Mating of Jack Russell Terriers, photos and videos

Keeping and caring for a pregnant dog

Competent care and full compliance with the rules of keeping a pregnant German Shepherd ensures the normal, full development of all future offspring, and also allows you to avoid the development of problems and complications during the birth process.

What to feed a pregnant dog

A pet that bears its offspring especially needs a balanced and proper diet. The main danger is a lack of calcium, which causes eclampsia or the so-called “milk fever”. Eclampsia is a typically fatal disease associated with a rapid decline in total calcium levels in the bloodstream.

Problems of early pregnancy n4

the first two weeks – insufficient appetite. At this stage, the dog should not be forced to eat, and the food should be light and easily digestible;
third week – the presence of toxicosis and morning vomiting. Such problems usually go away on their own. Portions should be small, and good results are obtained by introducing broths into the diet that prevent the development of dehydration;
recent weeks - the appearance of apathy, weakness and poor appetite. At this stage, it is necessary to supplement the diet with easily digestible foods in the form of milk and cottage cheese with a low fat content.

All dogs that are carrying their first offspring must receive special dietary supplements with calcium from the very first day of pregnancy, and from the fourth to fifth week they are transferred to an enhanced diet.

For dogs with allergies or nutritionally problematic animals, the diet is selected in accordance with the composition, after consultation with a veterinarian or professional dog handler.

Activity and rest

Bearing and giving birth to offspring is a very important period, but it should not negatively affect the dog’s walks and maintenance of physical fitness. Walking in the fresh air promotes solar insolation, which has a positive effect on the pet and offspring.

Basic Rules

you should limit the number and duration of too active games; it is necessary to exclude long running and jumping; it is important to protect a pregnant German Shepherd from blows or falls; lying on a cold and wet surface is prohibited; travel by vehicle is minimized; Relaxing outdoor recreation is encouraged.

In the very last weeks before giving birth, a pregnant dog must be provided with maximum peace on a bed in a calm, spacious and cozy place.

Vaccination during pregnancy

If the mating of a German Shepherd is carried out as planned, then it is best to prepare for this process in advance by performing standard deworming and getting all the necessary vaccinations. Some difficulties may arise with unplanned matings. As a rule, complex preparations are used to vaccinate pregnant bitches, which can be used during the first third of pregnancy, which lasts twenty days.

It is important to remember that vaccination of weakened or sick pets is strictly prohibited, therefore toxicosis in a dog is a contraindication

Experienced veterinarians strongly advise against vaccinating a pregnant shepherd dog and vaccinating only after birth, combining the procedure for the mother and two-month-old puppies. When living in areas unaffected by zoonotic diseases or in conditions of increased risk of infection, it is quite acceptable to use a high-quality imported complex vaccine for vaccination, which is administered during the first three weeks of pregnancy.

Estrus

Maturation and physical formation in dogs of medium and miniature breeds, which include Russells, occur earlier than in large species. A male can continue his lineage at the age of one. At the same time, by this age a bitch has already gone through the first stage of estrus or emptying.

During the preparation of the bitch's body for fertilization, significant changes occur in it at the hormonal level, as well as of a psychophysical nature.

A pair of Jack Russells

For your information! Estrus in Jack Russells occurs in several stages and ultimately ends in pregnancy after mating.

Duration and frequency of estrus

Often, novice dog breeders wonder how long the estrus lasts in Jack Russell Terriers and what is its frequency. Estrus for representatives of this breed lasts for two weeks. Around the 10th day, the bitch is completely ready for mating. Estrus occurs with a certain and regular frequency, which varies from five to seven months. As practice shows, an experienced and attentive owner can always determine with an accuracy of one day when the process will begin.

Estrus in representatives of this breed is accompanied by the following signs:

change in emotional state;
molting;
the bitch marks her territory;
discharge of blood from the genital tract.

Ovulation occurs between days 10 and 13. At this time and the next few days, the bitch is ready for mating. This can be understood by the fact that the bloody discharge becomes lighter, and then mucus appears instead. Significant changes also occur in the behavior of the animal. During this period of time, the bitch begins to accept the males’ advances; when sniffing, she freezes and stands motionless, and also moves her tail to the side and lifts the loop of her vulva.

Note! The first mating of female Jack Russell Terriers is recommended no earlier than two years of age.

If fertilization does not occur during the ovulation period, or for some reason the owner decides not to breed, then after 14 days the animal returns to its normal life. The loop gradually contracts, the discharge stops, and the bitch’s behavior normalizes.

Jack Russell Terrier nutrition

The Jack Russell is as unpretentious in nutrition as it is in care. This is due to the purpose of forming the breed. It was created for performance reasons, not beauty. This means you don’t need to think about the shine of wool and other gloss.

