My 12month old bitch finished her first season a good 6 weeks ago but has milk in her teats and is still bigger than usual round the back end. I've read other posts where people suggest using 'Pulsatilla'. Where can I get this from - how do you give it to the dog and does it work? At ringcraft last night, someone suggested Epsom salts to reduce the swelling, but I don't know whether this works or not. Willow has no other signs - ie no nest building/weight gain but is quite lethargic in the show ring when walking. Do you think this could also be a symptom? Any advice would be appreciated as we've got quite a few shows coming up in the next few weeks. Help!

I was once told to give my bitch Epsom Salts to dry up her milk. However the pharmacist told me that it works by giving the bitch diarrhoea and dehydration so there's no spare fluid for milk - there's no way I would do that to my girl!

Thanks - I didn't realise it had that effect. I definitely WON'T be buying any.

Pulsatilla is a homeoepathic remedy to reduce the symptoms of phantoms, but to dry up the milk Urtica Urens 3C would be really useful. Raspberry Leaf is used to prevent phantoms - but prob. too late for that now - but maybe for the future!

I used "galastop" from the vet when my bitch had milk, it went away within a few days, she was also more dopey than usual, she soon perked up. I would definately give the epsom salts a miss!
Dawn.

Thanks everyone for your advice. If I hadn't asked, I would have bought some epsom salts on the way home and probably made Willow poorly. I reckon I'm going to phone Dorwest herbs and order some Urtica Urens 3C as the main problem is the milk.
Sarah

Hi sarah, I have used pulsatilla 30c for my dog when she had a phantom pregnancy but as Wheel arch has already said this was for the symptoms of phantom pregnancy, ie nest building, nursing toys etc. I get my tablets from Ainsworths Homoeopathic Pharmacy 0207 935 5330 you can ask to talk to an homoeopath who knows how to treat animals and they will recommend a remedy and a potency and tell you the dosage. You can also buy homoeopathic tablets in boots in the 6c and 30c potency.

Hope this helps

kiera