144 THE DOG IN HEALTH. 



febrile reaction. Consider how great is the adaptation that 

 must be made, and that this is sometimes affected without 

 the rise of a single degree in the temperature, and we have 

 an illustration of how marvelous is Nature's power to 

 modify to such a greatly changed state of things. As to 

 this, much will depend on the previous management of 

 the brood bitch, as well as on her natural organization. 



Very generally the secretion of milk is gradually pre- 

 pared for by an enlargement of the mammary glands 

 prior to whelping often weeks in advance; but in this 

 matter there is the greatest individual variation. Some 

 bitches have plenty of milk days before parturition begins ; 

 others have but little for from twenty-four to forty-eight 

 hours afterward all within the limits of health and safety. 



As a rule, the indication is to allow the puppies, as 

 soon as they can suck the dam, which they will generally 

 attempt, to do so, unless for some special reason. This 

 is to be encourged, as it seems to have a beneficial effect 

 on the bitch's nature in every way. 



Occasionally, however, the trials and sufferings of the 

 mother during labor or afterward justify the temporary 

 removal of the whelps, when they must be kept warm and 

 carefully coddled. 



From the first every facility should be offered for the 

 free and natural action of the mother. She should be 

 given to understand that she is not a prisoner, but should 

 be encouraged to leave the nursery to attend to nature's 

 calls, get a little fresh air, stretch herself, etc. But noth- 

 ing must be strained or forced, otherwise the effect on her 

 nervous system is likely to be felt in either the quantity 

 or quality of the milk, her digestive powers, etc. 



