358 DOGS : THEIR MANAGEMENT. 



Therefore it is well not to be positive as to the precise 

 number of young the bitch will bring forth ; and I never 

 presume to speak confidently upon the point ; for though, 

 in the majority of cases, my opinion may have been cor- 

 roborated, nevertheless, I have often known a pup more 

 than I supposed the uterus contained to have been 

 delivered. 



From the end of the fourth week, the litter, as it were, 

 go away, or are lost ; but when the seventh week arrives, 

 the contents of the abdomen may be plainly detected; 

 and if the bitch be taken upon the lap, and her belly sup- 

 ported with the hand, they at this period will be felt to 

 move, and the motion even of their limbs is clearly 

 recognised. 



Milk appears in the teats about the middle of the ninth 

 week, and the presence of the fluid declares the event is 

 near at hand. The following day, or the one succeeding, 

 is marked by a mucous discharge from the vagina ; and 

 when that is witnessed, parturition is seldom delayed 

 beyond a day or two at most. 



The exact period is announced by the animal being 

 disinclined for food and desirous of solitude. Some 

 bitches do not wish for seclusion ; but others are very 

 anxious to obtain it; and in either case the disposition 

 should be gratified. All that is necessary for the comfort 

 of the creature should be provided ; but if the accommo- 

 dation designed for her be rejected, she should as far as 

 possible be allowed to indulge her own liking for another 

 spot. 