The main thing is to give the dog enough calories and vitamins

The energy value of the products deserves attention, since the terrier is active and playful. The mineral base of food is important for the health of the pet

At the row

Pay attention to them. The product line is offered, for example, by the brands Orijen and Innova

There are separate positions for feeding puppies.

True, for the first couple of weeks after purchasing a terrier, you need to stay on the food that was given to him in the kennel. Afterwards, the transition to a new diet is carried out gradually. It is advisable to soak the food. This makes it easier to chew and digest. Also, dry kibble should be supplemented with canned food for puppies.

Plans to switch the Jack Russell puppy to a natural diet begin with broths and boiled meat. The second stage is the introduction of fresh vegetables into the diet. The last thing they give is porridge.

The first dose is 1 teaspoon. The next day we give 3, and the next day - a saucer. The gradual introduction of new food allows the digestive system to adapt and eliminates allergic reactions.

It is recommended to switch from dry food to natural product within 10-14 days

It is also important to distribute food according to the age of the dog. At 1 month a puppy needs 7 approaches per day, and at 2 months – 1 less

At 3 months, Jack Russell receives 5 servings per day. From 4 to 6 months, the terrier is given 4 meals. From six months to 10 months, the dog eats 3 times a day, and then switches to 2 meals a day. However, from the age of one year, Jack Russell is able to eat only once a day. It is the owners’ decision to leave 2 or 1 meals.

The diet of an adult terrier should contain 30-40% protein. In addition to fillets, offal products are suitable, for example, liver and kidneys. It is advisable to exclude fatty meat or give it in small portions. Milk is presented to dogs in both natural and fermented form.

Vegetable items in the menu of an adult Jack Russell are approximately 33%. Beetroot, carrots, cabbage, zucchini, pumpkin and potatoes are healthy. Citrus fruits are excluded. Grains make up about 26% of your pet’s diet. Basically, they give barley, millet, buckwheat and rice cereals. Barley is poorly tolerated by the terrier's stomach.

Necessary preparation

Before mating, it is necessary to find a suitable partner in advance and agree with his owner on the day of mating and payment methods.

By the time of mating, both partners must be absolutely healthy, wormed and vaccinated. Accordingly, dogs must have medical passports with notes on all vaccinations received and certificates of good physical condition. They can be obtained from a veterinarian after passing the necessary tests and examination.

If the bitch has problems with excess weight, it is necessary to get her into shape in advance and lose as much as necessary to meet the standards. Underweight is also undesirable. Also, the owner of the bitch needs to check the pet for a possible allergy to male sperm. Failure to follow the rules can lead to the death of the offspring.

Also, Jack Russell Terriers must have a pedigree and good show scores.

Before mating, you need to give your future partners a good walk. Eating should occur no later than three hours before mating. If you did not have time to feed your pet before this time, then you need to do this after mating.

Immediately before mating, you need to put the dog’s genitals in order - wash them with warm soapy water, and then rinse with warm water.

Mating should take place in the dog's territory. In a familiar environment, it will be easier for him to navigate and perform the necessary actions. A male dog may become confused on his partner's territory, especially if the female dog shows aggression. In the best case, the mating will have to be postponed until the next day; in the worst case, the male may refuse mating for a long time.

The owner of a male Jack Russell Terrier must prepare in advance the place where the process will take place. It is necessary to completely empty the room of objects and furniture. If the floor is slippery, then it needs to be covered with something, such as a carpet or rags. Be sure to place a bowl of clean water.

If mating will take place on the street, then it is necessary to make special barriers to prevent the dogs from running away. All unnecessary items must also be removed. It is best if there is a canopy in case of sudden rain.

When to knit?

This is the most important question tormenting owners of young pets. The fact is that puberty occurs quite early in dogs.

Already at six months, females experience their first heat, and males begin to actively pay attention to the opposite sex from the age of 8 months. However, it is impossible to breed such young individuals, this will ruin their health and the quality of their future offspring for life

It is not for nothing that the RKF has set clear age restrictions for breeding. They differ for large and small breeds, since large animals mature more slowly. Dogs must reach adult size and gain weight before breeding.

Moreover, for females the upper limit of the childbearing period is also limited. Depending on the breed, this is 8-9 years and 6-8 litters during this time. That is, it is advisable to breed dogs no more than once a year, so that health has time to fully recover and the offspring are healthy and strong.

Most often, this period lasts from 15 to 25 days, depending on personal physiological data, and is divided into three successive parts:

The very beginning, when the egg is just being formed. Bloody discharge appears and the dog becomes somewhat restless. She is already showing interest in the opposite sex, but not too actively yet.
The period of active life of the egg, when it enters the reproductive tract and is completely ready for fertilization. At this moment, sexual hunting begins. The dog actively reacts to boys, tries to stand in a certain position, lifts and moves its tail. This is the most favorable time for mating. It lasts only a few days, so you shouldn’t miss it, because if the first attempt is unsuccessful, the procedure will have to be repeated in a couple of days.
The completion of estrus after fertilization or the release of a dead egg in case of failure is the last part of the cycle. The pet calms down and begins to react more sharply to male dogs.

