146 The Management and Diseases of the Dog. 
which she frequently needs human assistance, and that 
assistance it has been my pleasure frequently to give. 
Mr. Blaine remarks: “ Great numbers of dogs die every 
year in bringing forth their young. A life of art has brought 
the human curse upon them, and they seem, in common 
with their female owners, to be doomed to bring forth in 
sorrow and pain.” 
Certainly, especially in breeds belonging to the pampered 
house class, this is frequently the case. The same pro- 
pensity to fix their affections on animals considerably 
disproportionate to themselves in size, appears as pre- 
dominant in the canine as in the human race, and life is 
oftentimes the forfeit paid for such injudicious choice. 
The period of pregnancy is from sixty-two to sixty-four 
days. The first symptoms of approaching labour are 
denoted by frequent urination and faecal evacuation, due to 
nervous sympathy ; there is also extreme restlessness, the 
bitch seeks solitude, where she will be found continually 
moving her position. The external generative organs 
present a full and swollen appearance ; from the vagina 
there issues a glairy, gelatinous discharge, mingled im- 
mediately before the pains commence with blood. At 
this period the animal should never be interfered with ; 
indeed, it is only when it is manifest by protracted straining 
and gradual prostration that there is an obstruction to 
natural parturition, that man should then use his power. 
Many persons are oftentimes too hasty to exhibit their 
obstetrical skill, or at all events from a mistaken kindness 
they interfere far too soon. The time occupied in giving 
birth to a whelp is frequently very considerable, and the 
intervals between each one long. Were they not so, the 
prostration would be so great that before the last birth 
could take place death from syncope would result; but 
an all-wise and merciful Creator has ordained that even 
the lowest of His creatures shall not suffer unlimitedly. 
