Dog Reproduction and Dog Reproduction and GroomingGrooming

ReproductionReproductionEstrusEstrus

Heat periodHeat periodOccurs on average every 7 monthsOccurs on average every 7 monthsSmaller breeds begin around 6-9 monthsSmaller breeds begin around 6-9 monthsLarger breeds might not begin until 2 Larger breeds might not begin until 2 years old!years old!

ProestrusProestrusPeriod of time before estrus occurs (9 Period of time before estrus occurs (9

days)days)

Gestation: PregnancyGestation: PregnancyLasts average of 63 days in dogsLasts average of 63 days in dogsSigns of pregnancy: increase in Signs of pregnancy: increase in

appetite, weight and breast sizeappetite, weight and breast sizeSigns might not show until 28Signs might not show until 28thth day of pregnancyday of pregnancy

Colostrum: first milk from motherColostrum: first milk from motherFull of antibodiesFull of antibodiesDifferent than normal breast milkDifferent than normal breast milkOnly lasts a few days after birth Only lasts a few days after birth

processprocess

Grooming—Hair CoatsGrooming—Hair Coats

Brushing: Brushing: Distributes skin oilsDistributes skin oilsRemoves flakes of dead skinRemoves flakes of dead skinRemoves dandruffRemoves dandruff

Mats of fur = tanglesMats of fur = tanglesCommon behind ears and under legsCommon behind ears and under legsLong hair dogs will develop this if Long hair dogs will develop this if

not brushed frequently!not brushed frequently!

BathsBathsOnly bathe when extremly dirty!Only bathe when extremly dirty!Do not bathe more than once a Do not bathe more than once a

month unless neededmonth unless neededWill dry out the skin and cause Will dry out the skin and cause dandruff and itching!dandruff and itching!

Only use dog shampoo—Only use dog shampoo—human dries them outhuman dries them out

Dry the dog off completely Dry the dog off completely when done!when done!

TeethTeeth

Plaque and tartar common problemsPlaque and tartar common problemsClean once per week or moreClean once per week or more

Use dog toothpaste only! No Use dog toothpaste only! No human!human!Dogs cannot rinse their mouth Dogs cannot rinse their mouth out and cannot take the fluoride!out and cannot take the fluoride!

NailsNails

Need trimming occasionallyNeed trimming occasionallyDogs who walk on hard surfaces Dogs who walk on hard surfaces

frequently will wear down nails and frequently will wear down nails and need less trimmingneed less trimming

Must be careful not to cut the Must be careful not to cut the “quick”!“quick”!Dog could POSSIBLY bleed to death if Dog could POSSIBLY bleed to death if

trimmed too far!trimmed too far!

Styptic powder can be bought to Styptic powder can be bought to stop bleedingstop bleedingCan also use flour or Can also use flour or

cornstarchcornstarchOnly use dog nail clippers—no Only use dog nail clippers—no

human!!human!!

EyesEyes

Wipe outsides of eyes frequentlyWipe outsides of eyes frequentlyUse eye drops from the pet store if Use eye drops from the pet store if

neededneededDo not use human drops unless the Do not use human drops unless the

vet says to!vet says to!

EarsEars

Clean about once per monthClean about once per monthUse cotton swab or soft cloth Use cotton swab or soft cloth

dipped in hydrogen peroxide; can dipped in hydrogen peroxide; can use ear drops also (from pet store)use ear drops also (from pet store)

Do not put sharp objects into the Do not put sharp objects into the ear!ear!

Do not enter the ear canal—only Do not enter the ear canal—only clean the ridges in the ear!clean the ridges in the ear!