NQK,

I've started giving Kelp and Kefir or yogurt to all of my bitches on a semi regular basis weekly. My thought process is, the kelp helps improve the blood with the iodine and minerals. This in turns builds up the immune system. The yogurt adds more beneficial bacteria to the gut, also supporting the immune system.

I have terrible luck getting litters. Partly due to being over selective and waiting until bitches are older to breed them. Recently I've dealt with a few cases of pyometra. This was a first for me and didn't make me to happy.

But I will say this, of the 2 bitches that had it, one had a successful heat cycle and was NOT bred and did not get pyometra after she cycled. The other was bred, didn't take but also did not get pyometra after she cycled. That one is actually in heat now again and I'm breeding her. The other is due in any time. In my mind this practice is a successful one.

Another bit of information I've been preached to lately about is this..

A bitches reproductive life starts early and ends early. Younger bitches produce better dogs and will have less hormone related illnesses when utilized for breeding at a young age.

This is a statement I can't argue, as I've not bred much nor bred young bitches. So I don't agree or disagree. Chicken men sure believe that way as well.

Good luck,
S_B