Guardian Dam Care After Breeding
A warm, step-by-step guide for Stokeshire Guardian Homes—what’s normal after whelping, what needs attention, and how to support your dam’s full recovery with nutrition, gentle structure, and timely communication.
At-a-Glance
- Notify Stokeshire within 24 hours of any vet visit or health concern.
- Use only approved diet: Diamond Naturals Salmon & Potato.
- Flea/Tick: Bravecto approved. Simparica not allowed.
- Medications: Check with us before starting steroids, Apoquel, Cytopoint, or any new prescription.
- Return to Stokeshire by Day 52 of pregnancy for whelping and nursery care.
The Role of Stokeshire Guardian Homes
Guardian families give our breeding dogs everything we cherish—family life, routine, and love. In return, we provide professional reproductive care, health oversight, and a clear plan for each stage of your dam’s life.
Stokeshire Provides
- All breeding-related veterinary care and testing
- Professional timing for breeding and whelping
- Nursery care for mom and litter
- Clear protocols for nutrition, medications, and recovery
- Ongoing support and recordkeeping
Guardian Agrees To
- Follow approved diet and prevention standards
- Check with us before any new medication or food change
- Keep us updated within 24 hours of vet visits or health changes
- Support gentle routines during recovery and reintegration
- Transport your dam to Stokeshire by Day 52 of pregnancy
Before & During Breeding: What to Expect
Your Part
- Share heat start dates, behavior changes, and spotting details promptly.
- Keep routine calm; avoid new foods, supplements, or medications.
- Light exercise only; prevent strenuous play or high-exposure environments.
Stokeshire’s Part
- Health screening and responsible timing for breeding.
- Clear transport plan and shared calendar.
- Ongoing communication and recordkeeping.
Understanding the Heat Cycle
Stages (Typical Durations)
- Proestrus (7–10 days): vulva swelling, bloody discharge; not receptive.
- Estrus (5–14 days): fertile window; receptive to mating.
- Diestrus (60–90 days): return to baseline or supports pregnancy.
- Anestrus (~4 months): hormonal rest between cycles.
Understanding Post-Breeding & Postpartum Recovery
What’s Normal
- Coat thinning or “blow,” especially around neck and hindquarters
- Itching associated with shedding (mild, transient)
- Increased thirst and appetite while milk dries up
- Light discharge up to two weeks postpartum
- Fatigue, extra naps, occasional clinginess
These signs are temporary and usually resolve with stable diet, hydration, and calm routine.
Monitor Closely For
- Persistent, intense itching; hot spots or scabs
- Ear odor/discharge (possible yeast)
- Swollen, hot, or painful mammary glands
- Refusal to eat/drink; lethargy or distress
- Loose stool > 48 hours or vomiting
Nutrition & Diet Authorization Requirement
A consistent, nutrient-rich diet stabilizes hormones, supports skin and coat, and protects fertility. Sudden diet changes—especially postpartum—can trigger yeast, ear infections, or inflammatory flares.
Approved Diet (Required)
Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat — Salmon & Potato
- Single-protein fish; gentle on digestion
- Omega-3 rich for coat recovery
- Consistent results across our program
Feed twice daily, keep fresh water available, add salmon oil 2–3×/week, and use probiotic support during recovery.
Not Allowed Without Written Approval
- Switching brand, formula, or protein source
- Chicken or multi-protein kibbles
- Pea/lentil-heavy grain-free diets
- Raw/home-cooked diets
- Bargain or “performance” feeds
Unauthorized changes may impact breeding eligibility and result in responsibility for related veterinary costs.
Veterinary Care, Medications & Prevention
Many common medications are not ideal for breeding females. Always check with Stokeshire before starting anything new.
Requires Breeder Approval Before Use
- Steroids (e.g., Prednisone)
- Apoquel or Cytopoint
- Hormonal therapies
- New or long-term prescriptions
If your vet recommends one of the above, have them contact us. We collaborate to keep your dam safe.
Approved Preventatives
- Flea/Tick: Bravecto (approved)
- Flea/Tick: Simparica is not allowed
- Heartworm: Must be breeder-approved prior to use
- Deworming: Stokeshire-supplied or vet-approved
Record doses and share during updates or evaluations.
Early Signs of Pregnancy
- Mild lethargy or extra affection; preference for quiet spaces.
- Subtle appetite shifts (slight decrease early, steady increase later).
- Nesting behaviors a few weeks in.
- Later: nipple prominence and gentle abdominal fill.
White or Pale Gums
Brief paleness can accompany hormonal shifts, but gums that remain pale—especially with weakness, fast breathing, or lethargy—require prompt contact with Stokeshire and your veterinarian.