How often does this happen to an animal?

Basically, estrus occurs twice a year. The interval between them is 6 months. In the first seven days, the dog is not ready to mate. If male dogs act out, she will behave aggressively. On the ninth day, the female herself will want fertilization.

The frequency is affected by age and breed. The husky comes into heat once a year. In an old individual, sometimes the signs do not appear, but pregnancy can occur. The cycle gets disrupted due to hormonal problems. With anostria, hormones are produced in small quantities, so the female will not leak. It is important to ensure that a representative of a large breed does not approach a miniature dog. Otherwise, your pet will have serious health problems.

After childbirth, estrus occurs as before. The state of pregnancy causes the cycle to be delayed. A delay indicates a malfunction of the ovaries. This usually occurs due to the pituitary gland.

In adults, hypofunction is not observed. The reason is a difficult birth that caused pathology of the reproductive system. After the examination, the specialist will prescribe treatment aimed at restoring the cycle.
The owner can leave his dog with another pet who is in estrus. Sometimes other people's pheromones get rid of delays.
If problems persist, surgery may be required. In some cases, the veterinarian recommends sterilization.
Delay also appears with cancerous tumors. It is important to undergo regular examinations for preventive purposes.

On what day of heat should a German Shepherd be bred?

Mating of German Shepherds should be carefully planned, focusing on the optimal days of estrus. If you know its exact beginning, you can easily calculate these days. Before the first mating, you can keep a diary where all the changes that occur with the animal before estrus will be stored.

Aviary for a shepherd (German) in the courtyard of a private house

So, on the first day, a dog that was previously gentle and calm may suddenly change its behavior. She becomes lethargic and inactive or, conversely, embittered and disobedient.

Note! The first signs of impending estrus are swelling of the mammary glands and genitals. At the beginning, the bitch begins to actively flirt with males, but at the same time does not allow them to approach her

When readiness for mating begins, her attitude changes radically - aggression disappears, and she takes an unambiguous pose in front of male dogs.

At the beginning, the bitch begins to actively flirt with the males, but at the same time does not allow them to approach her. When she begins to be ready to mate, her attitude changes radically - aggression disappears, and she takes an unambiguous pose in front of the male dogs.

The start of heat in a shepherd dog

The most favorable time for mating animals (shepherd dogs) is considered to be the period 11-13 days of estrus. The bitch must mate before ovulation, since after it the genitals lose their elasticity and discharge stops.

At what age does the first heat start?

Signs of estrus are usually similar in dogs. But if it happens for the first time, there are some nuances. Mostly it happens after changing teeth. Estrus in dogs of small breeds is observed at 6-10 months, in medium and large breeds - at 6-13 months.

Sometimes estrus occurs indirectly. The discharge is not abundant, the males are not interested in the female. But it is still important to monitor the dog because pregnancy is possible.

If the pet is close to puberty, a false estrus may occur. When mating occurs, she stops without ovulating. After a few days it can appear for real.

In the case where the owner expects the dog to give birth, it is important to record the start date of the first cycle and subsequent ones. It is better to start mating during the third heat. There is no need to try to induce estrus prematurely on your own using medications; this can be dangerous.

How to care for a bitch in heat

During the period of heat, the dog needs special care. The pet should not be in a draft. A bitch in heat is prohibited from lying on a cold floor or wet ground or swimming in open water. In cold and wet weather, the animal should not be walked for a long time. It is also not recommended to wash your pet - this can lead to irritation of the loop.

To avoid traces of discharge, the dog is taught to lick the vulva from the very beginning on hunting days. Special panties for dogs in heat also help solve the problem. During walks, protective diapers additionally protect the bitch from accidental mating and prevent infection from entering the genital tract.

Special sprays that mask the smell of the female’s secretions will help protect your dog from males:

Male Stop;
Dog-Stop;
No Love;
Touchy.

They will not help completely eliminate the smell of a bitch in heat, but they will make it less pronounced. The spray is used to treat the inside of the paws and the tail area before a walk.

To neutralize specific odors, oral preparations are considered the most effective. One of these is Canina Dog-Stop-Forte. The product neutralizes odorous substances that are released by a female dog in heat along with her urine.

To prevent an unplanned mating, a dog in heat is not allowed off a leash and is walked in places where there is less chance of meeting a male dog.

Another problem that the owner will have to face is the frequent urge to urinate in the bitch. A dog in heat may begin to mark its territory in the apartment. To avoid this, more frequent walks will be required.

If false pregnancy occurs after estrus, it is necessary to contact a veterinarian to stabilize the pet’s mental state.

For purebred dogs from which they plan to produce offspring in the future, diaries are kept to record the beginning and end of estrus. This will allow you not to miss the moment when the bitch can be bred.

