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Various types of medication are used for pregnancy termination (abortion) in female dogs.
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Puppies should not go to new homes under the age of six weeks, except in special circumstances. From the point of view of socialisation and bonding the sooner the puppy goes to a new home the better.
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Puberty, or sexual maturity in the bitch, usually occurs around six months of age although this varies.
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Although the majority of bitches will whelp without the need for assistance, problems can arise which require veterinary attention.
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If whelping appears to have finished clean up the bitch as much as possible without upsetting her. The bitch will spend most of her time with her puppies for the next few days.
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Pregnancy, also known as the gestation period, normally ranges from 57-65 days with an average of 63 days.
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During the first three weeks of life puppies require little care from the owner provided the bitch is competent. They are born with their eyes closed but these open after 7-14 days.
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From the time of mating many bitches show behavioural changes, often becoming more affectionate. However some bitches become uncharacteristically irritable.
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Many owners want to breed in order to keep a puppy irrespective of the sex, breed or type of pet.
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Caesarian section is a major operation carried out to remove puppies that cannot be born normally. Both the anaesthetic procedure and the surgical technique are designed to ensure that recovery is as rapid as possible.