MANAGEMENT OF THE BITCH IN WHELP. 183 



most suitable diet; but, if the bitch has been accustomed to a 

 great deal of flesh, it will not do t j deprive her of it altogether. 

 Bearing in mind then tuis caution, it is only necessary to remem- 

 ber that she must be lowered in condition, but not so starved as to 

 sutfor by tae sudden change. After the end of the period, a 

 little cooliug medicine will often be required, consisting of a dose 

 of oil or salts. 



MANAGEMENT OF THE BITCH IN WHELP. 



When it is clearly ascertained that the bitch is in whelp, the 

 exercise should be increased and carried on freely until the sixth 

 week, after which it should be daily given, but with care to avoid 

 strains either in galloping or jumping. A valuable bitch is often 

 led during the last week, but some way or other she should have 

 walking exercise to the last, by which in great measure all neces- 

 sity for opening medicine will be avoided. During the last few 

 weeks her food should be regulated by her condition, which must 

 be raised if she is too low, or the reverse if she is too fat, the de- 

 sired medium being such a state as is compatible with high health, 

 and not tending towards exhaustion or inflammation. Exces- 

 sive fat in a bitch not only interferes with the birth of the pups, 

 but also is very liable to interfere with the secretion of milk, and, 

 if this last does occur, it aggravates the attendant or " milk " fever. 

 To know by the eye and hand how to fix upon this proper stan- 

 dard, it is only necessary to feel the ribs, when they should at 

 once be apparent to the hand, rolling loosely under it, but not evi- 

 dent to the eye so as to count them. It is better to separate the 

 bitch from other dogs during the last week or ten days, as she 

 then becomes restless, and is instinctively and constantly looking 

 for a place to whelp in, whereas, if she is prevented from occupy- 

 ing any desirable corner she is uneasy. At this time the food 

 should be of a very sloppy nature, chiefly composed of broth, or 

 milk and bread, adding oatmeal according to the state of the 

 bowels. 



