is no longer receptive to mating. Progesterone, the pregnancy maintenance hormone, increases during this stage.
- Anestrus – a stage of internal repair, either after heat or after giving birth. Progesterone levels decrease.
The length of the estrous cycle varies among individual dogs and breeds but typically lasts between 2 to 4 weeks.
Dogs will typically come into heat every 6 months; however, this varies by dog and by breed. Some larger breeds only come into heat once a year. If you are not sure about your female, consult your veterinarian or another seasoned dog breeder.
Ovulation
Ovulation, the release of eggs from the ovaries, occurs during the estrus stage of the estrous cycle when the female is receptive to mating. The timing for ovulation can vary for dogs but generally occurs around the middle of the estrus period. Consider using progesterone testing or other methods to pinpoint ovulation and optimize breeding timing.
5. Breeding Management
Implement proper breeding management practices to maximize breeding success and fertility rates. Provide a suitable breeding environment, minimize stressors and ensure adequate supervision and monitoring during mating.
Consider natural mating, artificial insemination (A.I.) or other assisted reproductive techniques as needed.
6. Pregnancy Care
Provide appropriate prenatal care for pregnant females to support a healthy pregnancy and successful whelping (birthing) process. Monitor the progress of pregnancy, adjust nutrition and exercise as needed, and prepare for whelping and neonatal care.
7. Responsible Breeding Practices
Practice responsible breeding principles, including ethical considerations, breed preservation and responsible puppy placement. Prioritize the health, welfare and long-term well-being of the dogs and their offspring and avoid breeding practices that compromise their health or quality of life.
By considering reproductive health for dogs and implementing proper breeding management practices, you can help ensure the health, welfare and success of your breeding program. Collaboration with a veterinarian or reproductive specialist can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the breeding process.
Nutrition’s Role in Reproduction & Dog Breeding
Proper nutrition during pregnancy is of chief importance for the health and well-being of pregnant dogs and their developing puppies. A well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet is essential to support the increased energy and nutritional demands of gestation, a critical period during dog breeding.
Adequate intake of essential nutrients, including protein, calcium, phosphorus and vitamins, is vital for fetal development and the overall health of the mother. Proper nutrition ensures the optimal growth of puppies. Additionally, it contributes to the mother’s strength and vitality during the demanding phases of pregnancy, labor and lactation.
We encourage everyone interested in dog breeding to consult with a veterinarian about creating customized diets for their pregnant females. A diet tailored to the specific needs of the pregnant dog can significantly enhance the success of the pregnancy and the health of the entire litter.
With veterinarian approval, Vitalize products offer an effective supplement to any diet. Vitalize Dog, Vitalize Dog Gel and Country Vet Naturals dog food can offer incredibly effective support for your pregnant pooch. They will help not only ensure her health but provide comprehensive health benefits that improve breeding outcomes.
Prepare for Whelping
You’re going to want to create a whelping box well in advance of the birth. This will give the female time to acclimate to it. If not accustomed, she might choose an inconvenient location—like a closet—for giving birth.
An ideal whelping environment is warm, draft-free and secluded, especially for smaller breeds. A spacious whelping box with low sides, a small shelf, or roll bars is recommended, providing a safe space for the puppies to crawl under.
Many breeders opt for lining the box with newspapers during delivery—it’s easily replaceable when soiled—and transition to non-skid mats or outdoor carpeting post-whelping for better footing.
Birthing
During the birthing process, most females can manage the delivery without human intervention. Each puppy is enclosed in its own placental sac, and the mother typically removes it, severs the umbilical cord and stimulates the puppy’s breathing through licking. Monitoring the delivery of placentas is essential. That way you can make sure the count aligns with the number of puppies and prevent complications from a retained placenta.
In cases where the mother fails to remove the sac or sever the umbilical cord, immediate intervention is necessary. A puppy inside the sac has a limited time before oxygen depletion, requiring careful tearing of the sac near the puppy’s head and gentle removal. This intervention ensures the puppy’s well-being and minimizes the risk of infection through iodine application.
After birth, the mother focuses on cleaning, warming and allowing the puppies to suckle. Suckling is vital for ingesting colostrum, the first milk rich in maternal antibodies, bolstering the puppies’ immune systems during their early days.
You’re going to want to monitor the puppies’ weight for the first 2 weeks after their birth. This way you can track their nourishment levels and ensure they stay healthy and continue to develop.
More about the Vitalize Difference
In addition to Vitalize products previously mentioned, the Vitalize line carries other products powered by AO-Biotics® Amaferm® to give your dog a #goodgutfeeling. Why is that important?
We know that 70% of the immune response is found in the gut, so if you keep your dog’s gut healthy, its overall health should be in stellar condition, too. That is why providing products with Amaferm is so important to us. Research shows that Amaferm increases digestibility.
Further canine studies show that dogs that have been fed Amaferm experience fewer stillbirths, produce larger litters and wean more puppies – all important factors to dog breeding.
We Make Safe, Accurate Products
At BioZyme, “safe accurate products” isn’t just a slogan, it’s the cornerstone of how we do business. We don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk. And we would never put a product to market we wouldn’t give to our own pets.
Our own Sure Champ Brand Sales & Field Manager, Lori Lawrence, has been breeding Corgis for more than 16 years. She confirms that since she started feeding Vitalize Dog, she has seen what the research suggests.
“Since I started feeding Vitalize Dog, my girls have averaged 2 more puppies per litter. Our biggest litter used to be 8. Now, we are having litters of 10, and that’s a lot of puppies for a small breed. Plus, the pups come out with a lot more vigor. I feel like the increased litter size with more vigor is a great combination,” Lawrence said.
Our employees use and trust these products. Once you try them, we’re confident you will too!
The Vitalize Products
As mentioned, Vitalize is a line of supplements for horses, dogs and cats with proven solutions to keep your animal healthy and performing, especially important during dog breeding.
Vitalize® Dog
Vitalize® Dog is a granular vitamin and mineral supplement for dogs designed to support breeding and performance. It contains AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility. Additionally, this supplement includes omegas for healthy skin and hair and a high-quality blend of vitamins and minerals for daily support of any diet.
Vitalize® Alimend® K9
Vitalize Alimend K9 is a liquid product for dogs designed to support gastric health and GI tissue and which may relieve occasional gastric issues. In addition to Amaferm, it contains MHB3®, a patented high molecular weight hyaluronic acid that coats the stomach and supports GI tissue integrity. It also contains beta-glucans to support the gut and immune system.
Vitalize® Dog Gel
Vitalize Dog Gel is a prebiotic and nutrient-rich gel for dogs. It immediately supports the digestive and immune systems. It contains Amaferm and MOS to help normalize gut microflora and the immune system. The Gel works fast to support appetite and hydration.
Get your Vitalize Today!
Help your dog stay healthy and help ensure dog breeding success by getting your Vitalize today. We have made purchasing Vitalize as easy as possible.
You can visit your local dealer to purchase Vitalize products. Locate a dealer near you, today.
Perhaps you prefer the convenience of online shopping. Well, you can shop online and have Vitalize delivered right to your front door.
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