Pupping] 2 43 [Pupping 



the sixtieth day, or even a day or so earlier, 

 and the puppies may be fairly strong ; but when 

 born before the fifty- seventh day they seldom 

 live. On the other hand, many, especially those 

 of the larger breeds, will go two or three days 

 over the specified time without inconvenience ; 

 and I have known one to go as long as seventy- 

 three days, and then to have a litter of strong, 

 healthy puppies, but this does not often occur 

 when there is a large litter. 



One who is accustomed to dogs can tell within 

 a few hours when a bitch is going to pup. There 

 is disinclination for food, the vulva is swollen, 

 and there is a discharge of thick mucus from the 

 vagina, and, as a rule, she seeks a quiet spot to 

 be alone. 



At this time, after making the bitch comfort- 

 able with a nice clean straw bed — there is nothing 

 better than straw, which should not be supplied 

 too plentifully — she should be left by herself for 

 a time. As the labour pains come on, she 

 becomes restless, and pants ; is frequently look- 

 ing around, and licking herself. When such 

 occurs, labour in earnest may be considered to 

 have commenced ; and if all is going well, one 

 or more puppies should be born in the course of an 

 hour or so. If after two hours there are no signs 

 of a puppy appearing, it is well to examine the 

 bitch ; but if a bladder (fcetal membrane) is pro- 

 truding from the vagina, there is no hurry to 

 interfere, as this is a sign, as a rule, that matters 

 are taking a normal course, and that more time 

 is required ; and the bitch, after being offered 



