Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Choosing the Right English Bulldog Breed
• Method 2 of 4: Mating Bulldogs at the Right Time in the Female's Reproductive Cycle
• Method 3 of 4: Caring for a Female During Pregnancy
• Method 4 of 4: Caring for the puppies and mother after pregnancy

Breeding bulldogs is not a whim.A litter of puppies creates a significant burden on the bitch (female bulldog), and also poses a danger to her life. In addition, the Bulldog breed itself is associated with a high level of difficulty, especially breeding puppies. And so it is. Many Bulldogs require a caesarean section at puppy birth, so until you have the financial resources to cover all the costs that lie ahead, you shouldn't even think about breeding.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Choosing the Right English Bulldog Breed

1. 1 Realize the full responsibility for breeding puppies. Do not take on this business until you have plans for a long term commitment to the breed, the health and safety of the bitch and puppies, and the ability to fully understand Bulldogs and their needs. There are many so-called indoor dog breeders who start breeding dogs with little or no experience and understanding of this unique breed. They see the selling price of dogs and try to do it just to fill their pockets with money. Sadly, it doesn't end well for the Bulldogs.
2. 2 Do not breed dogs that have health problems. Many Bulldogs suffer from breathing problems due to flat muzzles, large tongues and small windpipes. If any of your Bulldogs have had surgery to open their nostrils, cut off a portion of the soft palate, or remove tonsils, then do not breed them. The genetic predisposition and associated problems with a clogged nasopharynx will undoubtedly affect the puppies.
   • Even if your bulldogs did not require surgery, you should avoid breeding them if they have to deal with breathing problems.
   • Especially do not resort to mating a female if she does not breathe well during the summer, since hot weather will only aggravate the problem during pregnancy.
3. 3 Pay attention to the female's temperament. Experience shows that the character of the mother is passed on to her puppies. If she is overly nervous or aggressive, then her puppies are likely not to be perfect either. The best candidate for breeding would be a calm, friendly and gentle dog.
   • A calmer female will also find it easier to become a good mother, less likely to bite or pose a threat to the puppies.
4. 4 Check it for ticks. It is very important for the female to have healthy and free skin from skin parasites. The problem with skin scabies caused by the demodex mite can only be exacerbated by stress during pregnancy. The bitch may shed, and her skin in some areas may resemble the skin of a rhinoceros. In addition, the demodex mite can be passed on to puppies during childbirth, which means that they will already be born with the mite and will have further skin and coat problems. This, in turn, is not only undesirable, but it will make it harder to sell the puppies, and most likely you will have to keep them.
5. 5 Go to the vet for a checkup with your dog. One month before you decide to breed your English Bulldogs, you should visit your veterinarian for a complete physical examination of the bitch. Make sure she has all her vaccinations on time, that she does not have worms, that she does not test positive for brucellosis, a bacterial disease that can unexpectedly cause an abortion.
   • You should also get genetic screening from your veterinarian. Even healthy bulldogs can have unwanted genetic traits. A responsible dog breeder should always strive to weed out in advance the signs that can lead to health complications characteristic of their breed.
   • The male you choose should also be tested for brucellosis.
6. 6 It is not worth breeding a bitch until her second heat. She will begin her first heat around the age of six months, but never knit it until the second heat she will have every six months.

Method 2 of 4: Mating Bulldogs at the Right Time in the Female's Reproductive Cycle

