British Dogs at Work 



bitches, practically no labour pains are 

 present. A slow walk or even a drive in a 

 cab will often bring about the desired result, 

 and some veterinary surgeons recommend 

 the application of ice to the abdomen. If 

 these fail, skilled assistance is necessary. 

 When whelping is apparently over, the dam 

 should be carefully examined for the purpose 

 of ascertaining if a puppy remains behind, 

 as a dead foetus, if not removed, may set 

 up blood-poisoning. After parturition the 

 bowels will probably be relaxed, and it is 

 desirable they should be so unless actual 

 diarrhoea develops. In the latter event five 

 to ten grains of carbonate of bismuth may be 

 shaken dry on the tongue thrice daily. 



During labour the bitch should be inter- 

 fered with as little as possible, and only 

 attended by those to whom she is attached, 

 the presence of strangers being most dis- 

 tasteful. She should be humoured in every 

 way, and made to feel as comfortable as 



possible. When labour is ended she should 



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