Dog Reproduction and Grooming

Reproduction Estrus Estrus Heat period Heat period Occurs on average every 7 months Occurs on average every 7 months Smaller breeds begin around 6-9 months Smaller breeds begin around 6-9 months Larger breeds might not begin until 2 years old! Larger breeds might not begin until 2 years old! Proestrus Proestrus Period of time before estrus occurs (9 days) Period of time before estrus occurs (9 days)

Gestation: Pregnancy Gestation: Pregnancy Lasts average of 63 days in dogs Lasts average of 63 days in dogs Signs of pregnancy: increase in appetite, weight and breast size Signs of pregnancy: increase in appetite, weight and breast size Signs might not show until 28 th day of pregnancy Signs might not show until 28 th day of pregnancy Colostrum: first milk from mother Colostrum: first milk from mother Full of antibodies Full of antibodies Different than normal breast milk Different than normal breast milk Only lasts a few days after birth process Only lasts a few days after birth process

Grooming—Hair Coats Brushing: Brushing: Distributes skin oils Distributes skin oils Removes flakes of dead skin Removes flakes of dead skin Removes dandruff Removes dandruff Mats of fur = tangles Mats of fur = tangles Common behind ears and under legs Common behind ears and under legs Long hair dogs will develop this if not brushed frequently! Long hair dogs will develop this if not brushed frequently!

Baths Baths Only bathe when extremly dirty! Only bathe when extremly dirty! Do not bathe more than once a month unless needed Do not bathe more than once a month unless needed Will dry out the skin and cause dandruff and itching! Will dry out the skin and cause dandruff and itching! Only use dog shampoo—human dries them out Only use dog shampoo—human dries them out Dry the dog off completely when done! Dry the dog off completely when done!

Teeth Plaque and tartar common problems Plaque and tartar common problems Clean once per week or more Clean once per week or more Use dog toothpaste only! No human! Use dog toothpaste only! No human! Dogs cannot rinse their mouth out and cannot take the fluoride! Dogs cannot rinse their mouth out and cannot take the fluoride!

Nails Need trimming occasionally Need trimming occasionally Dogs who walk on hard surfaces frequently will wear down nails and need less trimming Dogs who walk on hard surfaces frequently will wear down nails and need less trimming Must be careful not to cut the “quick”! Must be careful not to cut the “quick”! Dog could POSSIBLY bleed to death if trimmed too far! Dog could POSSIBLY bleed to death if trimmed too far!

Styptic powder can be bought to stop bleeding Styptic powder can be bought to stop bleeding Can also use flour or cornstarch Can also use flour or cornstarch Only use dog nail clippers—no human!! Only use dog nail clippers—no human!!

Eyes Wipe outsides of eyes frequently Wipe outsides of eyes frequently Use eye drops from the pet store if needed Use eye drops from the pet store if needed Do not use human drops unless the vet says to! Do not use human drops unless the vet says to!

Ears Clean about once per month Clean about once per month Use cotton swab or soft cloth dipped in hydrogen peroxide; can use ear drops also (from pet store) Use cotton swab or soft cloth dipped in hydrogen peroxide; can use ear drops also (from pet store) Do not put sharp objects into the ear! Do not put sharp objects into the ear! Do not enter the ear canal—only clean the ridges in the ear! Do not enter the ear canal—only clean the ridges in the ear!