512 THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 



2. Breeding for Sex. 



A bitch served when first coming in heat will produce 

 females, but if allowed to remain in heat for seven or eight 

 days after she would ti*ye accepted the dog and then served, 

 will produce males. 



3. Treatment During Pregnancy. 



During the nine weeks' period of pregnancy the bitch 

 should be kept comfortable and warm if during the winter, 

 fed wholesome food and kept free from lice, etc., so that no 

 trouble will follow whei whelping or pupping time comes. 

 Keep plenty of fresh water so that she can get it at any time. 

 See that she has sufficient but light exercise. See that she 

 is, although not extremely fat. in good condition. 



About ten days before delivery it is a good plan to give 

 a very mild laxative of castor oil. During the last ten days 

 of gestation avoid giving or allowing her any violent exercise 

 or eating anything that is liable to upset her stomach. She 

 should be carefully cared for, but the less dosing with medi- 

 cine the better. 



See that a warm, comfortable place, well ventilated, dis- 

 infected and free from lice, ticks, etc., is provided for her so 

 that she has by the time whelping approaches become quite 

 used to it. 



4. Whelping — Pupping. 



The approach of delivery is indicated by a desire to be 

 alone and by the anxiety of the bitch to prepare a nest. If 

 she has been properly cared for during the pregnant period 

 no assistance will be necessary. 



Difficulties, however, may arise. Should the pups not 

 come naturally assistance should be given. 



The head may come first with the front legs turned back, 

 and be caught at the shoulders. In this case shove the pup 

 back a little, slip your finger in under the front legs and bring 

 them forward, and it will then come all right. 



If the front legs are coming out and the head and neck 

 are turned back, shove the pup back a little, and straighten 

 the head and neck up along with the front legs. 



Sometimes the pup comes backwards with only his rump 

 and tail up in the passage ; in this case shove the pup back 

 and straighten up the two hind feet, and bring the pup away 

 backwards. 



