Pregnant Bitches in the Salon

There maybe times you will need to work on a pregnant dog. Care must be taken when lifting these dogs, you do not want to harm the pups or the bitch. Shampoo choice is very important. Only choose gentle or mild shampoos. Never use flea rinse on a pregnant bitch or a puppy.

KEY POINTS

• Ensure that pregnant females are washed and groomed right up to as close as when they are due, but minimize the amount of time they spend in the salon. 

• Check the age of puppies when someone requests grooming for a female that has just had puppies. Do not groom the female unless the puppies are around five to six weeks old.

• Avoid allowing females with very young puppies (e.g., two-week-old puppies) into the salon. 

• Use gentle and safe quality shampoos with no harsh chemicals on pregnant females. 

• Avoid using flea rinse on pregnant females. 

• Advise clients to consult their veterinarian if the pregnant female dog has fleas. 

• Handle pregnant females carefully, especially when lifting them. Do not lift them under the belly to avoid squashing the puppies. Use the proper technique as demonstrated. 

• Ensure that the salon is as clean as possible to prevent infections. Clean thoroughly using appropriate cleaning agents like F10 or Delete. 

• Do not allow puppies into the salon until they have had their full injections.