Millie is having a phantom , I could weep for her :'( Advised by Heidrun , I have taken the toys away from her , she then turned her attention to a tea towel, which I also removed . Yesterday, I distracted her by a long session on the beach which tired her out and did her the world of good but am stuck indoors today waiting for BT . I can hardly belive what she has just done , she got onto the sofa , something she doesnt do , and began to nuzzle me , rubbing her head around mine and when Paul walked past , she growled at him , she meant it too . I immediately put her down , told her to get in her bed, which she did and is now asleep . I know that Vets can help at times , this is completely out of character for Millie , she hasnt ever growled before , can only think that in her confusion, she was Mothering me . Its chucking it down with rain but I`m taking her into the garden for a play with Sam and some balls . She is usually the most loving little dog without a mean bone in her body , so upsetting to see her so distressed that she growls , think a call to the Vets might be in order this tea time ,see what they think
Re: Phantom pregnancy Its horrible Barbara , I had another bitch who had a phantom but not as bad as this one . Its a case of trying to strike a happy medium , not feeling too sorry for her and allowing her to rule the roost but also not being too hard on her , fancy trying to Mother me, poor lamb :
Re: Phantom pregnancy It would be great if the vets could do something to maybe even out her hormones a bit and make the whole experience less traumatic for her (and you!) fingers crossed they can help x
Re: Phantom pregnancy Kate, poor Millie I am so sorry this is happening to her. Barbara has a point, maybe the vet could give her something to help. Let us know how she gets on. x
Re: Phantom pregnancy David prefers not to offer any treatment other than therapy Millie isnt lactating but if this were to start, he will prescribe for her . ironically, she has been an awful lot more calm the last couple of hours and is now sitting on Pauls knee . David said to be quite firm with her , firm but fair and dont allow her to Mother anything, including me
Re: Phantom pregnancy Oh Kate,I saw the title of your post and my heart sank....I obviously have never experienced this but the description of Millie sounds really sad ,and it makes me sad because she won't understand what is happening .thank goodness she is with you and you know how to help her ,this should really be the last time shouldn't it? Best wishes x
Re: Phantom pregnancy She is a quite pitiful little soul sometimes , just glad that we had her and not someone who wouldnt try to help , her nature is on the whole delightful , she is just a little complex and confused but yes, this should be the last time ;D
Re: Phantom pregnancy Showing my naïveté (and assuming this won't be something I have to deal with having a dog)but what is a phantom pregnancy?
Re: Phantom pregnancy Hi Emma, no worries Some bitches who are still entire will have a phantom ( also called False ) pregnancy about one - two months after they have been in season . They believe themselves to be pregnant and will nest, preparing for pups and then try to Mother small items such as toys . Its quite distressing for them and for the owner as they really do mimic the signs of pregnancy , even producing milk sometimes . The condition usually goes away of its own accord in two or three weeks and once spayed, it stops completely ( I hope !)
Re: Phantom pregnancy Poor little Millie. Wonder if this behaviour has anything to do with why she was abandoned?
Re: Phantom pregnancy Poor Millie. Did she not have a phantom not long after you got her too? Then a season, now another phantom? Doesn't seem fair for the poor mite
Re: Phantom pregnancy We think so Karen , it would explain why she was abandoned , some people just dont have the patience to deal with it, or the finances to execute the ultimate fix of a spay , still no excuse to dump her though . Yes Jacquie , she was behaving this way when we very first had her which lasted for a short time, then normal behaviour and then two and a half months later she came into season , so we think that she is now in her second phantom , the first one being in the final stages when she came to us . I have kept her really busy today , you know, dusting and hoovering ;D But seriously , keeping her mind of it seems to be key
Re: Phantom pregnancy After a couple of days of relative calm , Millie has been even worse, poor lamb . She usually gobbles her food but today she has been picky , whiny , clingy and anxious . Just got to ride the storm with her, been taking her out loads , still no milk thank goodness but it seems she is searching for pups , its horrible for her . The lovely thing is that she still adores Sam , following him around like a lost lamb :'(
Re: Phantom pregnancy Oh Kate I want to cry every time I think of her looking for pups :'( I hope this doesn't last long.... I don't know anything but can she not 'mother' a soft toy or something similar ..? Would that not comfort her? Or is that stupid of me to suggest it ??? X
