As we discussed in the conversation, you are thinking about letting XX (Dog's name) breed a litter of puppies.

Below is a brief review of the bitch's cycle and an outline of the basic recommendations prior to the bitch's pregnancy regarding vaccination and worming etc.

I have also included some information on how your local vet can possibly help with fertility optimisation and monitoring the bitch's pregnancy if necessary:

Recommendations when the owner plans to get the dog pregnant

- Up to date vaccination status (Distemper, hepatitis, parvo virus, and Leptospirosis)

- Herpes vaccination (2 injections):

1. During heat or 7-10 days after the expected mating date. 

2. One to two weeks before expected whelping date.

- Deworming is usually recommended on days 40 and 55 of pregnancy as a preventative against transplacental worm infestation of the unborn pups and again together with puppies 14 days after birth. Please seek advice regarding worming from your local veterinary surgery.

- Feed for pregnant bitches more to meet an increased need for energy.

The cycle of the bitch

Proestrus approx. 9 days: Estrogen increases, swollen vulva, bloody discharge, Progesterone levels are low. In this phase she will attract male dogs but she will not allow mating.

Oestrus approx. 9 days: Acceptance of mating, vulva swelling decreasing, clear/straw yellow discharge from vulva. Ovulation occurs at a progesterone level of 5-10 ng/ml. The eggs are fertile after 1-3 days.

Dioestrus approx. 2-3 months: Small vulva, no discharge, high progesterone.

Anoestrus approx. 2-10 months: Like diestrus, but progesterone low

Progesterone measurements via blood sampling at your local vet can be carried out to determine the optimal time for mating and is recommended from day 7 after the start of bleeding.

Progesterone measurement example

0-2 ng/ml: repeat test every 2 days until a measurement of >/= 2 ng/ml

2-5 ng/ml: repeat test every day until a reading of >/= 5 ng/ml

5-10 ng/ml (8-10): Ovulation period. Two mating's are recommended between day 2 and 5 after this test result.

>10 ng/ml: Fertile period may be over, mating should take place as soon as possible but may be unsuccessful.

Vaginal swabs are sometimes recommended , to see where the dog is in the cycle and the result is compared with the progesterone level. Vaginal swabs look at whether the dominant cell type is compatible with the bitch being in high heat. There is a large normal variation in the duration of the cycle, therefore it is preferable to assess several parameters at the same time, so as not to miss the short fertile period.

Most females are fertile between the 10th and 14th day of the season counted from the first day of bleeding. However some will ovulate as early as the 3rd or 4th day or as late as the 18th. Thses are the cases where blood tests can be particularly useful.

Pregnancy diagnostics can be carried out using an ultrasound scan from day 28 after ovulation, when foetal swellings can be recognised. The exact number of puppies cannot be accurately determined using ultrasound. Ultrasound can also be used later in the pregnancy to monitor the health status of the puppies/kittens. From day 50, X-rays can be used, where the fetuses' skulls and spines will be calcified and therefore visible on X-rays. With an X-ray, you can make a more precise statement about the number of puppies.