During the period of estrus in dogs, the owner must show maximum attention to the pet. For a bitch in heat, the period of sexual heat is very difficult mentally.

In addition, during estrus, the risk of developing genital infections increases, since the dog’s birth canal opens. The main task of the owner is to monitor the mental and physical condition of the animal. If you notice any abnormalities during estrus, you should immediately contact your veterinarian.

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First heat in dogs of small and large breeds

Estrus or estrus is a physiological process that signals the animal's puberty. For an owner, a dog's first heat can be confusing. When getting a dog, be prepared for such characteristics. Arm yourself with knowledge and care.

Tiny dogs reach puberty faster. For us, at 6 months she is still just a puppy, but in the natural cycle she has already become a female. Large breeds mature later - by 12-18 months, and some - by 2 years. If this has not happened by the age of 2, then you should contact a veterinarian.

Each organism is individual, but usually estrus lasts 3-4 weeks.

How to give birth yourself?

Most bitches cope with childbirth on their own. But in young dogs, the maternal instinct may not yet awaken, and therefore the owner will have to accept newborn puppies on his own.

How to do this:

As soon as the puppy is born, the owner needs to rupture the membranes near his nose so that the baby can take his first breath of air. Having freed the puppy from the films, you need to quickly but carefully rub it with a clean soft towel, then tie the umbilical cord 2 cm from the newborn’s abdomen and cut it above the bandage. After this, carefully pulling the umbilical cord, pull out the placenta. Then you need to give the puppy to the bitch so that she can lick it, and after that, place it on the nipple. At the time of the birth of new puppies, already born babies should be placed in a box with a warm heating pad covered with a soft cloth, and then returned to the mother again. After the last puppy is born, you need to check the number of placenta: their number should be equal to the number of puppies born. Upon completion of the birth, you need to give the bitch warm tea diluted with milk.

CAREFULLY! As the litter becomes wet during childbirth, it should be replaced with clean one.

Jack Russells are not a difficult breed to breed. And yet, having decided to start breeding them, you need to carefully think and calculate everything.

After all, paying for the services of a male dog and maintaining a female dog during pregnancy and childbirth is not a cheap pleasure.

Raising puppies

Preparing for your dog to give birth yourself

By the time you give birth, you must prepare yourself well. For example, the nails on your hands should be well trimmed, and there should be a disinfectant in your pocket so that you can treat your hands with it when labor begins. Unfortunately, there were many cases when dog owners, with their dirty hands, introduced an infection to a giving birth bitch, and she died...

Childbirth cannot be called a “clean” process. Therefore, you need to prepare:

comfortable clothes for yourself that can be thrown away after childbirth;
an old sheet that can be thrown away (you can lay oilcloth) - you will lay it under the woman in labor;
a basin for smeared rags.

In addition, you should have a box ready in which you can put the puppies.

Orange sauce for fish

The sauce goes perfectly with white. For such an original sauce we need 2 oranges, lemon juice, honey, potato starch, salt and chili pepper to taste.

1. Rinse the fruits well. Pour boiling water over one orange and leave for 5 minutes so that all the bitterness comes out of the zest. Then use a grater to remove the zest.

2. Using a juicer, squeeze out the juice. We do the same with the second orange. For two oranges you will need 2 tbsp. lemon juice. Add a spoonful of honey (can be replaced with sugar), a little salt and chili pepper for piquancy.

3. To thicken the sauce, you need to add a couple of tablespoons of potato starch and a slab. After heating the sauce on the stove, you can cool it and serve it.

How many puppies can there be in a litter?

The number of embryos, and therefore puppies, primarily depends on the breed of the dog. Thus, dogs of large breeds usually give birth to from 7 to 12 puppies, although cases of the birth of 22 puppies are known. Small and dwarf breeds usually produce fairly small litters, often amounting to 1-2 puppies.

In addition, the number of puppies in a litter largely depends on the age of the dog, the conditions of its keeping and the hereditary qualities of the male and female.

Diagnostics

If you realize that your German Shepherd is pregnant as soon as possible, the owners should contact a veterinary clinic. Starting from 4 weeks, you can determine pregnancy using ultrasound diagnostics, and an experienced specialist can perform ultrasound as early as 21 days.

The veterinarian will establish the fact of pregnancy and assess the condition of the fetuses, but you should not demand to name the exact number of cubs: the probability of error is too high. To find out the number of puppies, an X-ray of the abdominal cavity is taken at 48-50 days.

An ultrasound is necessary if the dog’s condition suddenly worsens - vomiting or refusal to eat, depression. The examination will help ensure that the fruits are alive. In case of frozen pregnancy or fetal hypoxia, urgent medical intervention is necessary.

Phases of the reproductive cycle.

The dog's reproductive cycle includes four phases.

