Expert: Kim Wingate - 7/6/2009

Question
QUESTION: i would like tomate my poodle she is 1yr when is a good time to mate her i was told with her 2nd period is this true

ANSWER: Hello Susan,
Actually I just answered a question about this.  You should wait to breed your dog until she is at least 2 yrs old.  This gives her body time to mature enough to carry the puppies to term.  Its hard on a female to carry puppies and care for them, and to also care for herself.  You should also get her Vet checked to be sure that she doesn't have any genetic problems that she could pass to the puppies, and that she is healthy enough to carry puppies to term.

Once she gets pregnant, proper mother care will insure that she is healthy during pregnancy.  
Here is a diet that will keep a female healthy while she is carrying puppies.  
You can try this recipe (along with the dry food) as it will provide Vitamins and Minerals that are good for your dogs skin, coat and body.  

1 lb Hamburger, Lamb, or Turkey Burger
1 can Sardines in Olive Oil
1 cup Spinach, blended with the Oil of the Sardines
1 egg scrambled
1 1/2 cup Special K or Total Cereal
1 Apple Blended (or you can use 1/2 cup of Applesauce)
1/8 tsp Garlic powder
1 grated carrot
1/2 cup brown rice, cooked using broth (either a meat or Veggie variety) for better flavor
1/2 cup Cottage Cheese (optional)

This recipe is for a large dog, so you can either 1/2 it or mix it up and freeze a portion of it for later.  I would add around 2-3 tablespoons to your dogs food each day.

I hope this helps you some.  If you have other questions about breeding, whelping, or puppy care; or other Poodle questions in general, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I WANT TO KNOW DOES HER PERIOD HAVE TO BE ON FOR HER TO GET PREGNANT

Answer
Hello again Susan,
Yes, your dog needs to be in heat (bleeding) in order to become pregnant.  The female will start to bleed and will continue to bleed for 9-11 days.  At about the 9th day, your dog will be ready to breed by the male.  She will stay in Breeding Heat for another 5 days or so.  Its good to let the male breed her at least twice, to insure that he gets her when her eggs are released.  

I hope this helps you some.  Again, if you have other questions for me, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim