When your pet is ready to have puppies...

Puppies are adorable, aren't they? Some of you who have older dogs must be waiting until they have puppies.

Even some of your younger puppies must now be old enough to have their own little puppies. But, according to Dr. D. A. V. Samankumara B.V.Sc of Kirindiwela Animal Clinic ,making your pet a 'mama' or 'papa' is a serious matter that should be handled with great responsibility, and is best done by adults.

However, there are certain things that you, as the pet's owner, could do to ensure the good health of your pet. If proper attention is not paid, this could bring danger to both your dog and her new born puppies. So today, Dr. Samankumara will discuss the dos and don'ts of proper dog mating.

Age is an important factor when it comes to deciding if your pet is ready to become a 'mama' or 'papa'. If it's a female dog, the best age to have puppies is between two to six years. You should always wait until she passes her puppyhood and becomes a grown-up. The timing could change according to the pedigree of the dog.

Smaller breeds such as Pomeranians usually reach maturity and are ready to have pups when they are seven to eight months old. Larger breeds take a longer time, maybe about a year. If it's a male dog, the most appropriate age for it to be a ' papa' is two to six years.

However, the important fact is not to let them have puppies until they have reached their maturing age. If you try to do so before the right time, the growth of your female dog is most likely to slow down. She will not be able to give you healthy babies in her first litter. The most appropriate time to start getting puppies from your female pet is about six months to an year after she grows up.

Your female dog will be ready to mate and have pups every five to seven months, usually for about six to 12 days. Some dogs could be ready for as long as two to 20 days.

Your pet needs special attention during the times she's ready to become a parent. You should not bathe the pet during this time and you must ensure it gets extra vitamins too.

The gestation period (the time your pet is carrying puppies) could vary from 58 to 64 days. A healthy female dog will have a litter of two to eight puppies. However, the number of puppies could vary. If you want your female dog to have more puppies, make sure you don't overfeed her and make her fat.

CNK

Dos and Don'ts

* Don't squeeze your pet's tummy when she is carrying puppies.

* Don't make her tired by forcing her to play with you.

* Make sure she gets her meals on time.

* Always keep a clean bowl of water.

Consult your vet and ensure she gets any special vitamins she may need during her pregnancy.

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There are instances when we prefer not to have any puppies. Therefore, take measures to prevent your dogs from having any. Next week we will discuss the actions that could be taken to prevent your pet from having puppies.