There are several health considerations and conditions that potential dog breeders have to be aware of before picking a mate for their dog. It is always important to ensure that both the female and the male are in the best possible health before breeding, however the health of the female is of utmost concern right through the gestation, whelping and nursing phases of the pregnancy. Starting out by breeding a female that is not completely healthy is only going to result in possible very serious and very costly treatments as the pregnancy progresses. It is also important to keep in mind that many females will not be successfully bred if they are not in good physical health as this can be nature's way of protecting the female and preventing her body from being stressed through a pregnancy. Smaller puppies and lower litter numbers are common in less than healthy females.
Genetic Testing
The advancements in genetic testing have really helped dedicated and reputable dog breeders avoid inadvertently breeding recessive genetic problems within specific lines and breeds. Since many of these recessive conditions don't show in the carrier dogs, it is virtually impossible to determine if the dog will have the gene without specific DNA testing.
Generally most breeders or owners will know what genetic conditions are common within their specific lines. Testing for these conditions is essential. If there is any history of these conditions within the pedigree of either dog it is not only essential but also imperative. Keep in mind that some genetic conditions don't become recognized or noticeable until the dog is over 2 years of age, some when the dog is much older, meaning they may actually have been used in a breeding program long before the condition is obvious.
Genetic testing is not inexpensive, but it is worth it in the long run. Dogs will only have to be tested once in most situations since the genetic condition is either present or it is not. Typically each specific breed will have some condition that is essential to test. In Collie breeds eye tests are important, while in some of the larger dogs thyroid problems are also essential to test for.
Hip dysplasia is one condition that is common in almost all of the larger breeds. It is considered to be polygenic in nature, which means that it is groups of genes not one specific gene that causes this debilitating problem as the dog ages. Elbow dysplasia is more common in smaller breeds and can likewise be evaluated through genetic testing and certification prior to any breeding programs.
Some breeders also use a BAER test, which stands for Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response to test for hearing problems and deafness. While not a true genetic test the deafness is inherited within some specific breeds including the Boston Terrier, Australian Shepherd, Dalmatian and Bull Terrier breeds among others.
Worming and Vaccinating
Ensuring that both male and female of the breeding pair is up to date and current on their vaccinations is important. While it typically is not as serious for the male, a female that has worms or is unvaccinated is at very high risk for developing health related problems through the pregnancy. Most vaccinations and even some worming routines cannot be completed during the pregnancy as they can cause death or malformations in the puppies.
Mothers that have worms or parasites also are at greater risk for having low birth weight puppies, which puts them at greater risk for the all important first few days of life. In addition a female with worms will be malnourished and is unable to provide enough milk for her litter, especially the all important first milk, colostrum. Without colostrum the puppies don't build their own immunity and may have health problems all through their lives.
Worms can also be passed from the mother to the puppies through her milk. These infestations can keep parasite populations high in the puppies, robbing them of the essential nutrients they need during their early rapid growth period. Worms can also cause related health problems as they keep the puppies health stressed and allow other disease to become more problematic.
Regular Specific Health Examinations
Depending on the breed of dog other regular health checks should be done on dogs in breeding programs at yearly exams. In most cases these should start just before the first breeding at 1 1/2 to two years of age and continue on as long as the dog or female is used in the breeding program. Common examinations in most breeds should include eye exams, specifically for PRA or progressive retinal atrophy if it is found in the breed.
Many of the large dog breeds have problems with heart conditions. TVD or tricuspid valve dysplasia occurs when the valve actually allows seepage of blood backwards through the heart due to a malformation. This can be determined through a physical examination where the vet listens to the heart and confirmed through an echocardiogram. It is important that the vet know if this is an issue with your breed to compete a more detailed auditory exam of the heart that he or she may typically do. This condition tends to be worse as the dog ages or gains weight.
Knowing what conditions are prevalent or of concern in your specific breed is the responsibility of every breeder. Not knowing and testing can result in passing on genetic and health conditions to future generations.
Risks To The Female
During the pregnancy and even after whelping the female dog is at higher risk for serious and life threatening health conditions. Females that breed and have a litter or even come into heat once are more likely to develop cancers, pyometra, tumors and even death due to complications during gestation, during whelping or post pregnancy. While these deaths are rare they do still occur and each owner must be aware of the risk to the dog. Even if death does not occur owners need to be aware that the cost of caring for a pregnant dog that does develop a health issue can be staggering and owners need to be financially prepared to cover all costs. You vet will be able to provide you with further information on costs and possible issues that you need to consider prior to making the decision to breed.
Working closely with your vet throughout the pregnancy and even pre-breeding to ensure both the female and male are healthy is important. If you have a breed that has known whelping or birthing problems you may wish to consider planning for a cesarean birth or allowing the female to have the puppies at the vet so he or she can immediately respond to any health issues that may arise.
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