519 
THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 
2. Breeding for Sex. 
A bitch served when first coming in heat will produc. 
females, but if allowed to remain in heat for seven or eight 
days after she would t^^ve accepted the dog and then served, 
will produce males. 
3. Treatment During Pregnancy. 
During the nine weeks' period of pregnancy the bitcl. 
should be kept comfortable and warm if during the winter, 
fed wholesome food and kept free from lice, etc., so that no 
trouble will follow wher whelping or pupping time comes 
Keep plenty of fresh water so that she can get it at any time. 
See that she has sufficient but light exercise. See that she 
is, although not extremely fat, in good condition. 
About ten days before delivery it is a good plan to give 
a very mild laxative of castor oil. During the last ten days 
of gestation avoid giving or allowing her any violent exercise 
or eating anything that is liable to upset her stomach. She 
should be carefully cared for, but the less dosing with medi- 
cine the better. 
See that a warm, comfortable place, well ventilated, dis 
infected and free from lice, ticks, etc., is provided for her so 
that she has by the time whelping approaches become quite 
used to it. 
4. Whelping — Pupping. 
The approach of delivery is indicated by a desire to be 
alone and by the anxiety of the bitch to prepare a nest. If 
she has been properly cared for during the pregnant period 
no assistance will be necessary. 
Difficulties, however, may arise. Should the pups not 
come naturally assistance should be given. 
The head may come first with the front legs turned back, 
and be caught at the shoulders. In this case shove the pup 
back a little, slip your finger in under the front legs and bring 
them forward, and it will then come all right. 
If the front legs are coming out and the head and neck 
are turned back, shove the pup back a little, and straighten 
the head and neck up along with the front legs. 
Sometimes the pup comes backwards with only his rump 
and tail up in the passage ; in this case shove the pup back 
and straighten up the two hind feet, and bring the pup away 
backwards. 
