Hope there is someone still reading the board to help me.  Gets a bit scary on here sometimes.
However....... my bitch is ten months old and finished her first season a fortnight ago.
This last week whenever she has been fed or has a titbit she keeps some food in her mouth and lowers her head towards the floor and gives little woofs and soft barks.  Then she swallows the food and acts completely normal till next time.  I have done a search but couldn't find any similar symptoms. Could this be a dreaded phantom.
Thanks for any info.

Hi Guest,

>Gets a bit scary on here sometimes<

we don't really bite :D  At least you're giving us a chance ;)

From what you describe it *could* be signs of a phantom but more obvious signs (apart from physical, such as teats swelling) are when they become possessive with toys, gathering them together and laying with them, behaving as though they are "nesting" such as digging up bedding, contents of the laundry cupboard or trying to find secluded spots in the house/garden.

Why not join and perhaps you can provide more info - the more you tell us, the more we can tell you.

Regards, Teri :)

Does it sound a bit early for a phantom Teri? 

My bitch usually shows signs around six weeks from her last season.  That is not too say mine is the norm, only what I have experienced.  Phantoms are not always very bad guest, they are often quite mild, so if it is that don't worry too much at this stage,

Teri is right guest, we really don't bite :D 

Sandra

Hi Sandra,

Yeah - would probably be early ;) - but then it doesn't sound like what I've seen or heard re phantoms anyway ....

My girls have never had them although one's first season she was definitely a bit "off" for about two weeks post season which I assumed was just hormones settling.  Certainly she didn't go onto develop any of the more classic signs.  But then I'm only on my third girl so haven't exactly got a broad spectrum of experiences to draw on :)

Regards, Teri

Not sounding like a phantom to me either....you could be right with the hormones though.  Mine is off with the fairies for a couple of weeks pre and post season.  :rolleyes:

I would just keep an eye on her and if it last more then a couple of weeks get her checked out, could be her teeth giving her a problem or she may have scratched her throat on something.

Sandra