Profile of Dogs’ Breeders and Their Considerations on Female Reproduction, Maternal Care and the Peripartum Stress—An International Survey

Abstract

Dogs are part of many households worldwide and in recent years in some western countries, more and more people describe them as members of the family. The accurate number of dogs per household and the actual demand for puppies are hard to estimate correctly. The sources of dogs seem to be an important element to consider before acquiring a dog since some behavioural disorders are more likely observed in dogs coming from puppy mills and pet stores. Therefore, there is an increased need to better-know dog breeders, theirs believes and practices. To full-fill this objective, an online questionnaire in five different languages (English, German, Polish, Portuguese and Spanish) was sent to dog breeders. The survey intended to study the demographics of dog breeders and to understand their perception and practices about reproduction, maternal behaviour and management of the dam during the peripartum period. We were also interested to evaluate the occurrence and the impact of stress around parturition and how breeders deal with overstressed bitches and if they believe that motherly quality could have a later-on effect on the livelihood of the dog. Six hundred and sixty-eight respondents participated in the survey, mainly from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Portugal, Poland, Spain, United Kingdom, United States of America and non-listed country (reported as ‘other’ in the survey). A country effect was observed in relation to housing system, human interaction, the use of techniques to define breeding and whelping time and different methods to manage stress during the peripartum period. Considering the demographics of the responders, breeding activity is, in general, a family based activity with an effect of country. Use of progesterone levels to manage reproduction and pregnancy diagnosis by ultrasound were cited as common practice. In general, parturition takes place under human supervision. Peripartum period was perceived as a stressful moment with a difference in the way of addressing the problem based on the country but reassuring the bitch by increasing human presence was frequently described. Inappropriate maternal behaviour was observed by half of responders and if presented primiparous bitches and parturition by C-section were overrepresented. Puppies stayed with the dams from 4 weeks to 9 weeks and dog breeders from Spain, Poland and Portugal are keeping puppies with their mother the longest. Overall, poor maternal behaviour has an impact on puppies’ cognitive development with German breeders being more convinced than their counterparts from Brazil and Spain.

Potential Benefits of a ‘Trauma-Informed Care’ Approach to Improve the Assessment and Management of Dogs Presented with Anxiety Disorders

“…During the first weeks of life, poor maternal behaviour has an impact on the puppies' cognitive development [75]. As a result of the crucial nature of both the pre/post-partum care of canine dams, which corresponds with the sensitive neurodevelopmental landmark phases of puppy development, it is vital that puppies and their dams be exposed to humane conditions that minimise the risks of excess stress and fear [76]. As we learn more about epigenetics and the impact of environmental conditions resulting in gene expression, it is easier to understand why puppies raised in "less than ideal" conditions will almost certainly be more vulnerable [77].…”

Neurobiology of Maternal Behavior in Nonhuman Mammals: Acceptance, Recognition, Motivation, and Rejection

“…Good maternal behavior is associated with the so-called stress hyporesponsive period [ 24 , 26 ], which refers to a delay of the timing of glucocorticoid elevation in infants, associated with reduced stress response in adulthood [ 26 ]. Inappropriate maternal behaviors may occur in 50% of primiparous dogs, especially following cesarean section [ 27 ] or as a result of early separation during the postpartum period [ 28 ].…”

Phytotherapeutic Approaches in Canine Pediatrics

“…In clinical practice, particularly in dogs, phytotherapy is used for various purposes, especially, as regards Spain, by young female veterinarians working in clinics [ 21 ]. From careful bibliographic research, it is highlighted that the phytotherapeutic treatments were carried out in the course of external otitis [ 22 ], respiratory tract infections [ 7 ], treatment of heart disease [ 23 ], lower urinary tract diseases [ 24 ], hepatopathy [ 25 ], prevention of plaque formation, gingivitis, and periodontal disease [ 26 ], prevention of motion sickness and chronic vomiting diseases [ 7 ], treatment of perianal adenopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, and joint cartilage injuries [ 7 , 27 , 28 ], treatment of helminthiasis [ 7 , 29 ], tick infestations and demodectic mange [ 30 , 31 ], management of canine appendicular osteosarcoma to increase patient survival time [ 32 ], certain oculopathies [ 33 , 34 ], management of fireworks-related fear [ 35 ], post- and peripartum situations [ 8 , 36 ], and various other pathological conditions. Some works report on the use of medicinal herbs for hunting purposes [ 37 , 38 ].…”