CHAPTER III. 



BEFORE WHELPING. 



If a bitch has not been accustomed to free exercise, 



for at least two months before she is due in season she 

 should be given a goodly amount of slow work every day ; 

 and this treatment should be persisted in until she is 

 nearly ready. From then on to the time when the wonted 

 condition of things is restored she should be much at rest. 

 And being deprived of her regular exercise, the usual pro- 

 portion of meat allowed her should be considerably reduced 

 and that of vegetable foods and bread, rice or other starches 

 increased in corresponding degree. 



The service successful and the season past, thereafter 

 and until the day of whelping the bitch should have con- 

 stant liberty to exercise herself in her own way, and if the 

 same is allowed, but not otherwise, she will likely not only 

 acquire and retain high health and vigor but give birth to 

 strong and healthy puppies. 



To emphasize this point too strongly would be simply 

 impossible, for a denial of ample exercise during gestation 

 is one of the most frequent and potent causes of mortality 

 among puppies, which sends them into the world so poor 



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