How soon can I Hunt Chessie after whelping

[Scott Miller]

Have a 1 Yr. old Chesapeake Bay Retriever, she got knocked up her
first heat by some neighborhood dogs. She had 3 puppies today and I
would like some advice on how long to wait before I take her duck
hunting. Will cold water affect her milk or bother her in any way due
to her just having pups. I was thinking about waiting a couple of
weeks and see how she is acting. PLEASE HELP.

thanks

[Dalene Barnes]

Many other concerns set aside....

My biggest concern would be having her AWAY from her puppies for any length
of time. Puppies nurse and sleep with their mother's body heat and can't go
for long without eating at that age. I wouldn't have the mom away from the
pups for longer than 30 minutes or so until the pups eyes are opened and
have started eating some solid food.

[Teri Keefe]

Check with your vet., but I doubt it is a great idea to take her from the
puppies for any length of time. It might affect the pupies more than her.
Meanwhile, do what you should have done before you got your dog by taking the time
to make her living quarters secure so neighborhood dogs cannot breed her again
or have her spayed.

[Leonard Horsford]

Relax,

If your bitch is in good condition and no complications on delivery there is
no reason you cant take her out today. I know after my DD delivered I would
take her out for an hour or so to stretch her legs point a bird or two and head
back home :-) all was well and she remained healthy and fit throughout the 10
weeks the pups were here. However she was eager to go I would have never
attempted to force her away from her pups!!

JMHO Lenny

[Scott Miller]

Someone also mentioned to me the possibility of Mastitis due to her
lactating and being in dirty river water. Do I need to wait for her
milk to dry up before I let her swim.
Thanks for the Help