Hi

I took my bitch to be tested for her eyes as she was reacting to the car lights and was very scared..

Today ----the vet says she is having a phantom pregancy ....Now this al makes sense her behaviour etc and has some milk which i had not noticed!!

This is her first year with out having pups her last season was in August!!

Could any one advise me what i could do in general to help her as she looks sooooo depressed!!

Ema

My girl has had a phantom two months after each season. Am just waiting for the present one to fade out then am having her spayed. Not just because of the phantoms, she has given me two wonderful litters and i just think that is enough but the phantoms have really made her miserable. She has the full works. Hoarding toys, whining and crying and being generally restless for several weeks. Also being very narky with her housemates. The last two she produced milk too. The only advice I can give you without veterinary intervention is, do all you can to take her mind off it. Give her plenty of exercise, probably more than usual. Play with her more than usual. Anything to take her mind off her "condition". Try to persuade her not to go to her bed all the time. She will probably want to do this. If she does have "puppies" (toys etc) my vet said to take them off her but I think there is a difference of opinion about that because it can be really distressing. I didnt do this time and I am sure she got on better but I would be interested in other people's opinions on this for the future as I have her daughter and she will probably suffer from phantoms as well.
Your vet can intervene. My vet prescribed Galastop this time and I think it did help, although I think I expected immediate results and that wasnt the case as she still went on a couple of weeks after the treatment. I believe there is a natural product? that can be given in advance for future problems. I am sure someone on here will come up with that. Good luck and I hope she settles soon.

Hi Emma,

What I tend to do when mine have phantoms is give Pulsatilla 15c and if she produces milk Urtica Urens 3c these are both homoeopathic remedies that can be purchased from Dorwest Herbs.
Between her season and having a phantom I watch what they eat as I find they can put on weight, I also hide any squeaky toys so these don't become babies. I increase excersise and try not to let them stay in their beds sleeping, if they do find a toy they might like as a baby I wait till they are outside or on a walk and remove it. The best thing is not to be too sympathetic as this helps it pass and things are soon back to normal.

Hi

Thanks for your messages

I have since yesterday payed extra attention to her and not allowed her to go into the pen until she goes to bed. She is not shivering or looking so so sorry for her self and this evening she actually relaxed while out and did not pull me back.....Took her daughter with me --im sure it did not make no differnce but she seemed much happier.

Just keeping an eye on her milk it has not produced any more

I would of noticed it quicker if she was getting the toys etc like my other bitch done once

At least now i no her eyes are fine has that was a concern and trying to keep her occupied

I have also now got some herbal medication to try

Thanks Again for yr replies