Home Features CONSIDERATIONS PRIOR TO THE ACTUAL AND CONTROLLED MATING WITHIN A...
In previous articles, I emphasized that the whole reproduction process in companion animals (pets) and domesticated (farm) animals is an invaluable piece of education, not only for children, but for adults too.
The changes in the female (and male) during the “heat” (oestrus) period of the female are very interesting – both behaviorally and psychologically. For example, the bitch’s attitude to the stud dog, to the owners, to food consumption, to visitors, etc. is visibly altered. We will later discuss physical changes and our pets needs associated with mating.
Last week we mentioned quite a few important aspects pertaining to the actual mating of two dogs. We discussed when (at what specific days) the dogs should be brought together, as well as the contractual obligations which must be clearly understood by the breeders.
Today, we will look at some health criteria. For one thing, the vaccination status of both dogs must be current. This is perhaps an even more important consideration for the female. If the specific antibody levels (i.e., the defence mechanism against various diseases) are high in the mother dog, then the puppies will be ensured a greater degree of immunity (when they are young and vulnerable) for the first six weeks.
Furthermore, the dogs should have been recently dewormed, and their skins should be void of any ectoparasites (mites, fleas, lice, ticks, etc.) or lesions suggestive thereof (no mange!!!). Their eyes should be bright and alert and without discharge; and the ears should be free of any suppuration and abnormal foul-smelling wax build up.
It might be necessary to trim off the hair from around the female vulva (the entrance of the vagina), and from the male’s foreskin (prepuce). This later consideration is important because the prepuce hair might become entangled with the penis during mating. Worse, when the penis retracts, long hair may be caught in the mating process causing a constriction. Please be careful when clipping, ensuring that the scissors does not slip and cut the vulva or foreskin. That trauma could generate so much pain (and infection possibilities) as to preclude a successful coitus.
I would suggest that both dogs undergo a heartworm test, unless they are both on current Heartworm prevention medications. The function of the heart as the blood pumping organ is integral to the energy needed during mating. We do not want a dog (especially the stud) falling down on the job because of an impeded heart condition.
If one is truly serious as a breeder of top class, pedigreed dogs, then X-ray pictures of the hip and elbow joints of the dogs in question should be carried out, in order to eliminate the presence of hip and/or elbow joint Dysplasia, conditions which could result in a deficient function of the fore and hind legs. Of course, besides the genetic problems, there is the sheer inability of the male to mount the bitch, if the former is severely lame. The joints of the bitch suffering from Dysplasia might cause her to collapse under the weight of the stud during mating.
I cannot help but mention my pet peeve relative to dogs’ health. This is the obesity syndrome. In this mating game, the dogs must be trim and in good physical condition. Fat studs and bitches tend to become very lethargic, especially, if there is a lot of activity between the two, prior to the actual mating.
Now, I am not going to go overboard and suggest that a pre-mating consideration could be to have a sperm count done, or to have cultures carried out on the secretion of the prostate gland. However, if the male is consistently not fathering puppies (especially if he is an old dog), then the breeder might consider these interventions.
Next week we will look at those elements which could distract the dogs from mating or place then in a generally disadvantageous position, prior to mating.
