MANAGEMENT OF THE BITCH IN WHELP. 249 
MANAGEMENT OF THE BITCH IN SEASON, 
When bitches are not intended to breed, they are carefully “put 
by,” that is to say, they are secluded from the dog, and during 
that time they are in great measure. deprived of their usual 
exercise. From this circumstance they are véry apt’ to get out of 
health, and some injury is thereby done to their offspring as well 
as themselves. At this time théy ought, from their general 
feverishness, as well as from their deprivation of exercise, to be 
kept rather lower than usual, and very little meat should be given. 
Slops and vegetables, mixed with biscuit or oatmeal, form the most 
suitable diet ;, but if the bitch has been accustomed to a’ great deal 
of flesh, it will not do to deprive her of it-altogether. Beating in 
mind, then, this caution, it is only necessary to temember’that she 
must be lowered in condition, but not so starved as to do harm by 
the sudden change. After the end of the period, a little cooling 
medicine will often be required, consisting of a dose of oil,or salts, 
(See Aperients:) vs 
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 till 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 somehow or other she ought to have 
walking exercise to the last, by which, in great measure, all necessity 
for cpening 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 desired medium 
being such a state as is compatible with high health, and neither 
tending towards exhaustion nor inflammation. Excessive 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 
happen, aggravates the attendant or “milk” fever. To. know by 
the eye and hand how to fix upon this proper standard, it is only 
necessary to feel the ribs, when they should at once be apparent to 
