Can anyone recommend any particular folic acid and wheatgerm oil to be given to bitches in whelp please?  And also advise when to start giving it and for how long please?

Also should I consider Raspberry Leaf?  Also when and how?

Thank you :)

Wheatgerm should be given before the mating and a few days after, also helps to give it to the male also.

Tried Rasberry Leaf once and it was the worst birth any of my dogs have ever had, ended in C-section.

I have never used Raspberry leaf but have heard same thing from friends, so have never been tempted to try it.

I use the regular stuff from the chemist. The generally agreed dose for a bitch is one tablet per possible pup (go for five if this is a maiden litter and your unsure). As it is water soluable in the body, any excess will just go straight through her. Start it as soon as her season begins and carry on throughout the gestation.

Not sure about the wheatgerm as I havent used it before. The raspberry leaf I wouldnt worry about personally, obviously its all down to choice.

Goodluck!

never used folic acid - is it supposed to be helpful with neural tube defects as with a human baby??

Used wheatgerm oil capsules from dorwest (i think) and you are recommended to start before season, increase the dose over the mating days and then continue on normal dose for about 3 weeks - this is what it advises on the pot.

Not used raspberry leaf tea only in my own pregnancy and then it isn't meant to be taken until the end of pregnancy to help with the efficiency of uterine action.

Ive read its very effective for RR's to do with dermoid sinus. For me the main aim is to do with prevention of cleft palates/hare lips and (unproven or researched as far as I know) HV in my breed. Although the why's/how's of HV occuring are still being looked into, and my stock is xrayed for it, the use of folic acid cant hurt.

Ive been advised to use folic acid in my breed and wether it really does make a difference or not, it doesnt hurt to try!

We always use Wheatgerm and Folic Acid, have had pups born with CP even after using the Folic Acid, so can't say it worked.  Wheatgerm I used without fail, Raspberry leaf I've heard too many horror stories to try it.

I bought the wheatgerm powder from Holland and Barret and put that through the food once a day, Im still using it at the moment.  It contains Folic acid.

I will have a look for the wheatgerm oil capsules.  Should be able to get Folic Acid easily enough.