
Shakespeare's Legacy Labradors Facebook
"Empowering puppies to be all they can be with and for their forever families."
“Happiness is a warm puppy.” ~ Unknown
As an ethical breeder, you’ve done everything you need to do. You’ve health checked the adults, have planned a litter based on pairing the right combo for temperament, sizing, compatibility, and genetic based health results. You’ve set up a rendezvous and now your momma dog, also known as a dam, is expecting puppies. As the gestational period comes to a close, you are both getting ready to welcome a litter of adorable little puppies. The whelping(delivery) box is set up, all the supplies needed are placed within easy reach. She is getting used to the possibly newer surroundings where she and the puppies will be safely and quietly away from distractions. Possibly an ultrasound and/or X-ray has been completed, and you know how many puppies are expected or perhaps you’re waiting to find out by letting nature do its thing without the intervention of modern veterinary medicine. As the excited anticipation grows along with her expanding mid section and obvious discomfort due to the pressure of puppies, you offer any sort of comfort you can. Energy levels decrease as she rests, preparing for what’s to come with both the whelping of her puppies and the care they will require. You’ll discover you’ll do anything to help ease her burden and assist her in bringing her puppies into the world.
Some believe that dogs should be left to their own devices, it’s a natural occurrence and humans shouldn’t interfere. While those beliefs aren’t wrong, there are risks. Here are some surprising facts:
- Deaths during their first week of life can be as high as a staggering 30%. This would also include stillborn.
- Deaths in puppies during the first 2 months is roughly 15%.
- 14.8% of litters will include a stillbirth and 6.6% the entire litter is lost.
- 9.38% of puppies are lost in the first 72 hours.