PHASE 1 - PROESTRUS - HEAT. The period lasts from 3 to 20 days, but in most dogs it is 7-10 days. In the ovaries, follicles grow and mature, secreting female sex hormones - estrogens. In the bitch, the functions of the mucous membranes of the genital organs are enhanced, the loop swells, the size of the uterine horns increases, the walls of the uterus and vagina thicken. During this period, the bitch’s behavior changes, she becomes disobedient, active, playful, often urinates, making marks around the territory. During this period, the bitch reacts aggressively to male dogs, not letting them near her.

PHASE 2 - ESTRUS - HUNT. The period lasts approximately 4 to 12 days. The color of the bitch's discharge becomes less bloody, closer to pale pink. During this period, the bitch is ready for mating. The bitch's loop sharply increases in size, becomes swollen, soft when touched, the bitch reacts, moves her tail to the side, and stands up. The second or third day from the start of the hunt is the best time for mating. Control mating can be carried out after 24-48 hours. The duration of estrus in dogs is the total period of the first and second phases of the reproductive cycle.

PHASE 3 - METAESTRUS - AFTER HEAT. The bitch's discharge stops, and the loop gradually decreases in size. During this period, the bitch does not allow male dogs to approach her. Pregnancy lasts approximately 60-67 days. If pregnancy does not occur, the bitch’s sexual functions gradually fade away, and the body comes to a state of rest.

PHASE 4 - ANESTRUS - SEXUAL REST. During this period, the bitch rests and gains strength. The period lasts 2-4 months, depending on the number of sexual cycles of the bitch.

More articles on the topic “estrus in dogs”:

Estrus is a physiological process indicating the bitch’s readiness to mate for procreation. In Labradors and retrievers it appears at the age of one year and recurs every 10-12 months. For a successful mating, the dog must be healthy, young and active.

Caring for puppies and dogs after birth

Your dog may experience postpartum discharge for two weeks after giving birth. They should be pinkish and not very abundant. If it is cool, you should put a warm heating pad in the birth box. Change the litter daily. The dog should always have clean drinking water freely available.

Usually the mother looks after the puppies. The owner can only help her in this matter. If there are small and weak puppies in the litter, they must be applied to the nipples, which are located on the female’s hind legs. There is the most milk there, and it is the most nutritious. Babies need to be weighed daily and their health and growth monitored.

If a female Jack Russell Terrier has lost her milk, or for some reason she cannot feed her puppies, the owner will have to take care of this. A special mixture for feeding puppies is sold in pet stores. Initially, babies will have to be fed every couple of hours. Gradually the interval between feedings is increased.

If you have a male

It is best to breed a male dog for the first time after twelve months. By this age, he will not only reach puberty, but will also be mentally ready for mating.

By the age of one year, the uncontrollability characteristic of Jack Russell Terriers should be under your control, which can be achieved through proper training. If the mating occurs ahead of schedule, the Jack Russell Terrier may stop listening to you at those moments when it senses the bitch is in heat.

For breeding mating, a male must have:

standard-compliant exterior;
ideal character;
good origin.

Perhaps, during the first mating, the owner will have to help the male mount, guiding him in the right direction. It is best to choose a calm and experienced bitch as a partner, so that she does not frighten the dog with aggressive behavior.

The second mating is best done about four months later, and then once or twice a month. Too frequent matings can exhaust the male dog, making him useless for breeding. Ideally, a male dog's sexual activity can last up to ten years.

Signs and course of pregnancy

In order for your bitch to become pregnant, she needs to be bred three days every other day. Before the “date”, do not feed, and afterward try not to overfeed. There is also an opinion that after the process pregnancy will definitely occur, if the dog is not allowed to actively move, it is better to lie down. Whether this is true or not, we will not say. If the mating process is completed, fertilization is possible on day 4-5. What are the signs that pregnancy has occurred and how many are there? Let's find out.

Signs that your Yorkie is pregnant:

Sleepy state;
Loss of appetite, and at about 3 weeks - vice versa;
The dog senses the imminent appearance of puppies, so it obviously takes care of itself. Becomes more careful;
At week 5, the tummy is noticeably rounded and the dog already becomes clumsy, its gait changes;
Pregnancy can be diagnosed using an ultrasound on the 18th day, or by palpation at the 3rd week. This should only be done by a veterinarian, as the owner may cause harm to the puppies in the tummy.

The position of the puppies and their overall development can be determined by x-ray examination in late pregnancy. However, research should only be done if absolutely necessary.

If you suspect pregnancy, it is better to protect yourself and your dog by protecting it and keeping it safe. Despite the fact that she becomes more careful with herself, her character as a fighter does not disappear. Do not allow the dog to strain itself; going up or down stairs can be tragic for puppies.

Gently lift the dog without squeezing the stomach. The tiny creature may also hit a nearby stone; if you see an obstacle, immediately carefully lift the expectant mother into your arms.

