DobermanBreederTips.docVIP

Doberman Breeder Tips Pre-Whelping Keep the mom on a diet high in protein and calcium. She should also be given a good vitamin supplement. Get the prospective mom all of her normally required shots prior to pregnancy as the shots received during pregnancy may adversely affect the puppies. This will also ensure the proper immunity is passed on from the mom when she is at her peak of protection. Make sure there are no known reasons not to breed, especially genetic. Make sure the mate is selected and also has no known reasons not to breed. Have both mom and dad tested for Brucellosis. When the prospective mom is in heat, do pre-mating progesterone testing several times to make reasonably sure you breed her on the best date possible to ensure success. Prepare a Whelping Kit to include: 1. A Rectal Thermometer to monitor the mom’s temperature twice a day for at least a week before the expected whelping date to watch for a temperature drop. Keep in mind that this method is not always accurate. During the first several days, use readings to figure out what would be the mom’s normal average temperature. If the normal temperature is between 90 and 100 degrees and then it suddenly drops to 98.4 degrees, which is the first sign. The next sign will be when the temperature returns back to normal. That may be the signal that delivery is eminent. 2. Just Born milk replacement or substitute formula. This is to be used in those cases where the mom cannot nurse or that you have a weak puppy or large litter and some of the puppies may need to be supplemented. 3. Nursing Bottles (2 oz. for small breeds and 4 oz. for the larger breeds like Dobermans) 4. Milk Aid brand Mother Milk Tea to help mom with production of her milk supply. 5. Kelly Forceps to be used to clamp off the umbilical cord. It should be clamped off about 3” from the stomach. You want to cut it a little shorter because mother dog is chewing it) 6. Unwaxed Dental Floss or a strong cotton thread to be used to tie off the u