Preventing Pregnancy Problems in Female Dogs

Experienced breeders prioritize the selection of suitable breeding candidates and provide meticulous care throughout the nine-week pregnancy period. They remain vigilant in monitoring for potential issues and work closely with veterinarians who guide them through every aspect of breeding, pregnancy, and delivery.

Theriogenologists, specialized veterinarians in reproduction, neonatology, and genetic diseases, play a crucial role in assisting breeders. However, the scarcity of these experts is evident, with only around 400 board-certified theriogenologists practicing in the U.S., and not all focusing on companion animal theriogenology.

To address the shortage of theriogenologists, the Theriogenology Foundation, American Kennel Club, and AKC Canine Health Foundation launched a theriogenology residency program in 2014. This initiative has successfully funded over 10 residents, providing $100,000 per resident to support their specialized training.

Julie T. Cecere, DVM, MS, DCAT, a clinical associate professor of theriogenology, serves as the coordinator of the three-year theriogenology residency program at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Alyssa Helms, DVM, a current theriogenology resident at Virginia-Maryland, has plans to practice in a private veterinary clinic upon completing her residency in 2021.

At the Virginia-Maryland referral practice, over 50 percent of the dogs treated come from breeders involved in various performance sports such as field trials, coonhound nite hunts, agility, and obedience. Additionally, the practice also sees working canines trained for bomb detection, search and rescue, military service, and police work. Dr. Cecere's extensive experience working with breeders has fostered a deep respect for their dedication and expertise in producing high-quality dogs. “They teach us as much as we teach them,” she says.

Drawing from their experience, dog breeders offer valuable insights on best practices to ensure smooth breeding and delivery processes. While there are no guarantees in this field, these guidelines serve as worthy considerations for breeders to enhance their practices and optimize outcomes.

Should a Bitch Be Bred?

“We advise breeders to have a breeding soundness exam to be sure a bitch is healthy and has no genetic conditions or abnormalities that would hinder her pregnancy. We also run through a pre-breeding checklist that is important prior to breeding,” Dr. Cecere says.

“Generally for most breeds, a bitch is not developmentally or physically mature to be bred until she is around 2 years of age,” she continues. “However, for toy and small breeds, they may reach maturity as early as 18 months of age.”

How Often Should a Bitch Be Bred?

Back-to-back pregnancies can be OK – up to a point, says Dr. Cecere. “From a physiologic and nutritional standpoint, a bitch should not be bred on more than two consecutive heat cycles without a non-pregnant cycle off,” she says.

“The total number of litters a bitch should have over a lifetime depends on the individual dog. Most of this will depend on genetics, temperament, health, conformation, and other traits she brings to the breed as a whole. If she requires a cesarean section or intrauterine insemination to get pregnant, this must be taken into consideration as well,” Dr. Cecere says.

Is Infertility Real or Not?

One of the most common concerns of breeders is whether their bitch is fertile. “Many of the infertility cases that are referred here are due to a bitch being bred at the wrong time,” Dr. Cecere says. “Poor timing during a bitch’s heat cycle, or estrus, can cause a missed breeding or small litter.”

Progesterone testing is key to knowing the appropriate timing for breeding. “If you know when the bitch is ovulating, or when the eggs are released from the follicles, this tells you the fertile window to optimize the chance of pregnancy and having a full-sized litter,” Dr. Cecere says. “It also allows for the calculation of an accurate due date and aids in appropriate timing of intervention at whelping should a C-section be needed or desired.”

How Can You Avoid a C-Section?

The majority of breeders referred to Virginia-Maryland prefer their bitches to free whelp litters, though a planned C-section, rather than an emergency, is their second choice for a healthy litter. Breeders often ask for tips on how to avoid a C-section.

“One way breeders can reduce the risk of a C-section is by selecting for bloodlines with individuals that free whelp,” Dr. Helms says. “You also want to be sure that the bitch is in her best physical condition before breeding and throughout pregnancy to set her up for smooth whelping. This means continuing daily exercise and feeding a complete and balanced all life-stages or puppy food during pregnancy.”

Planning and preparing for the next generation is a rewarding part of being a dog breeder. Knowing that you have a veterinarian whom you trust and rely on to help you is comforting. Thanks to the theriogenology residency program for supporting the training of future specialists like Dr. Helms at Virginia-Maryland as they prepare to partner with breeders on their journey to produce a healthy litter of puppies.  

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