Stick to proper nutrition; if the dog doesn’t want to, don’t force it, let it drink and rest. If a pregnant Yorkie develops toxicosis, it will be even more difficult for him to eat. Find a few foods that your dog doesn't feel disgusted by. Don't forget about mineral and vitamin supplements

It is very important to switch your dog to pregnancy food in the middle of pregnancy.

We would like to remind you about the phenomenon of false pregnancy; this can happen to any dog, in this case to a Yorkie. The dog feels the same as a pregnant dog, prepares a nest, even produces milk, but no puppies are born.

This happens due to the inflammatory process or insufficient production of the hormone for fertilization. Such a dog will need care and attention, taking sedatives prescribed by the doctor, the body will recover and after a while will be ready for a new mating.

A normal pregnancy lasts 56-72 days; the earlier a dog gives birth to puppies, the weaker they are, the later, the stronger. Towards the end of pregnancy, you can feel the puppies moving. The mother's nipples become enlarged, become lighter in color, and milk may be released.

Signs of the onset of estrus

You can tell that a dog is in heat by a number of signs:

Changes in a dog's behavior before estrus. It is quite easy to determine it in an animal if you observe it. The changes are significant. The pet can be affectionate and playful or, conversely, ignore the owner. This happens due to a hormonal surge.
Frequent urination at home and outdoors. In this way, the female marks her territory, attracting males.
The loop increases, blood flows. Sometimes there is a bloodless estrus. However, other signs may remain. The loop swells, becomes loose and pliable. In some cases it sags.
Licking under the tail. The female does this very often.
Increased interest of the opposite sex.
Shedding. It is not observed in everyone.
Poor appetite. The pet may not eat well due to discomfort, pain and other unpleasant sensations. Sometimes, on the contrary, appetite increases.
The animal is lethargic and sleeps a lot. In some cases, this symptom may occur. If it is accompanied by other negative symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian.

At first the dog is aggressive towards males because it is not ready to mate. After two weeks, the discharge stops being bloody and turns yellow. This indicates the most active period. When she sees a male, the female moves her tail and takes a comfortable position. The loop looks larger. The condition may persist for a week, then it is better to mate the pet. It is important to take into account the breed.

The smell during estrus is individual. In some animals it will manifest itself throughout the entire period, in others - at a certain stage. At the same time, males constantly feel it during estrus. To get rid of it, use spray “8in1”, “Beafar”, “Gimpet”. More budget-friendly options that help ward off male dogs are “Antikobelin” and “Smart Spray”.

Sometimes odors indicate hormonal imbalances. If there are additional negative symptoms, it is better to take your pet to a specialist.

You can understand that the emptying has ended when the discharge stops. But it is important to monitor the pet’s behavior for a few more days. You should refrain from walking in places where there are a lot of dogs for another week.

You can determine that there is no discharge by looking at the sun lounger. When the female stands up, she strains the walls of the vagina, and then they become noticeable. In case of prolonged emptying, you should consult a doctor, even if the pet’s condition is normal.

Features of care

Before the puppy comes into your home, prepare the space - remove small objects and wires, as well as other things that could harm the baby, from visible places. Remove personal and expensive items that could be damaged.

Prepare a place for the puppy. There should be no drafts, windows, or heating objects near it. Try to make it a place where the dog is at peace. If you need to isolate your baby for a while, use a playpen, cage or enclosure.

As soon as the puppy appears in the house, show him who is the boss. Designate an area where he can play, sleep, eat, and where he should stay away. It is better not to retreat from such tactics. Raise your puppy from the first days, while he is still trainable.

There should always be toys in the Jack Russell's personal place that will distract him while you are busy with your business or while you are relaxing.

Train him to toilet in a timely manner - usually after sleep or after eating. Buy a special diaper at a pet store. As soon as you notice the puppy’s anxiety, show him a place to relieve himself.

After the required vaccinations, you can accustom the puppy to the street. To do this, use an already used diaper - the dog will react to the smell.

The first walks should be no more than 10 minutes. As the puppy grows, increase the time. Even if the weather is bad outside, be sure to take the puppy out, at least so that he can go to the toilet.

Don't forget to play active games with your puppy during walks. Stop your puppy from chasing other dogs and cats. Teach him discipline.

Brush your puppy several times a week. During molting season - daily. Puppies with long hair will have to be taken to a grooming salon. Teach your baby to behave calmly during hygiene procedures.

NOTE! Don't forget to clean your puppy's ears and trim his nails. Rub your eyes if necessary

To care for your teeth, purchase a special brush from a pet store.

You can bathe the puppy after scheduled vaccinations, when two weeks have passed. This breed does not need to be washed frequently, but only with special shampoos. On average, Russells are bathed three times a year.

Read about other features of Jack Russell care here.

