British Dalmatian Club

[Flygirl]

I feed my dogs a raw diet and they do not have any supplements apart from occasional Dorwest Keepers mix which is a combination of herbs and kelp and Good oil (Hemp oil) which is rich in Omegas 3, 6 and 9. What are the views about supplements of vitamins and iron to a pregnant bitch? Rosie is 3 weeks past her last mating now and is looking and behaving for all the world as though she is pregnant. She looks extremely fit and healthy, but I am not sure whether I should be giving her anything extra. Also what do people do about worming? All the dogs were wormed on 1st September with Drontal Plus. I am worried about giving anything toxic during pregnancy, but I know that the vets recommend a worming regime. Advice please from the more experienced breeders on here.

Thanks in advance,

Liz
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Liz, Jack, Rosie, Merlin, Sally and Jazz

www.elizabethsampsonpiano.co.uk
www.dalstorm.co.uk
www.nuadalseurope.co.uk
http://tyrodal-nuagene.blogspot.com/

[Jeangenie]

The best wormer to give during pregnancy is Panacur, which is given daily from the 40th (I think) day till two days after whelping. As you know, pregnancy activates the worms that are encysted in the bitch's body tissues (not the gut) so this worming regime deals with them as far as is possible and the pups are much less likely to be born infested.

Other than that I wouldn't give any supplements at all. Calcium supplementation has been linked with causing eclampsia, and anything else needed would be provided by a good balanced diet. From about the 6th week onwards the bitch needs less carbohydrate and more protein, but if you don't feed carbs anyway then that's not an issue.

[Flygirl]

Thank you Jeangenie, that is pretty much what I thought. I will contact the vet about the wormer.
_________________
Liz, Jack, Rosie, Merlin, Sally and Jazz

www.elizabethsampsonpiano.co.uk
www.dalstorm.co.uk
www.nuadalseurope.co.uk
http://tyrodal-nuagene.blogspot.com/