Sara's Secrets

Welcome to my page of secrets, what you read here is what I consider some of the most highly regarded products and services, that will set you on the path to breeding success.

What's detailed here is for your eyes and your eyes only! ​Forget the Illuminati or Freemasons, everything you need to know is here, with respect to specific dog related breeding stages from fertility to pregnancy and puppyhood.

The below links will take you to the precise product and services I have discovered and fine tuned through my years of breeding experience. Please be aware I recommend these products from my own knowledge and practice.
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Should you be in any doubt of their suitability for your dog please do not administer and if required seek veterinarian advice.
£100 breeder insurance sign up
Buddies Insurance underwritten by Legal & General Plc are offering 2x £50.00 reward for breeders who sign up 'for free' and active an puppy insurance policy 'for free'!

Call now on the free number 0800 035 4775 and register with reference IB592, this reference is specific to HomeScan cilents ensuring you get the full entitlement to this great offer!
Wheatgerm Oil - Vitamin E
​To keep is short, wheatgerm oil is a natural vitamin E which removes harmful free radicals from the reproductive organs (amongst other positive things!). This form of 'flushing' works for both male and female dogs to increase and support their fertility.
 Folic Acid
It's been confirmed that a supplement of 5mg per day could reduce the risk of cleft palates (mouth deformity) in puppies by early 50% when fed to the mother 15 days before mating until the end of pregnancy. This is a must for any flat-faced/brachycephalic breeds.
Velcote Oil (Coat conditioner)
​Produced in Germany Velcote is a nutritional supplement for skin and coat. Made of cold-pressed oil containing a combination of African nut oil, wheatgerm and linseed oils, providing optimal levels of the most important fatty acids (Omega-3 and 6) to help cases of dermatosis (skin diseases) and excessive shedding. Rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny, thick coat.

Dosage: Small pets, cats, and small dogs up to 10kg: 1-2ml Dogs between 10kg and 30kg: 3-5ml Dogs over 30kg: 
SF-50
​This replaces SA-37 of yesteryear. It's an amazing multi vitamin which can be given to pregnant and nursing bitches to help their body deal with the 'stress' of a litter. Typically I find they don't tend to 'drop their coat' as much after nursing on this supplement.
Raspberry Leaf
This extract supplement is said to aid and easing labour by toning the smooth muscles of the uterus, support the reproductive system and help to expel placentas.
Whelping iD collars
Use: These collars are perfect to help you identify each puppy from newborn to new home. These soft nylon Paracord 550 collars are ideal to identify similar puppies in a litter. Sold in pairs you will have two collars for each puppy as they grow.
Water Tablets (with Potassium)
If you are concerned that your girl is retaining water during her pregnancy then the use of water tablets will help this additional fluid to be passed. Retaining water can put serious internal pressure on the organs. result in puppies with excess fuild which can make puppy delivery and surival difficult.
Zinc
​Zinc is basically used in the building blocks of sperm.  Low levels of zinc can negatively impact the quality of 'love juice' produced. Stud dogs with low semen counts (if checked) can benefit with a zinc supplement to help ''boost' their sample.
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is a tree bark powder that can be given to aid colic, diarrhoea, constipation, and irritable bowels. Safe to use on pregnant and nursing dams but also weaned puppies.

If sympthoms persist then refer to vet for additional advice.
Liquid Calcium
Supplementary Calcium maybe needed either during the birthing process to help strengthen contractions or for the prevention or treatment of Eclampsia (when a nursing mum's calcium levels drop too low due producing milk for puppies). This should be in your nursing kits as standard on all litters due.
Caulophyllum 30C
Caulophyllum is a homeopathic remedy which quickly increases contractions and aids delivery. Give one every hour as soon as contractions begin. Continue until delivery is completed.
Whelping Box/Puppy Play Pen
Personally I like to keep things simple and if possible use equipment multiple ways! A heavy duty lined puppy pen with a tray can be used as a whelping box and then transformed in to a puppy play pen.
Heat Pad (Petnap)
I'm a personal fan of the Pet Nap heat pad and have used them for many years, great value for good quality. This item is a essential for any breeder.
Puppy Toilet Area
Shredded Teabag Bales are the modern sawdust alternative. Much safer (particles can't be inhaled) with outstanding absorption properties which also helps reduce smell.
Fast Read Flexible Digital Thermometer
A drop in body temperature is one of the first signs to confirm your girl is in first stage labour. This thermometer is not only digital and quick reading (10sec) but also has a flexible tip, so you can take temperature while she sits (with the aid of some vaseline!).
Reading
  • Book of the Bitch by J.M Evans
Kennels (Boarding)
Breeder Friendly Vets 
I strongly recommend that you contact the vets before you require their services to sign onto their books and if possible speak to the vets direct about your impending birth.
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  • Gayton Vets, Gayton House, 40 Hatchlands Rd, Redhill RH1 6AT, Tel: 01737 761475
  • Medivet The Vets Forest Row (Dr Alex Selles Llorens), Centre, Station Rd, Forest Row RH18 5DW, Tel: 01342 824452
  • Cobie Vetcare, The Enterprise Centre, Station Parade, Eastbourne BN21 1BD, Tel: 01323 646329
  • Cliffe Veterinary Group, 21 Cliffe High St, Lewes BN7 2AH, Tel:  01273 473232
  • Burgess Hill Vet Surgery (Kathy Senior), Inside Pets at Home, Mid Sussex Retail Park, Jane Murray Way, Burgess Hill RH15 9UG, Tel: 01444 248830
Worm Counting
​If you aren't keen on indiscriminately worming your girl while she's pregnant then I highly recommending worm counting first, this detailed report (including Lungworm) will provide you with key information of your females worming status and if any actions need to be taken.
Cold Pressed Food
​There is more choice then ever when deciding on what type of food to feed your dog. Cold pressed is new on the block, nutritionally close to raw without the need of defrosting raw! Cold pressed means it's cooked under lower temperatures and pressed into kibble, this process means nutrition is better preserved, however the food does not expand in the body reducing the chances of canine bloat.
Temporary Castration (Implant)
Ask your vet about Suprelorin implants which are used in dogs to induce temporary infertility.