Start of the process

Since contractions (contractions of the muscles of the uterus) usually last from twelve hours to a day, you may not immediately notice the onset of labor. Frequent heavy breathing of the dog is its harbinger.

After eight to ten hours, the intervals between contractions become shorter. This is reflected in the dog’s behavior - it begins to lower its tail, its eyes turn red, and trembling covers the entire body of the bitch. She begins to intensively lick her genitals and look for a suitable position.

At this time, it is necessary to take the pet outside so that she has time to go to the toilet before the birth begins.

When the interval between contractions has decreased to ten to fifteen minutes, pushing begins - contractions of the dog’s abdominal muscles. Labor is about to begin. If more than three hours have passed since this moment, and the first puppy has not been born, call the veterinarian. Most likely, the bitch will have to have a caesarean section.

The puppy may appear either head first or paws forward. Both options are quite acceptable. Usually the bitch herself must rupture the amniotic sac in which the baby appears and gnaw the umbilical cord. If the dog is too weak to do this, you will have to help him.

Tear the membrane around the puppy's head and free it from the bubble. After this, carefully dry the puppy with a towel and remove mucus and liquid from his mouth and nose with a cloth. Then cut the umbilical cord. To do this, pinch it with two fingers, retreat three centimeters and cut it with sterilized scissors. Tie the umbilical cord with a silk thread and wipe the puppy's navel with Xydicol.

If the puppy is lethargic or shows no signs of life at all, then you need to suck out the fluid from the mouth and nose using an enema. Turn the baby upside down and lightly pat him on the back. After your actions, the baby should move. You can also give your baby a light chest massage to stimulate his vital functions.

After the birth of a puppy, the female Jack Russell Terrier produces an afterbirth - the child's place. There is no need to throw it away; usually the dog eats it, as it contains useful substances.

Typically, a Jack Russell Terrier will give birth to four to five puppies. Accordingly, after each birth of a baby, the placenta should come out. But a dog cannot eat more than two pieces - an overdose of substances contained in the placenta can lead to poisoning.

The interval between the appearance of puppies varies from fifteen minutes to two hours. If more than the prescribed period has passed since the birth of the puppy, and the female Jack Russell Terrier behaves calmly, then the birth is over. Do not forget to keep the maternity ward clean - change the bedding or diaper after each newborn.

Be sure to place the first two puppies near their mother so that they can begin to suck milk from her nipples. This has a good effect on childbirth - it stimulates contractions and pushing. This is also useful for puppies - with mother’s milk they receive vitality and the first immunity against various infections.

It is better to put the remaining puppies in a pre-prepared box for now. Then, when the first puppies have eaten well, put them in the box, and put new, still hungry puppies with the bitch. All puppies can be left with their mother after the dog has fully recovered.

There should be a heating pad in the box for the offspring so that the babies do not catch a cold, since their temperature drops very quickly after birth. They can be covered with a clean and warm towel on top for additional warmth.

Also, do not forget to maintain a temperature of twenty-eight degrees in the room where the birth takes place. You can install a heater for this, but it should not be too close to the whelping box or the box with the puppies.

Choosing the right pair

When selecting studs, they study the dog’s pedigree, preferably with an examination of close relatives (to detect the advantages/disadvantages of the line), and also look at his exterior, temperament and health, including his psyche.

Puppies from unscheduled matings (born from a non-breeding female) are excluded from breeding, even if they meet all the requirements of the breed standard. Only German Shepherds that have successfully passed the Körung are suitable for elite breeding.

When selecting partners, follow the basic rules:

the exterior of the male/female must comply with the German Shepherd standard;
to improve the breed, only males are used;
it is necessary that the dogs are suitable for each other in age;
underweight/overweight of one of the partners is unacceptable;
Shepherd dogs must be in excellent physical/mental condition;
identify the pros and cons of dogs to make an optimal pair.

The last point assumes that if a bitch has some insignificant defect, she is bred to a dog that is devoid of such a defect, but does not have a counter-feature. When you combine mutually exclusive (alternative) qualities in partners, you will not get a golden mean, but will see offspring with intermediate properties. Also, puppies may be born, half of which have inherited their mother's characteristics, and the other half - their father's.

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What you need to know about contractions and childbirth in a dog?

As a rule, the preparatory stage of childbirth lasts from 2 hours to 1 day. The beginning of the next stage (contractions and childbirth) is accompanied by the appearance of contractions of powerful intensity. Here nature takes care of everything itself; the best advice during the onset of labor is not to interfere. It often happens that dog owners, in order to help a woman in labor, try to pierce the amniotic sac on their own. This should not be done! The dog's bladder will burst when it is necessary for optimal delivery. Sometimes, a woman in labor chews through the amniotic sac herself, and this is also normal.

It also happens that the owner of the dog breaks the bubble, thinking that it is amniotic, but it turns out to be a bubble in which the puppy is born. This should not be done under any circumstances. Just trust your dog's instincts and be there to support him emotionally.