1. 1 Learn all about your bulldog. The estrus cycle can vary in the length and length of the cycles. In general, you can expect your bitch to be in heat about once every six months and last for three weeks. However, you should still find the perfect mating time while she is in heat.
2. 2 Determine when she is in heat. The initial stage of estrus is called proestrus. During this period, the bitch's vulva swells and you may notice bloody vaginal discharge. However, she will not allow a male dog to mate with her, so don't even try. Take this as a signal to be ready to knit in the coming weeks.
   • On average, the first heat cycle will last approximately nine days.
3. 3 Ovulation test. If you would like to be more specific about when the bitch will ovulate, you can visit your veterinarian for several test options. These tests include:
   • Conduct a cytological examination. This is a painless procedure in which a veterinarian collects samples of cells from a female's vulva, transfers them onto a glass slide, and examines them under a microscope. Samples are obtained by taking a swab with a cotton swab from the mucous membrane of the vulva. Certain cell types can only be seen during ovulation.
   • Take a blood test. This is the most common blood test for the presence of the hormone progestogen. Testing is carried out for about five days during estrus, and when the amount of the hormone in the blood reaches 2.5 ng / ml, mating can be organized after three days (by this time, during ovulation, the hormone level will reach 5 ng / ml). If necessary, the test can be repeated every two to three days to determine the increase in the level of the hormone.
4. 4 Breed the bitch after the end of proestrus. The next stage of estrus is called estrus. This is the perfect time for mating dogs. The female can already pay attention to the male and assume a mating position. If rubbed at the base of the tail, she can push it aside and expose her butt to you, which means she is ready to mate.
   • Ovulation usually occurs within forty-eight hours after the onset of estrus. The ideal mating period can last anywhere from five to nine days.
5. 5 Perform artificial insemination if necessary. Due to the genetically short legs and sturdy body, some Bulldogs may have problems with natural viscosity. If you notice that the male is having difficulty fertilizing the female, you can contact your veterinarian for IVF. The artificial insemination technique requires the deposition of semen (obtained directly from the male) into the bitch's vagina, cervix and uterus using a syringe.
   • The temperature of the semen is vital, but even so there are no guarantees. The methods include fresh semen, chilled and frozen.
6. 6 Diagnostics of pregnancy. The average gestation period is 65-67 days, plus or minus a week. There are various options for the correct definition of pregnancy, ranging from a few weeks of anticipated conception. These options include:
   • Ultrasound - Ultrasound can diagnose pregnancy from day 23 onwards. It is done by cutting out a patch of hair and lubricating the abdomen with a water-soluble gel. The veterinarian places a probe in the abdomen and can see a jelly-like liquid on the screen as a result of the swelling of the uterus, which is a confirmation of an early pregnancy.
   • Palpation - usually on palpation, the veterinarian feels various formations in the uterus, which are embryos at 28-35 days of conception. Before and after this period, it is difficult to determine pregnancy by palpation.
   • Blood test - Progesterone levels in pregnant females continue to rise rather than being subsidized. From the twenty-eighth day after mating, the veterinarian can predict the difference in progesterone levels to confirm pregnancy.
   • X-rays - If other options are inconclusive for any reason, your veterinarian may use an X-ray machine to confirm pregnancy from about 45 days after mating.

