Hunting Washington Forum
Other Hunting => Bird Dogs => Topic started by: andrew_in_idaho on July 25, 2016, 06:27:26 PM
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Experienced breeders out there, my GSP is due with a litter right about August 29th and seeing as the last time I was involved in raising a litter of puppies I was probably 10 and my primary role was to play with them I just need basic advice on when and how to properly care for these pups before sending them to their new homes.
Tail docking and dewclaws? All my research so far says 2-5 days after birth, is that correct? Which method do you all prefer cutting or banding? Obviously dewclaws need to be cut not banded, what tools do I need? Am I just better off taking them to a veterinarian for these procedures?
At what ages do you vaccinate the puppies and with what vaccines and dosing information? Anything else I'm missing? Deworming maybe? I just want to be sure I have all of my bases covered and if it is better I am not afraid to take them to the vet, but I've heard that it may be better for health and stress levels to try and do these things at home. Thanks in advance for any and all advice you guys can give me
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They will be protected by mom while nursing. I know my breeder gives the first shot and worming at 7-8 weeks. Also, even though they are protected by mom's immune system you will want to keep them isolated. While I have never done it personally I know that my dogs have had their tails and dew claws cut at 2-3 days. Good luck with your pups.
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If you've never done it before......... pay to have it done. And make sure to leave the tails longer than shorter. 90 percent of vets cut to much off of shorthairs. I've cut tails off of springers,brittianys,gsps,gwps. 17 litters worth, I use a soldering iron with a rope cutting attachment, pull hair towards the butt and zip through it after knife is red hot. Dew claws are surgical scissors and baking flour as a clotting agent to stop bleeding. I do surgery on them at day one after they are all whelped,dry and been fed a good dose of mommas clostrom milk. They squirm alot less.
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Wildweeds, I am starting to agree with you. So I guess another question is should I see if I can get a vet to come do it here at my place or should I load up some day old pups and take them to the vets office? Also I definitely like a longer tail on a shorthair as well
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Unless you have a very experienced breeder friend local to you, take them to the vet.
Its really simple to do, but if done wrong it can be ugly.
WRL
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I always did tails and dew claws at 3 to 5 days. Not really needed but I also give the first shot at 6 wks, then 8 wks, 12 wks and 16wks. I never took the pup's out before their shot at 6 wks.