Dogs with Phantom Pregnancy1

By Alison Grimston
Sexual maturity is occurring at an earlier age in our domestic dogs because of selective breeding. Additionally, domestic bitches (except African breeds) have twice as many seasons as wild wolves. This article I discusses the physiology of pregnancy and false pregnancy (pseudocyesis), and ways of helping bitches with false pregnancies.

The Oestrus Cycle: Bitches' seasons occur every 8-9 months. Initially there will be vulval swelling associated with a blood stained discharge. During this phase (proestrus) she will show an interest in males.

In the second phase, Oestrus, the vaginal discharge changes from blood-stained to straw coloured. Ovulation occurs, and the female is most fertile.

The next phase, dioestrus, is when the bitch is hormonally pregnant. The corpus luteum, formed at ovulation in the ovary, matures and produces female sex hormones. These then stimulate prolactin secretion from the anterior lobe of the pituitary, which stimulates milk production in the mammary glands.

False pregnancy: The hormonal cycle of the bitch assumes that pregnancy has occurred after every cycle, whether or not a mating has taken place. She will therefore experience the physiological changes of pregnancy over the next 2 months. She will have an increase in progesterone production, milk production and an increase in appetite. She may even appear to go into labour.

The caregiver may notice physical and emotional changes, particularly 8-9 weeks after her last season. She may exhibit a change in preferred diet to blander food, fluid retention, and a wish not to take her usual amount of exercise, and she may hoard toys and treat them as puppies.

There may be restlessness, lack of appetite, panting, trembling, whining and nest-building at the time she would have given birth. She may be slightly more aggressive than usual. She will usually return to normal after 2-3 weeks, 48hrs after the birth would have occurred.

How we can help: As this is a physiological occurrence which settles over 2-3 weeks, treatment is rarely needed. If possible try to reduce stimulation of the mammary glands, by reducing stroking and wiping, and not allowing the bitch to lick excessively, as these will increase prolactin release and further milk production.

Occasionally the bitch may become ill, by producing excessive milk, or other problems. She may need treatment to reduce milk production, such as diuretics or hormone treatment. Although some advocate reduced fluid intake to induce dehydration and reduce milk production, others feel that this may be unsafe.

It is rare (but not unknown) for bitches who are spayed (ovariohysterectomised), to exhibit these changes. Although the majority of the hormones are being produced by the ovaries, some are produced in the adrenal glands.

Complementary Therapies: Pulsatilla, which can be bought from health food shops, can be helpful. It can also be used just after a season in a bitch with a history of false pregnancies.
Alison Grimston is a holistic doctor and animal healer specializing in connecting and informing animal therapists. Her natural animal therapy website informs the public about animal therapies while connecting animal therapists worldwide. http://www.TheNaturallyHealthyPet.com

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Ceramic Dog Figurines are Fun to Collect and Give

By Georgia Templeton
Are you a dog lover? I am. I grew up in the country and have had many different breeds of dog. In particular I remember a German shepherd we had named Sam. We spent many days rolling around in the grass and walking through the woods. He used to play ball and always slept at the foot of my bed at night. He lived a long life and his grave marker still stands on the old property where I grew up. Great memories like these inspired me to begin to collect ceramic dog figurines.

Man's best friend has been known for its protection, friendship and unwavering loyalty. Dogs have been the subject of many movies and storybooks for children and adults alike. They have been made into stuffed animals, costumes and figurines that we all enjoy.

They are perfect gifts for the dog lover. You won't shop long for the perfect dog to go with the receiver--just fit the breed with the dog the person owns. They are great for any occasion and fit well with all types of decor and rooms in the home.

Some figurines seem to capture the very character and nature of that particular breed of dog such as a Dachshund or a Yorkshire terrier. There are artists who are able to make fun-loving and whimsical replicas that have so much detail. One of my favorites for a dog figurine is the Maltese. It has a snowy white coat, and some figurines make it look silky to the touch. It reminds me of my current dog. The Maltese breed has crept into my heart. I have several of these figurines. One sits next to our family portrait in the den. Dogs are such a vital part of the family, and dog figurines can show your love for your best furry friend.

When shopping for your ceramic dog figurines, take the time to enjoy the hunt. Some figurines are limited editions with only a small number being produced. This could be of great interest to an avid collector. Limited production runs add value and price to the figurine. Make sure to keep the box with these and be sure to keep them dusted and clean so they will retain their value.

The most important thing to remember when shopping for ceramic dog figurines is to buy with your heart. The person who receives the gift will know the love you put into selecting the perfect figurine. They will become cherished keepsakes that can be passed down to the next generation.


For a great gift for children or for that four-legged lover in the family, ceramic dog figurines from www.CeramicDogFigurines.com are the perfect idea. We've found the best ceramic dog figurines out there! Add to someone's collection or get them started in the hobby today!

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Dog Training - Dogs on Bonfire Night

By: John Williams
This time of year can be a worrying and confusing one for your dog, occurrences like bonfire night don't happen very often and that's what makes it a lot scarier for your dog or puppy.
Dogs do not like unfamiliarity's and all the flashes and sudden bangs can make your dog extremely scared and afraid of what is happening. Unfortunately there have been many cases of dog deaths on bonfire night over the last ten years so it's a must to keep an eye on your dog at this time of the year and any other similar time such as New Years Eve.
Accidents and injuries happen on bonfire night because of dogs or puppies being loose outside and the unfamiliar sounds and flashes causing them to go into a panic and running away from home, running into roads, or getting stuck in tight spaces trying to hide from the noises.
Fortunately, there are rules and advice that can be followed to prevent times like these and keep your dog in safe hands. To begin you will need to stop your dog being out at night and keep them reassured indoors and away from their outdoor home if they have one. This should be done from one week before the event to one week after the event so no fireworks before or after will scare them into trouble.
Make sure all the doors are locked and shut, if your dog sees an opening they will go for it if they become scared. Try to make a small sheltered area for your dog where they feel protected and in control, and cuddles and calmly playing with your dog may help your dog be less nervous and take their mind off the situation.
If your dog does escape, be calm and positive with them wile trying to get them back inside as quickly as possible, if all these rules are followed then everything should go to plan and you will be able to relax on bonfire night and not have to worry about your pet.



John Williams website owner. For more information on dog behavior training visit the dog-behavior-training.co.uk website at this link...Dog Training.

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