Method 3 of 4: Caring for a Female During Pregnancy

1. 1 Change her diet accordingly, if necessary. As with most pregnant women, the female should eat a balanced, high quality diet, just like before pregnancy. After she begins to gain weight (the last five weeks of pregnancy), her diet needs to be adjusted to accommodate her weight gain. The approximate increase in the last days before childbirth can be equal to 35-50 percent of the usual diet.
   • Increase your nutritional requirements by feeding smaller meals more often, rather than simply increasing the amount on your regular meal schedule.
2. 2 Ask your veterinarian about a caesarean section. English Bulldog puppies have problems so often that it is more advisable to schedule a cesarean section. In fact, the veterinarian should provide a thorough examination of your bitch to prepare her for a natural birth before even considering a caesarean section. Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate day for your caesarean section, the date of which depends on the mating date. Plan your procedure well in advance.
   • Also, ask ahead of time if your veterinarian can do a caesarean.
3. 3 Get a birthing box. Your bulldog should get used to the birthing box several weeks before the expected due date. The box should be roomy and with low sides. Line it with newspapers and build a small shelf to prevent the puppies from crawling under the mother.
   • Place the box in a warm, dry, clean, quiet place away from other dogs.
   • It is perfectly normal for a pregnant bitch to put newspaper and rags with her smell in the box, so she will get used to the birthing box. Even if you and your veterinarian have scheduled a caesarean section, it is best for the bulldog to get used to the birthing box.
4. 4 Keep all other essential items at arm's length from the pregnant woman. You should prepare other necessary birthing items in relative proximity to the crate until the moment the bulldog begins to give birth. You should have a heating lamp or heating pad, a bottle to feed the puppies and artificial milk (in case the mother abandons the pups), and plenty of clean towels and bedding. You will also need clean scissors to cut the umbilical cords, dental floss to tie the umbilical cord, iodine to clean the puppy's umbilical cords after circumcision.
5. 5 Find out before giving birth if your veterinarian can provide emergency care. If your veterinarian can provide emergency birthing support at the clinic, make sure you know where it is and how to contact your doctor. If your veterinary clinic staff can handle an emergency delivery, you need to know the procedure for communicating with staff before the need arises. It is important to provide a safe environment for the birth of puppies.
6. 6 Watch for early signs of contractions. The first contractions last an average of twenty-four hours, the bitch behaves restlessly at this time, she is unable to sit in one place and refuses to eat. She can lie down looking at her sides, then stand up again.
7. 7 Prepare for the puppies. At the second stage of contractions, tremors begin, after which puppies should be born. The dog will lose water, it will lie, straining and pushing its sides, trying to give birth to puppies. If puppies do not appear within two hours of such contractions, you need to contact your veterinarian.
   • The mother can rest after each puppy is born, suitably 20-30 minutes. If you know there are a lot of puppies coming up and the bulldog is resting for more than half an hour, call your veterinarian.
   • Bulldogs have large heads, and a common problem during childbirth is that the head can get stuck as it exits the birth canal. The only way to free the puppies is by a caesarean section, which will need to be done urgently. If labor takes more than an hour between puppies, call your veterinarian.
   • Count the puppies and the placenta that comes out with them to make sure the mother is getting what is needed during labor. The placenta should come out with every puppy.
   • Keep your veterinarian's number and emergency veterinary clinic number nearby throughout the process.

Method 4 of 4: Caring for the puppies and mother after pregnancy

1. 1 Make sure the dog is performing all of its natural functions. After each puppy comes out with the placenta membrane, she must tear it open before you cut the umbilical cord. After that, she should start licking the puppies to stimulate their breathing. If she neglects these responsibilities, then you should do them in order to keep the puppies alive.
   • There is enough oxygen in the membrane for a few minutes, so you shouldn't hesitate, you need to be especially careful. If this responsibility falls on your shoulders, you need to rip the bag close to the puppy's head and remove it until you can easily reach the puppy.
   • Remove all mucus and tissue from the puppy's nose and mouth, then wipe it off with a warm, clean towel to stimulate breathing and circulation.
2. 2 Cut off the umbilical cord. Use dental floss to tie the umbilical cord about 5 centimeters from the puppy's belly, and dab iodine along the incision to avoid developing any infections.
3. 3 Let the bitch feed the puppies. Soon after birth, the female should start feeding the puppies herself. Sucking for now will provide the puppies with colostrum, which is similar to milk but contains the mother's antibodies and prevents any infections that may develop in their bodies.
4. 4 Keep warm. Newborn puppies cannot yet control their body temperature, so you must keep them warm. For the first five days, keep the temperature at 30-33 ° C.
   • After the first five days, you can gradually reduce the temperature to 27 degrees for their next 10 days of life, and then to 25 degrees until the fourth week after their birth.
5. 5 Monitor the woman in labor while breastfeeding. Canine mastitis may develop in the first few days after giving birth and during feeding. The nipples should be warm and small, but with mastitis, you will notice that the nipples are red, dark, hot, and it hurts the mother to feed. In this case, consult your veterinarian immediately.
6. 6 Provide the mother with a postpartum diet. She should not eat much during the first few days after giving birth. When she starts eating again, make sure you give her food rich in calcium, as well as phosphorus and vitamin D. This will prevent the risk of developing eclampsia.
   • If you have developed a high quality diet for her, the amount of vitamins needed should be reflected in her daily diet.
   • Symptoms of eclampsia include nervousness, unsteady walking, muscle cramps, and whining. The veterinarian can easily determine if the dog is sick after you suspect that the dog is sick.
7. 7 Take care of orphaned puppies. If the mother has abandoned any puppy, then you will have to take on this responsibility. Check with your veterinarian on how to properly care for your puppies and follow the instructions for feeding volume and frequency without question.
   • Do not try cow's milk as it contains insufficient nutrients for puppies.