Verifying Pregnancy
Ultrasound
Typically performed around week 4; confirms pregnancy and gives an early look at fetal health.
Relaxin Test
A blood test specific to pregnancy; helpful when timing is uncertain. We’ll advise if/when needed.
Care During Pregnancy
Nutrition & Hydration
- Stay on the approved diet; do not add proteins or switch foods.
- Small, steady meals; fresh water always available.
- Ask before adding supplements; we’ll guide safe options (omega-3, probiotic).
Exercise & Calm
- Gentle walks; avoid rough play, jumping, or long runs.
- Quiet sleep spaces; reduce stress and household chaos.
Skin, Coat & Allergy Support
Common Triggers
- Diet changes (especially away from fish to poultry)
- Inconsistent proteins or high-carb formulas
- Non-approved flea/tick preventatives
- Overbathing or harsh grooming products
- Post-weaning stress and mineral depletion
Calm-the-Flare Plan
- Return to approved diet and keep strict for 8–12 weeks
- Add fish oil 2–3×/week; use a probiotic 3–4×/week
- Use oatmeal/aloe shampoo; avoid strong fragrances
- Brush gently; no close shaving (keep 1"+ guard)
- Reduce stress; keep a predictable routine
Most flares resolve in 6–8 weeks once triggers are removed and skin barrier is supported.
Post-Whelp Health: Mastitis & Other Risks
Mastitis — What to Watch For
- Swollen, hot, firm, or painful mammary glands
- Reluctance to lie on one side; fever or lethargy
- Redness or abnormal discharge
Apply warm compresses (5–10 minutes, 3–4×/day), prevent licking (cone/shirt), keep bedding clean, and contact us promptly.
Other Concerns
- Yeast ear infections (odor, discharge, head-shaking)
- Coat blow vs. abnormal hair loss (hot spots)
- Digestive upsets > 48 hours
- Behavioral distress during hormone shift
When in doubt, message us. Early guidance prevents escalation and protects future breeding eligibility.
🚩 Red-Flag Symptoms — Seek Prompt Care
- Pale/white gums, collapse, or severe lethargy
- Persistent vomiting/diarrhea, or refusal to drink
- Heavy panting at rest, tremors, or seizures
- Foul uterine discharge or abdominal pain
- Rapidly worsening skin lesions or widespread rash
📣 Communication Standard
Guardians agree to notify Stokeshire within 24 hours of any veterinary visit, illness, or new medication. For urgent matters, call or text immediately so we can coordinate care.
Grooming & Parasite Prevention Standards
Grooming
- Avoid grooming within 14 days of breeding or whelping
- No shaving below a 1" guard on Doodle coats
- Use gentle, pH-balanced shampoos; fragrance-light
- Resume full grooms once coat regrows (8–12 weeks)
Parasites & Heartworm
- Flea/Tick: Bravecto approved
- Do not use: Simparica / Simparica Trio
- Heartworm: Must be approved by breeder first
- Record doses and share during check-ins
Reintegration Into Your Home
First Two Weeks
- Keep routine calm and predictable
- Offer quiet rest areas away from high activity
- Gentle walks only; avoid overexertion
- Crate when unattended to prevent accidents or over-grooming
After Week Two
- Gradually increase exercise and enrichment
- Schedule grooming once coat begins to recover
- Maintain approved diet and supplements
- Share photo updates and any concerns with Stokeshire
Most dams feel fully “themselves” again within 6–10 weeks post-weaning.
Tips for Guardian Success
- Log heat dates, behaviors, diet, and any meds in one place.
- When in doubt—message us before changing anything.
- Keep grooming gentle; avoid close shaves and heavy fragrances.
- Photo updates help us spot subtle changes early.
- Celebrate progress—most postpartum coat and skin changes normalize with time and consistency.
Future Breeding Eligibility
We only breed when mom is fully recovered and cleared. If a dam experiences persistent health issues (recurring mastitis, chronic skin inflammation, reproductive irregularities), we may pause or retire her early.
Program Agreement Summary
| Area | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Diet | Diamond Naturals Salmon & Potato | No changes without written approval |
| Medications | Breeder approval before use | No Simparica; Bravecto approved; heartworm must be approved |
| Communication | Within 24 hours | Vet visits, new meds, health changes |
| Grooming | Gentle; 1" guard minimum | Avoid within 14 days of breeding/whelping |
| Transport | Day 52 return to Stokeshire | We handle whelping and nursery care |
| Breeding | Health-first & vet-cleared | May pause/retire if issues persist |
Non-compliance that results in preventable health issues may require reimbursement for related veterinary costs and can affect program status.
We’re here to help—always.
If you’re unsure about a symptom, considering a medication, or need help with nutrition, reach out. Your quick message helps us support your dam’s health and happiness.