There are many fish based diets, I like Holistic Anchovy (it’s anchovy, sardines and oatmeal).  I would try that.  If that doesn’t work talk to your vet about hill’s prescription z/d. 

Good Luck

Dr Dawn

Hi Eric, you should have made sure your Basset was up to date with innoculations; wormed and flea treated before she came in heat. Hopefully she is ok with all those. May I just add she is getting on a bit for a 1st litter so if you are going to mate her don’t leave it any longer.

Find a stud dog who has had all the relevant health checks for the breed. Bassets are prone to IVDD so bare that in mind too (research it ok). Be prepared to pay a hefty sum for the stud dog fee. Your bitch should have had these health tests too.

Bitches are usually receptive to a male between the 11th and 14th day of her heat. Its always best to mate twice, say 11th and again on the 14th day. She will carry the pups for 9 weeks.  Its the luck of the draw as to how many puppies she will have.

However, to care for the bitch and a litter is hard work and expensive. The puppies will need worming from 2 weeks old, and every 2 weeks after that….wormer from Vet not pet shop. Worms lay dormant in the bitch and pregnancy hormones kick them into life, passing through both the placentas and the bitches milk. Your bitch will also need worming from being mated right through…Vet can tell you which wormer is safe.

The puppies need clean bedding several times a day; they need to be kept at an even temperature of 24 degs C. Be prepared for Vet bills along the way….the bitch delivering the pups; a sick puppy or two ect. 

The puppies will need to be registered with the relevant Kennel Club and Pedigrees written. They should all be microchipped, up to date on wormer; puppy packs ect. You will also have the job of finding them the correct homes….Contracts should be prepared to say that you will have the dog back at anytime during its life should there be any problems. 

At the end of all this you will probably be out of pocket….and owing Vet bills. You may also be left with a puppy or 2 you can’t find homes for. Be prepared for all these things.

Having said all that….your bitch may sail through the whole thing and you have wonderful life long owners waiting for the puppies!

Good luck….and please do think very carefully before you go ahead with the mating. Have extra money to spare for Vet bills and be prepared for any scenario. 

Totally agree Krista….so many things can go wrong….you need to know exactly what you are doing and be ready for anything. X

also, read through this: http://www.basset-bhca.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=104&Itemid=183

if you are unwilling to test for these things and submit those results to OFA, don’t breed.  if you aren’t willing to do a LOT of pedigree research, don’t breed.  if your bitch isn’t registered, don’t breed.  if your bitch isn’t titled in at least something, don’t breed.  if you’re breeding to make money, don’t breed.

find a breed mentor to help you do this the right way or don’t do it.

Did he do any lab work?  Skin scrapings?  Allergy testing?

Is it still bleeding?  If it’s the nail push corn starch into the nail.  If it’s the pad then apply pressure with a dry washcloth or paper towel.  She isn’t going to like it but it needs to be done.  I would take her to the vet tomorrow.

Good Luck

Dr Dawn

Hi, I’m not really sure what your question is so you may try re-phrasing it. He was sneezing a lot, then stopped? Was there new bedding or something in his environment? Any discharge from his eyes or nose? Trouble breathing? 

get his kidneys checked with an ultrasound.  get a full urinalysis done as well as bloodwork.  we had these symptoms in our first dobe, and it turned out he had something called renal displaysia – his kidneys were underdeveloped.  eventually he went into renal failure after a bout of dehydration. 

do what Laura says i think thats a good idea

I was only asking since he is 3 I am just looking for some hope that thats not it although its really the only thing that has made any sense. He goes in Friday for tests this is more just a form of support in a sense I am preparing myself for what the answers could be at first I thought the worst thing would be diabetes so hearing this is pretty concerning. Another thing about him that would lead me to believe that correct me please if I am wrong though, he was the runt….Would that be more likely to give a dog that diesese?

your dog needs a vet.  he’ll need an antibiotic and probably prescription ear drops.  while there, talk with your vet about preventative measures you can take to avoid this in the future.