CHAPTER VI 
Rearing of Puppies 
HE normal period of gestation in the bitch is 
63 days, the average time of whelping is the 
61st day. This can happen at any time, though, 
from the 59th to the 66th day. During the first 
two weeks the bitch can be fed in her normal way, 
after this it is advisable to add a greater percentage 
of meat and milk, and as she becomes heavier she 
should be fed oftener and in smaller quantities. 
Gentle walking exercise is also essential to keep her 
in good condition; the duration of this must be di¬ 
minished as she grows heavier in whelp. The con¬ 
dition of the bowels should also be carefully ob¬ 
served ; these should be kept open and occasional 
doses of American Oil administered if necessary. 
This is a mineral oil, and its action is entirely me¬ 
chanical and so does not disturb the bitch in any way. 
Two weeks before the bitch is due to whelp she 
should be placed in the quarters where she is to 
whelp, in order to accustom herself to the surround¬ 
ings, and it is advisable to construct a whelping box 
as per illustration, for this means the saving of many 
a puppy that would otherwise be smothered. With 
this box the puppies are always able to crawl out if 
the bitch should lie down on them. The double 
floor also enables a quick change to a clean, dry 
floor, and this can be done without keeping the 
hitch away from her puppies for too long a period 
and save her this anxiety. 
( 59 ) 
