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17 Common Dog Reproductive Problems: Vet-Verified Signs & Treatments

veterinarian checking up of an australian shepherd dog at clinic

Whether you have a male or female pet, deciding to breed your dog is a serious undertaking. Of course, the risks are greater for the latter, with the possibility of problems during birth. We strongly urge you to get your pup examined before making any plans. Some conditions may exist already that can affect your […]

Puppy Developmental Stages: From Birth to Adulthood (Vet Reviewed)

puppy playing_Intarapong_Shutterstock

A lot goes on during the first months of a puppy’s life. They go by so quickly that you can literally miss a critical milestone in a blink of an eye. It’s an amazing journey if you’re lucky enough to be with a pup from birth until it reaches adulthood. It’s the story of life […]

Postpartum Eclampsia in Dogs: Vet-Verified Signs, Diagnosis & Treatment

lactating female vizsla

Giving birth is a dangerous and challenging moment for all expecting mothers, and the dangers don’t always disappear right after the babies are born. You’ve probably heard of eclampsia and how it causes seizures in pregnant women, but many female dogs have to deal with eclampsia as well. Unlike in humans, postpartum eclampsia is due […]

9 Signs a Dog Is Ready to Mate: Vet Approved Guide

dog sniffing dog in heat

Choosing to breed your dog is a big decision. It can have health consequences for your pup, whether or not it was planned. Epidemiological data show a prevalence of 64% of canines being spayed or neutered, with females and mixed breeds more likely to undergo the surgery. Many pet owners get it done when their […]

Abnormalities of Dog Pregnancy – 8 Common Problems (Vet Reviewed)

pregnant jack russell in bed

It’s a very exciting time when your dog is pregnant. In most cases, things will go smoothly, and you’ll end up with several new puppies in just 2 months’ time. Occasionally, though, things don’t go as planned, and complications arise in your dog’s pregnancy. To ensure that you have the information you need to accurately […]

When is the Best Time to Mate a Dog? Facts & FAQ

beagle dogs mating

If you have a healthy, non-spayed, purebred, and capable female, the idea of breeding might have crossed your mind. You might be looking to carry on your female genes to a new litter of puppies. Or, you might love the breed you have so much that you want to perfect it. Male dogs are ready […]

How to Tell If a Dog Is Fit for Breeding: 3 Signs to Look For

two smiling dogs happy outside mating

Breeding your dog and having adorable puppies running around is a real joy and a wonderful experience for children. That said, it is also a massive responsibility and needs careful planning, preparation, and commitment. For a dog that is young and healthy, the process should be smooth and easy, but for dogs that have health […]

Dog Heat Cycle: Vet-Verified Signs, Frequency & Facts

Beagle's swollen genital

Understanding your dog’s heat cycle (or estrus cycle) is paramount if you have an unspayed female at home. Without learning how it works, it is impossible to know what is normal and what isn’t, and how to look after your dog while she is in heat. A good knowledge of your dog’s heat cycle is […]

How to Keep Mother Dogs Healthy After Birth: Vet-Approved Postpartum Care Guide

king charles cavalier spaniel mom nursing puppies

Good postnatal care, also called postpartum care, ensures that your dog recovers from the rigors of giving birth so that she can nurse her puppies and stay healthy. In most cases, there are no complications following birth. Still, they do happen, and as well as making sure that your dog and her litter are perfectly happy, […]

Behavioral Changes During Proestrus and Estrus in Dogs: Vet-Approved Facts

Dog Couple in the field

Female dogs typically go through a heat cycle twice a year, during which time, they can mate and conceive babies. The first part of the heat cycle is referred to as the proestrus stage, while the second part of the cycle is referred to as the estrus stage.1 Both trigger different physical and behavioral changes […]

How to Help a Dog in Labor: 4 Tips for a Safe Birth (Vet Answer)

Pregnant Terrier Mix

Dogs are pregnant for about 63 days, give or take, before they go into labor. Therefore, there is not much time to prepare for new puppies. You should start preparing right after seeing your veterinarian and having the mother checked out within the first 30 days of gestation. Your vet may try and estimate how […]

The Consequences of Dog Inbreeding: Vet-Verified Problems & Risks

two dogs in a pet friendly mall

When you consider how taboo inbreeding seems, it is hard to believe that we have used this method to produce champion bloodlines in canines for centuries. Many breeds that we know and love today are products of inbreeding. There may have been some initial benefits to the thought process behind it. However, as research concludes, […]

Dog Mating Guide: Cycles, Factors & Tips

Dog sniffing dog in heat

Mating dogs can be a rewarding experience, but the practice must be done responsibly and with the parent and puppies’ health and welfare as a priority. There is much to learn about mating dogs before the first breeding attempt. We have put together this dog mating guide to help make preparing and planning for a […]

What Is Dog Mismating? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Tips

dog sniffing dog in heat

Dogs are fun, intelligent creatures that many people enjoy spending their lives with. However, overbreeding and mismating can result in unwanted animals that end up homeless and suffering. Many unwanted dogs face terrible fates, including death. Luckily, we humans have a great deal of control over how many dogs exist in the world at any […]

Caesarean Sections in Dogs: Vet Approved Info & Care Tips

wanida tubtawee_shutterstock_birth

Cesarean sections are an operation whereby an incision is made in the abdomen and womb and the baby, or puppy, is delivered through this cut. The cesarean section, or C-section, is performed in cases where natural birth would harm the puppy or the mother, or where it just isn’t physically possible. While it is possible […]

Physical Signs of Proestrus and Estrus in Dogs: Vet-Reviewed Info & FAQ

male and female Eurasier dogs

Whether you want to breed your female dog or are anxious to get her spayed before she undergoes her first heat cycle, knowing the physical signs indicating the start of the heat process is essential. The canine reproductive cycle is divided into four parts: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. Proestrus and estrus are the two […]

False Dog Pregnancy: Signs, Causes & Care (Vet Answer)

brown dog ultrasound

What do you do if your dog goes into heat, comes out of it, was safe at home the entire time, and then pops up lactating and nesting four weeks later out of the blue? If you’re sure they couldn’t have gotten pregnant, why are they acting pregnant? Is that a bad thing? Are they […]

Dog Breed Plus Is Now a Part of Dogster!

Two adorable black and white short-haired Border Collie dogs (male and female)

Dog Breed Plus is pleased to announce a new partnership with Dogster.com—the new home of our comprehensive dog resources! Here, you’ll find our library of content that has helped so many people enjoy the wonders of having and caring for man’s best friends. But before we get into specifics, let us say thank you for […]

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