Blog Archives

Series 1, Ep 7 - Podcast Show Notes

27/5/2024

Avoiding Problem Puppies: Monitoring and Managing Milestones

This episode focuses on the essential observations breeders must take when their puppies arrive, to avoid breeding blunders.

Join us as we discuss what breeders should be looking out for, from ‘normal’ to ‘dangerous’ discharge, and the benefits of raspberry leaf as a uterine tonic. Learn about the potential risks of retained placentas, the impact of antibiotics on puppies' gut health and immune systems, and how you can avoid the dreaded "6-week squits".

We delve into common nursing issues such as frustrated milk moans and latching difficulties, all whilst highlighting the significance of puppy observations. We discuss how to analyse puppy stools and spot signs of dehydration, so you can ensure each puppy receives the care it needs to thrive.

Whether you're a seasoned breeder or a newcomer to the world of puppy rearing, this episode of Breeders Brew is filled with invaluable insights and actionable advice to help you navigate the journey from birth to breeding benchmarks with confidence and care.

PODCAST TAKEAWAYS

Normal Dam Discharge After Whelping
- Discharge from the dam after whelping can last a significant period and is considered normal, provided the dam has no fever and behaves typically.
- Oxytocin released during nursing helps in uterine contraction, exacerbating the discharge process. Raspberry leaf can be administered to expedite clearance.

Weighing Puppies Daily
- It's crucial to weigh each puppy daily during the first few weeks to monitor weight gain and overall health. You should be recording this vital information in the Home Breeder Puppy Playbook.
- Tracking weights and gains for each puppy enables the identification of any deviations or concerns, allowing for timely adjustments in care.

Signs of Improper Latching
- Signs of improper latching, such as frustration noises from the puppy during feeding, may indicate issues like low milk supply.
- Repositioning the puppy on a different teat or assisting with latching can help alleviate feeding difficulties.

Importance of Winding Puppies
- Regular winding of puppies after feeding is essential, as puppies may need to pass gas despite appearing full.
- Proper winding ensures comfort and prevents discomfort caused by trapped gas.
- Watch our winding demo to learn to wind your puppies properly.

Monitoring Urine Output
- Monitoring urine colour and amount provides valuable insights into puppy hydration levels and milk intake.
- This simple practice aids in assessing overall health and well-being.

Don't Panic About Lack of Stools
- Lack of visible stools may not indicate a problem, as the dam often diligently cleans up after the puppies.
- As long as puppies gain weight and exhibit normal behaviour, lack of visible stools is generally not a cause for concern.

Passionate Puppy Practitioner Recommendations
- Free Downloadable Puppy Report Card Help Sheet
- CNC Raspberry Leaf to support uterine healing
- Home Breeder Puppy Playbook to record your puppy observations and breeding milestones
- Puppy Winding Demo

Don’t forget!
- Share your personal experiences with us inside the Breeders Brew Community. Register your interest by downloading your free Breeders Brew Critical Care Sheet.

Thank you for joining us for another informative episode! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on dog breeding and wellbeing. Feel free to share your feedback and experiences with us inside the Breeders Brew Community!

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Series 1, Ep 6 - Podcast Show Notes

20/5/2024

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Weaning Puppies without the Stress or Mess!

During this episode we discuss breeders' obsession with Goat's milk and Weetabix while emphasising the importance of not making puppies fussy eaters. Learn about the effectiveness of transition foods and discover tips for successful weaning, including adding water and using silicone spoons.

We also discuss the common issue of "6-week squits" and the various solutions, from worming and stool cultures to antibiotics and how supplements like pure slippery elm uncover the incredible benefits of slippery elm for puppies and post-whelping mothers.

Navigate the complexities of raw feeding cost considerations, including litter and breed sizes. Understand the expense of raw weaning and ideas to accommodate the possible additional cost. Also, consider whether raw-fed puppies deter potential owners.

Take action with Sara's playbook feeding guide and implement tips for improving the transition to a new home. Whether you're a seasoned breeder or a novice puppy parent, this episode of Breeders Brew is packed with invaluable insights and practical advice to help you navigate the journey of puppy weaning and raw feeding with confidence and success.

PODCAST TAKEAWAYS

Raw Feeding for Weaning
- Raw food closely mimics the natural diet puppies are designed to eat, promoting stronger immune systems and gut health.
- Raw-fed puppies often experience fewer digestive upsets, leading to cleaner stools and easier cleaning during weaning.
- Slower but steadier growth rates on raw diets reflect true conformation and health.

When to Start Weaning
- Weaning typically begins around three weeks when puppies' eyes open and they can stand/bear weight.
- It's essential to be guided by puppies' readiness and avoid forcing a rigid schedule.

Weaning Techniques
- Spoon or finger feeding allows for controlled portions, catering to individual puppies' needs.
- Start with a loose paste of raw food mixed with warm water and gradually decrease the water content as puppies progress.
- The transition from boneless mince to a balanced weaning paste at around 4-5 weeks old.

Feeding Schedules
- Feeding schedules should be flexible, but the aim should be four meals per day by eight weeks old.
- Start weaning puppies by feeding them first thing in the morning when they're hungry after a night without the mother.
- Limit the mother's access before meals as weaning progresses to encourage puppies to eat solid food.

Passionate Puppy Practitioner Recommendations
- CNC Slippery Elm
- Home Breeder Puppy Playbook

Don’t forget!

Share your personal experiences with us inside the Breeders Brew Community. Register your interest by downloading your free Breeders Brew Critical Care Sheet.

