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[Welshies]

I'm not sure! I think it probably definitely has a genetic component but not sure

Hmmm... I'm gunna look it to that. I know in the wild it's linked to food availability, but that wouldn't affect any well-cared for dog.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Hmmm... I'm gunna look it to that. I know in the wild it's linked to food availability, but that wouldn't affect any well-cared for dog.

I didn't realize that, that's interesting

 

[Welshies]

I didn't realize that, that's interesting

Yes, wolves in the wild will have small litters if their food is scarce. If it is plentiful their litters will be huge.
Turns out that domestic dog litter sizes are controlled by age, breed, and the nature of the fertilization.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Many farm animals are fed well just before breeding season, it's called flushing, it is done to optimize ovulation. Any well fed animal, but not obese, will produce more young than those not getting enough calories.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Yes, wolves in the wild will have small litters if their food is scarce. If it is plentiful their litters will be huge.
Turns out that domestic dog litter sizes are controlled by age, breed, and the nature of the fertilization.

Hmmm interesting

 

[ShrekDawg]

Many farm animals are fed well just before breeding season, it's called flushing, it is done to optimize ovulation. Any well fed animal, but not obese, will produce more young than those not getting enough calories.

I wonder if breeders do that too? Or maybe something similar? Dog breeding is so scientific now

 

[Welshies]

Well, I think she might be in labour. She is panting really heavily, which she hasn't in the garage since Monday (she came in Monday). She is shaking slightly and hollow just behind the ribs.

 

[staceyj]

You should provide her with some old towels or an old blanket.
When a dog is in labor they like to go through the motions of digging and sometimes tearing to prepare a place for the puppies to be born.
Also if you have any tums or Rolaids (chewable calcium tablet) at your house please try to get her to eat one or two. She'll likely refuse, in which case, chew them up in your mouth and spit it into hers then hold her mouth til she swallows.
I realize this sounds gross but the calcium will help her contractions a lot.

Also make sure she has water available during her Labor . Delivering a litter of puppies is exhausting work.

 

[Welshies]

You should provide her with some old towels or an old blanket.
When a dog is in labor they like to go through the motions of digging and sometimes tearing to prepare a place for the puppies to be born.
Also if you have any tums or Rolaids (chewable calcium tablet) at your house please try to get her to eat one or two. She'll likely refuse, in which case, chew them up in your mouth and spit it into hers then hold her mouth til she swallows.
I realize this sounds gross but the calcium will help her contractions a lot.

Also make sure she has water available during her Labor . Delivering a litter of puppies is exhausting work.

Yes, thank you. We know

 

[Welshies]

We got discharge now. I think this is it, i hope I don't jinx myself!