Not quite sure whether this topic comes under Health, Behaviour or Breeding but here goes. I thought it would be helpful to share the advice given by my vet today on this subject, those of you that saw my post earlier in the week will know that poor Cassie has been in the grip of ph p, very, very tetchy and demanding and digging every where from the garden to the sofa, and it's been almost like she can't live with me or without me. So I did contact the vet, as while Cass is not ill she's clearly unhappy and uncomfortable, and I felt puzzled as to how long it would go on for as it doesn't seem to follow a pattern. At least a season has a beginning, a middle and an end. Ironically she was good as gold throughout her season and it passed very uneventfully. The vet's advice is to increase exercise and decrease food intake, the idea being to mimic "starvation mode " in the body thereby causing hormone levels to even out as the bitch concentrates on her own survival, not the phantom puppies. I have looked into ph. p's online and in books but not come across this before. The vet doesn't really want me to starve her by the way, just reduce intake by 20%. Cassie has not been keen on her kibble anyway and what with working our way through Total Recall she's having her meaty treats throughout the day. And I'm increasing exercise anyway, now that she's turned one, and anyway she's clearly happier out in the woods at the moment. Hopefully it will be over soon.
Moo would eat anyway but I found doing what she liked helped nice walks little games and being jolly anything to lighten her mood. I didn't let her do any nesting or teddy collecting I was so mean. Its didn't last long she got back to normal after a week or so.
I was exactly the same as @SwampDonkey . I didn't allow the possessive toys collecting , just distracted Millie whenever possible , walks helped my sanity too !
I think she thought I was a pain and so demanding . It was so sad seeing that way so those ovaries had to go. She been many things but never moody.
I think some breeders reduce food intake for nursing bitches once weaning commences as it speeds up the milk drying up. Poor Cassie. It must be tough on both of you
Ah, thanks @SwampDonkey , she seems calmer this morning, much more her "lets not take stuff too seriously" self The mammary swelling is definitely receeding so hopefully things are returning to normal. You are very kind.
