page contents Skip to main content

Library

Home » Pet Health » Pet Health Library » Library

Reproductive Care

  • English Foxhound

    Foxhounds have been bred for centuries to live as a pack in the kennel, with few living as house dogs. But if you raise one in the home, you're in for a pleasant surprise. They are easy-going, calm, and gentle; good with children, other dogs, and other pets.

  • English Setter

    The English Setter is said to be one of the sweetest-tempered, most well-mannered dogs to grace the planet. For those who seek an exemplary canine companion rather than a precise champion in the obedience ring, this dog is a winner.

  • English Springer Spaniel

    Most Springers are happy, outgoing dogs with a love of family and fun. They're playful and enjoy playing the clown, yet they can be quite regal when standing alert. Springers maintain a fierce loyalty to their owner, moving quickly to be at your side the moment you enter the room.

  • English Toy Spaniel

    Merry, bright, and animated, but also docile, sweet, and calm, English Toy Spaniels make excellent lap dogs and indoor family pets, especially for seniors and families with someone home most of the day.

  • Entlebucher Mountain Dog

    Entles are more of a lifestyle than a pet – they want to be with their primary human as much as possible and they want you to play.

  • Estrous Cycles in Cats

    The estrous cycle, better known as a female cat's heat cycle, consists of several stages; the stage called estrus refers to when the female is sexually receptive. This handout explains the age of onset, the clinical signs of a cat in heat, the length and phases of the heat cycle, as well as the benefits of spaying a female before her first heat cycle.

  • Estrous Cycles in Dogs

    Female dogs will have their first estrous (reproductive or heat) cycle when they reach puberty. Each cycle consists of several stages; the stage called estrus refers to when the female can become pregnant. This handout explains the cycle stages and signs as well as how to prevent mating and pregnancy in your female dog.

  • Estrus and Mating in Dogs

    Estrus (heat) begins when a female dog reaches sexual maturity and occurs about twice per year, although it varies from dog to dog. From the beginning of a female’s estrus period, she will be attractive to male dogs, though she will usually not be receptive or allow mating until seven to ten days into her cycle. The time of mating is extremely critical and it is highly recommended to have your female tested to determine the optimal days for breeding.

  • False Pregnancy or Pseudopregnancy in Dogs

    False pregnancy refers to a display of maternal behaviors, combined with the physical signs of pregnancy following estrus, in unspayed female dogs that are not actually pregnant. Signs include physical and behavioral changes, outlined in this article. Mild cases typically are not treated, but treatment may be needed for more serious cases. If your dog is not used for breeding, spaying is recommended.

  • Feeding the Nursing Cat

    This handout discusses the need for ensuring your pregnant cat is receiving adequate nutrition to make sure both she and her kittens thrive during this time of increased demands on her body. Feeding and diet suggestions are provided.