When puppies come out into the world, don't be alarmed if they walk feet first - this is normal! The only time to sound the alarm is if contractions started 2.5 hours ago and the puppy still hasn’t appeared. In this case, urgently call a veterinarian, because an artificial kind of permission is needed, which you cannot provide on your own. Failure to provide assistance in this case may result in the death of the mother and her puppies.

How is pregnancy going?

The gestation period for females of this breed is on average 60 days.

In the first month, it is difficult to understand whether the bitch is pregnant or not, since she does not change in appearance. True, in the third week the nipples begin to swell.

In the first month of pregnancy, the bitch may seem lethargic or sad, she sleeps more and eats less well. But all these signs are unreliable.

NOTE!

The fact that the bitch is pregnant is indicated by the expansion of the volume of the ribs, which is why the sitting bitch appears more plump.

In the fifth week, an increase in the abdomen becomes noticeable.

From this time on, you need to reduce the dog’s activity: you should not allow it to run or jump a lot. Also, you should not allow your bitch to go up or down stairs.

From the beginning of the second month, the frequency of feedings is increased: at first the bitch is fed 3 times a day, and by the end of pregnancy - 4 or even 5 times.

In a dog’s diet, if it eats natural food, the amount of protein products, including meat, increases. A week before the expected birth, meat is completely excluded from the diet and replaced with boiled sea fish: this is necessary to prevent eclampsia.

If suddenly a pregnant bitch has a fever or suspicious discharge appears from the loop, then the dog should be taken to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible.

Dog mating

— how it happens
Puberty in males occurs at 6 months. This means that from now on the male can mate at any time. And don’t think that if you have a brother and sister from the same litter, and the sister is in heat, the male will be stopped by the relationship. However, it is best to start breeding your pet from 18 months of age. Early separation of a male dog can lead to early stunting.

The first estrus - estrus in bitches occurs at the age of 6 months to 1 year. The intervals between estrus in dogs can be from 6 months to 12. Of course, for you as the owner, the longer the dog's period between heats, the less hassle. However, if these periods are always different, you should contact your veterinarian.

The optimal age for mating females is 2 years. If you didn’t breed a bitch until she was 4 years old, then it’s better not to do this, because... late labor becomes dangerous for the bitch's health, the pelvic bones diverge poorly, and a caesarean section may be necessary.

A dog's estrus period lasts 21 days (3 weeks). Before a dog goes into heat, the loop swells. The heaviest bleeding is observed during the first 10 days. To avoid unwanted stains on furniture and floors, you can purchase special panties for dogs at a pet store. Of course, your dog will not like them very much, however, be persistent and encourage him and he will get used to it.

From about the 10th day, a period favorable for conception begins, when it is desirable to mate the dog. Jack Russell Terriers are of the “early” type and can be bred starting from the 8th day.

In general, the owner himself will be able to determine when his bitch is ready for mating. At this time, the dog forgets about everything, even that the owner took him outside “on business.” She is busy looking for a partner to procreate. As soon as you stroke the dog on the back, the tail rises and falls to the side, opening a loop.

It is at this moment that you should take your girl to mating with the groom. As a rule, mating takes place on the territory of the male dog. There he feels like a master and mating success is more likely. In the territory of the bitch, the male may become nervous, and the bitch may begin to snap.

The process of mating (mating) of Jack Russell Terriers is quite simple, because... dogs are light. If you choose the right mating day, you don’t even need to invite a mating instructor. Give your pets freedom of action. After a short period of acquaintance and courtship, sexual intercourse occurs directly. Ejaculation in a male dog happens quite quickly, literally, after several frictions. After this, the bitch continues to hold the penis in the vagina by contracting the vaginal walls. The male gets down from the bitch and turns his back to her. At this moment, it is better to hold the dogs so that the dog does not try to run away, thereby injuring himself. A “lock” in nature is intended not only to prevent sperm from leaking out, but also to prolong pleasant moments for the bitch. The duration of the castle can be from 5 to 40 minutes. In general, it is believed that the “castle” does not affect the likelihood of conception, however, the owners prefer that the “castle” happen.

For greater confidence, a control mating is carried out every other day.

Whether the bitch is pregnant cannot be determined until about the 30th day, even with the help of an ultrasound. The fact is that dogs have a two-horned uterus and during the first half of the bitch’s pregnancy, the fetuses are located in the horns of the uterus. The fruits emerge into the uterine cavity only on the 17-18th day. From this moment on, the bitch's belly will begin to increase. At this time, the bitch may begin to refuse food, sleep a lot, and even experience toxicosis. However, in the first half of pregnancy the bitch leads the same lifestyle.

Well, the 30th day has come, and you finally realized that your pet is pregnant?

Congratulations! Now get ready for a new, troublesome, but very exciting period in your family’s life - pregnancy, childbirth and raising puppies.