Most of us know how to get ready for an upcoming litter by purchasing a whelping box and bedding. We may have taken the mother for an ultrasound to find out the growth of the litter and it's size. But very often we forget about some of the most important things before we breed. Diet and Nutrition are necessary to give our dogs the best chance for fertility, the ability to produce healthy puppies and good lactation.

This article will outline necessary nutrients and feeding patterns for successful reproduction.

Nutrition has long been recognized as an influential factor in bitch reproduction. the stress associated with reproduction would manifest even the smallest of nutrient inadequacies in diets assumed to be complete. So it is critical that the mother must supply ass essential nutrients for the developing puppies. Because of this, the bitch must obtain a sufficient supply from her diet or mobilize these nutrients from her body stores. These essential nutrients would include protein, fat, various vitamins and minerals.

Energy

Energy is the primary requirement for the pregnant and lactating bitches to meet the increased demands. The requirements are reflected in the pattern of weight gain in pregnant bitches. Pregnant bitches will need to consume 25%-50% more than their normal food intake.

Protein

Although protein is very important to dogs, it is very crucial during reproduction. Being an energy-producing nutrient, protein has a more important role in providing amino acids (building blocks of tissue) for the development of the puppies throughout the pregnancy period. So the protein requirement will be increased than that of adult maintenance diet.

Fat

Fat requirement in reproduction is to satisfy the high-energy requirements and to supply essential fatty acids like Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are vital for cell formation and hormone production.

Vitamins

Vitamin A

The vitamin diffuses across the placenta and thus provides good protection to the puppy's epithelial tissues.

Vitamin B

The whole spectrum of Vitamin B is important for normal reproduction, fertility and preventing birth defects in puppies. It is important to provide all the vitamin B for the pregnant and lactating bitches.

Thiamine (B-1) is required for the proper metabolism and development of nervous system. Riboflavin (B-2) is important for tissue repair and cell growth. A deficiency can also cause anemia.

Niacin (B-3) needed for the utilization of all nutrients and is important for growth in puppies.

Vitamin B-6 is important in the metabolism of amino acids found in protein and essential fatty acids. It also helps in absorption in iron, B-12 and zinc. A deficiency can cause anemia.

Cynacobalamine (B-12) is important to nerve growth, and to prevent anemia.

Biotin is important for the growth and also important for function of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and ovaries and testicles.

Vitamin C

Addition of this vitamin helps with collagen, for good restoration of the breasts post nursing. It also helps with reducing fatigue during whelping, and helps with milk production. It is an anti-stress vitamin and helps to synthesize hormones. It also helps to promote good immunity.

Vitamin E

This is often called the fertility vitamin, and is good for both dogs and bitches. It helps to prevent still-birth. It is beneficial for the immune system and protects the cell membrane and DNA against oxidative stress.

CALCIUM DEFICIENCY CAUSES

Calcium and Phosphorous : Both are important to build skeleton of the puppies and calcium is crucial for milk production. The levels of both the minerals and the ratio should be as per the requirement. Because Calcium deficiency causes skeletal deformities. And high calcium supplement during pregnancy may lead to condition eclampsia in lactating bitch.

Manganese : It is required for many enzymes activation like hydrolases, kinases, decarboxylases and tranferases, all of which are involved in a multitude of metabolic processes, such as in bne formation, energy production, as well as both in protein and in fat metabolism. Manganese deficiency during gestation, have been associated with retarded and defective bone growth, leg deformities and congenital abnormalities.

Magnesium : A deficiency of this mineral can cause premature birth, and interuterine growth retardation.

Zinc : Lack of this mineral can cause miscarriage and birth defects. It can also cause skin problems, poor immunity. It is involved in the synthesis of the nucleic acids RNA and DNA, which aid in cell division and growth.

PROBIOTICS

Probiotics are a blend of beneficial bacteria and yeast that maintains proper GIT health and immune system.

FEEDING PATTERN

During Pregnancy

• Approximately two weeks prior to breeding, the bitch should be transitioned from her maintenance diet to a diet comprised of protein and fat at higher levels and enriched with all required vitamins and minerals.
• During the first 4 weeks of pregnancy, one should continue to feed the bitch with the Protein and Fat rich diet at maintenance level. It is possible that you may observe an increased appetite in a bitch at approximately 3 weeks post-breeding.
• At approximately 5 weeks post-breeding, the food intake of the bitch should be increased slightly each day to achieve a 50% increase in energy by the end of week 6. So the maintenance levels of the high energy diet should be increased to :

  40% - During the 6^th week of gestation
  50% - During the 7^th week of gestation
  60% - During the 8^th week of gestation

During Nursing

Inspite of losing weight after giving birth, nutritional needs of the bitch will not decrease. energy needs can be 2 to 3 times their normal food requirement depending on litter size, to produce the milk and to nourish the pups. So the high-energy diet (protein and fat rich diet with all essential vitamins and minerals) should be continued throughout the lactation period as per the needs.

Synonyms : Milk fever, puerperal tetany

Eclampsia is an acute, life-threatening condition caused by low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia), usually seen at peak lactation, 2-3 week after whelping. Small-breed bitches with large litters are most often affected. Hypocalcemia may also occur during parturition and may precipitate dystocia.

Etiology and pathogenesis :

Hypocalcemia most likely results from the loss of calcium into the milk and from inadequate dietary calcium intake. In dogs, over-supplementation with oral calcium during pregnancy may predispose to eclampsia during peak lactation

In dogs, hypocalcemia has an excitatory effect on nerve and muscle cells. Tetany occurs as a result of spontaneous repetitive firing of motor nerve fibers.

Clinical Signs of eclampsia :

Initially, the affected dog will be restless and nervous. Within a short time, she will walk with a stiff gait and may even wobble or appear disoriented. Eventually, the dog may be unable to walk and her legs may become stiff or rigid. In case of tremors, it is 1500 the dog may have a feer with body temperature even over 105⁰ F, the respiration rate will increase, finally coma and death may be seen.

Diagnosis :

Diagnosis is often made fromthe signalment, history, clinical signs, response to treatment and by estimating the calcium levels. A serum chemistry profile is useful to rule out concurrent hypoglycemia and other electrolyte imbalances. Prolongation of the QT interval and ventricular premature contractions may be seen on the ECG. while diagnosing othr causes of seizures such as hypoglycemia, toxicoses, and primary neurologic disorders such as idiopathic epilepsy or meningoencephalitis should be ruled out.

Treatment :

• Slow IV administration of 10% calcium gluconate is given to effect (0.5 - 1.5 ml/kg over 10-30 min ; 5-20 ml is the usual dose. During administration of calcium, heart rate should be carefully monitored for bradycardia or arrhythmia by auscultation or by ECG.
• It is best not to let the puppies nurse for 12-24 hr. During this period, they should be fed a milk substitute or other appropriate diet.
• After the acute crisis, 25-50 mg of elemental calcium /kg/day in 3 to 4 divided doses is given as per oral for the remainder of the lactation.
• Vitamin D supplementation is used to increase calcium absorption from the intestines

Prevention :

• Adequate amount of calcium need to be given during pregnancy, but not enough to slow down the production of parathyroid hormone.
• Be sure to work closely with your veterinarian if your dog has has eclampsia in the past and is pregnant again.
• It is of great importance for owners of pregnant or nursing bitches to be able to recognize the signs of eclampsia. If you feel your female dog is showing these signs, remove the pups to prevent further nursing and seek veterinary assistance.