Importance of good husbandry in dog breeding establishments

• Published in: Veterinary record 2018-09, Vol.183 (12), p.379-380
• Main Author: Moxon, Rachel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal training; Antibiotics; Breeding of animals; Critical care; Disease; Dogs; Hygiene; Infections; Medical prognosis; Mortality; Pregnancy; Veterinarians; Veterinary medicine
• ISSN: 0042-4900; 2042-7670
• DOI: 10.1136/vr.k3940

High standards of care in the early weeks of life are vital to ensure puppies get off to a good start Neonatal puppies are susceptible to issues arising from inadequate care in the periods before, during and after whelping.1-3 Puppies are at risk of infection, hypothermia, hypoxia, hypoglycaemia, dehydration and injury.4-11 Survival rates to weaning for puppies are reported to be between 70 per cent and 91 per cent.3,12-18 Optimum care and supervision of bitches during pregnancy and whelping can reduce stillbirth rates and improve survival to weaning. The findings suggest that while there are guidelines for biosecurity in dog breeding establishments, there is variation in how different breeders apply biosecurity measures and that smaller-scale breeders may be more likely to require assistance.21 There were discrepancies between breeders of different scales in some areas of husbandry; smaller-scale breeders, for example, showed less knowledge and use of disinfection and a lack of confidence that appropriate disinfection products were being used. Guidance would be applicable not only to licensed dog breeders, where such advice would assist them in meeting their legal obligations, but also to hobby breeders and pet owners whose dogs are expecting a litter of puppies.References 1 Van Hutchinson R. Maximizing neonatal survival.