Things to look into if you are having trouble with any of the following: infertility, reabsorption of fetuses, weak/sick puppies, birth defects, etc.
1) Water- especially well water can be high in nitrates, copper, lead and other toxic substances. Have water tested or try using bottled water instead.
2) Infections such as brucellosis, beta
strep, mycoplasma, toxoplasmosis, herpes, parvovirus etc. Not all are susceptible to Clavamox or other common antibiotics so don’t rule out infection based only on an unsuccessful trial of one antibiotic. (For example, Clavamox is effective against beta strep, but not against Mycoplasma.) ANY infection (tooth infection, upper respiratory infection, etc) in the dam that causes a fever in the first trimester may cause birth defects or loss of the litter.
3) Diet- lack of folic acid, excess vitamin A (found in high amounts in liver), copper and other dietary imbalances. Flaxseed has been indicated by some (may act as an estrogen antagonist). Phytoestrogens in soy can also impact reproductive health. Some mushrooms and plants may be toxic, moldy foods that can be found in the yard, some nuts, etc. Tomato pomace may contain higher amounts of pesticide residue than other fiber sources.
4) Pesticides- Nearby farms may be spraying crops/ your neighbors might be spraying pesticides in the yard which the wind is carrying over, the park you walk your dog in might be treated with pesticides.
5) Lack of sunlight
6) Cleaning chemicals- One person had trouble with infertility and puppies dying from using Tide laundry detergent in water to clean wood enclosures. Pinesol has been implicated by some. There are many more that could potentially cause issues if absorbed through the paw pads or licked. Vinegar and water or diluted bleach tend to be safe for cleaning.
7) Flea, tick, ear mite and mange chemicals
8) Medications- steroids are one example. Also, topical retin A preparations used for acne on owner’s skin may cause birth defects in pups if pregnant bitch comes in contact with it. Be careful with any topical medications used (especially if containing retin A/ retinol- also included in some over-the-counter anti-aging creams) as well as birth control patches, menopause estrogen therapy patches, use of insulin, etc.
9) Metabolic imbalance in dam- hypothyroid, diabetes, etc.
10)Mold- in food or wood that is chewed on, nutshells, etc.
11)Vaccinating close to or during pregnancy
12) Paint or wood protector that is ingested from wood fencing or enclosures. Also compressed wood used to make cheap furniture.
13) Second hand smoke (implicated in premature birth and low birth weight of puppies)