Thank you for joining us for another informative episode! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on dog breeding and wellbeing. Feel free to share your feedback and experiences with us inside the Breeders Brew Community!

0 Comments

Series 1, Ep 5 - Podcast Show Notes

13/5/2024

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The Challenges & Solutions of Solo Puppy Litters

Why do singletons occur?
What evidence is needed to justify a c-section?
How common is whole litter and puppy reabsorption?

In this episode we unravel the intricacies of canine fertility, whilst delving into the unique challenges posed by singleton puppies. Sara shares eye-opening statistics from her white paper on solo pups, and what proactive approaches significantly improve a singleton’s chance of survival.

From discussing whether body proportions can contribute to reabsorption causing small litters, to unveiling the supplements proven to boost fertility, we cover many aspects of the canine fertility puzzle! But it takes two to tango. Stud dogs can be a fertility-ticking-time-bomb, especially those seven years and older, so we look at the importance of fertility testing too.

We begin to untangle the multifaceted factors impacting a dog’s fertility, from diet and condition to age, and even discuss how different breeds have varying fertile windows. So whether you're a seasoned breeder or a newcomer to the world of canine reproduction, this episode of Breeders Brew is packed with invaluable insights and actionable advice to help you optimise fertility and navigate the unique challenges of singleton pups.

PODCAST TAKEAWAYS

Causes of Singleton Litters
- Poor breeding practices, such as not ovulation testing the female, or not fertility testing the stud, can result in singleton litters.
- Reabsorption may be more common in breeds with extremities in body shape, height, or length, and can lead to singleton litters.
- Dogs in poor condition, on a poor diet, older dogs, or those with health issues may have reduced fertility, contributing to singleton litters.

Preventing Singleton Litters
- Following best practices like ovulation and fertility testing can ensure quality matings occur within the optimal window.
- Supplements including Natural Selenium, Organic Wheatgerm Oil, and Natural Royal Jelly can support fertility and prevent reabsorption.
- Regular ultrasound scanning during pregnancy allows for monitoring of litter size and puppy health.

Delivering a Singleton Puppy
- Elective C-sections have higher survival rates for singleton puppies compared to emergency C-sections.
- Progesterone testing aids in determining the optimal timing for delivery.
- Proactive choices made by the breeder can positively increase the singleton’s change of survival

Raising a Singleton Puppy
- Utilise early neurological stimulation (ENS) and socialisation to compensate for the lack of litter interaction.
- Provide additional heat sources, such as heat mats, as singleton puppies cannot huddle with littermates for warmth.
- Remember that singleton puppies may become over-attached or under-socialised without proper training and socialisation.

Passionate Puppy Practitioner Recommendations

Don’t forget!
- Share your personal experiences with us inside the Breeders Brew Community. Get your invitation to join us by downloading your free Breeders Brew Critical Care Sheet.

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Series 1, Ep 4 - Podcast Show Notes

6/5/2024

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Calcium Conundrum: Escaping Eclampsia in Breeding Dogs

In this episode of the Breeders Brew Podcast, we explore the complexities of canine pregnancy and whelping, exploring the vital role of calcium supplementation and debunking common misconceptions.

Discover the fascinating anatomy of the uterus, an organ with one of the largest muscles in a female dog's body, and learn about the breeder's crucial role in supporting the mother during labour. We touch on the benefits of raspberry leaf and delve into the timeline of canine labour, from active contractions to whelping pauses and puppy arrival

Isobel explains why not all supplements are created equal, that some supplements may do more harm than good and how you can avoid low-grade supplement fillers. We also address the burning question of ‘How long should calcium supplementation be continued?’

Whether you're a seasoned breeder or a newcomer to the world of canine reproduction, this episode of Breeders Brew is packed with essential insights and practical advice to help you navigate the complexities of eclampsia, calcium supplementation and ensure the safe delivery of healthy litters.

PODCAST TAKEAWAYS

Understanding Eclampsia
- Eclampsia, also known as milk fever, is caused by calcium deficiency and can affect any breeder, regardless of experience level.
- Prompt recognition and prevention are essential to mitigate risks associated with the life-threatening condition.

Calcium Supplements
- Liquid calcium supplements may contain unhelpful or toxic ingredients like propylene glycol and E-numbers that can be unpalatable for dogs.
- Capsule supplements with transparent ingredients and dosing are preferred, with calcium citrate being highly absorbable and gentle on the stomach.

Prevention Strategies
- Adjusting the diet by reducing calcium (bone content) around seven weeks into pregnancy helps avoid excess calcium intake, reducing the risk of eclampsia whilst softening the stools.
- All breeds should be proactively supplemented with Natural Calcium from whelping until at least weaning has commenced.
- High-risk females (small & toy breeds, large litters, or previous history of eclampsia) should be supplemented with Natural Calcium for at least six weeks post-whelping to minimise the risk of eclampsia whilst supporting her milk-production.

Passionate Puppy Practitioner Recommendations
- CNC Natural Calcium

Don’t forget!
- Share your personal experiences with us inside the Breeders Brew Community. Get your invitation to join us by downloading your free Breeders Brew Critical Care Sheet.

0 Comments

Series 1, Ep 7 - Podcast Show Notes

Avoiding Problem Puppies: Monitoring and Managing Milestones

Series 1, Ep 6 - Podcast Show Notes

Weaning Puppies without the Stress or Mess!

Series 1, Ep 5 - Podcast Show Notes

The Challenges & Solutions of Solo Puppy Litters

Series 1, Ep 4 - Podcast Show Notes

Calcium Conundrum: Escaping Eclampsia in Breeding Dogs

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