CHAPTER IV. 



TREATMENT OF THE MOTHER. 



Usually on the day before whelping, but in some cases 

 a little earlier, there occurs a very noticeable change in 

 the bitch, characterized by nervousness, occasional shiver- 

 ing no matter how warm her quarters, dejection — as 

 evident from her listless movements and the grieved and 

 rather despondent expression of her eyes — and a disposi- 

 tion to slink away when at liberty to do so, or a reluctance 

 to come when called if in her kennel. She also manifests 

 unwonted concern about her bedding, which she frequently 

 scratches and tumbles about. 



These signs are produced by the first pains of labor, 

 and when they appear the chances are that if all is well 

 the whelping will begin within twenty-four hours. 



The disposition to steal away to a retired corner has 

 been accepted by some as a singular impression pro- 

 duced by parturition, and unmistakable evidence that the 

 bitch urgently desires solitude while it is occurring, con- 

 sequently they reason that she should be isolated and left 

 entirely alone until it is over. But as a matter of fact it 



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