Iida the terrier's maternity diary

[Finsky]

The Day 12 photo may have been at the end of her season, but she's still in 'modelling for PlayDog magazine' mode

She has her moments that sometimes I wonder what goes on in that little head of hers... should have made her wear some bunny ears...

 

[Finsky]

It is, of course, entirely your choice, but I never have bitches scanned. It doesn't make them any more pregnant if they are, it won't make them pregnant if they aren't, it isn't all that accurate, it's hassle and expense, and it is only a moment in time - a dog can be pregnant, be scanned, and reabsorb or abort the litter later on. I just wait until the puppies wiggle.

Ah...and that is the problem..'just wait'. I'm having difficulty to do that already!
Thank you...I do understand I could do it simply by just letting the nature take its course..but...unfortunately I had to go through various problems solving situations and having a scan will help with that.
As our house is, I would struggle to bring up a litter of pups as it is now....one pup at the time was doable but many would be a challenge. So to over come the issues and make workable room, I will need to take part of the kitchen fittings down to make room for a puppy area. So far I haven't made any preparations and I won't until I know that there is at least a some amount of promise of pups...I try to limit our life in a 'half a kitchen' to a minimum.
I've delayed having a new kitchen 3 times now..first time I was poorly and last two times was delayed because I choose to have our current girls instead of a kitchen. So if we are having a litter pups, that is worth of having 4th delay for the upgrade or wait with full functioning old kitchen until Iida is with pups and their destruction is over.
There is methods and reasons for my madness...

 

[excuseme]

Do you think that her nipples have turned a little more pink than usual ? (I have found this a good indication in the very early days)
What ever you do, don't treat her like an invalid, life goes on and she should enjoy all normal activities, she will slow herself down when she starts to feel too heavy.
. Excited

 

[Flobo]

Excited

Me too!!

 

[Finsky]

Do you think that her nipples have turned a little more pink than usual ? (I have found this a good indication in the very early days)
What ever you do, don't treat her like an invalid, life goes on and she should enjoy all normal activities, she will slow herself down when she starts to feel too heavy.
. Excited

Being honest.....I thought there might have been teeny change, but then I said to myself 'don't be silly....'. So I took the photo so I have better reference point for days and weeks to come.
And now you got me excited with your pink nipples hint Oh I hope so...

 

[Finsky]

Do you think that her nipples have turned a little more pink than usual ? (I have found this a good indication in the very early days)
What ever you do, don't treat her like an invalid, life goes on and she should enjoy all normal activities, she will slow herself down when she starts to feel too heavy.
. Excited

Oh I meant to add...yes, we are out and about as normal. In fact last two weeks we've had intense walking practice going on. Both girls have gone bit wild with their behaviour and although I don't mind that when we are in forest or field, but since they've not been walking on streets for long while....their best behaviour walk has gone rusty.
Both walk perfectly well on their own, but walking together needs more taming. And if we eventually get a new dog to the team, I will have to be able to handle them easily so that the pup will pick up good habits too.
Oh I have not gone all mush and dreaming about puppies..work for the long term plans is already on going..

 

[Finsky]

I am starting to think that 'MAYBE' she is expecting puppies....'maybe'! Iida has always been affectionate type, but this week has brought out super affectionate terrier girl. I'm sleeping with her face being glued next to my face...cheek to cheek and she is constantly asking to being picked up, like a dare devil launching herself onto me..'catch me if you can'
Admitedly I love it...I LOVE cuddling her and as our other girl is less cuddly sort, this is working out just fine
Physically she is not really showing any changes yet...though I think her teats might be starting to change.
This was week 1,day 5:
And this is today, just about starting week 3, day 20: ...so yeah..'maybe'...I'm still 'holding my breath' on this.
So no new preparations ahead for things that might happen...other than our neighbour has brought HUGE sheet of carboard for to make whelping boxes with.... it is such a BIG sheet that if were to use it all up, it would make at least 4 large boxes But...I am pleased to receive such a gift and sooner or later I will find good use for it.

 

[Hemlock]

What a lovely thoughtful neighbour!

You can always make the box a bit larger than you think you need, and line it with the extra cardboard. Then as they grow (and chew the cardboard) you can dispose of the inner layers as needed.

 

[Finsky]

What a lovely thoughtful neighbour!

You can always make the box a bit larger than you think you need, and line it with the extra cardboard. Then as they grow (and chew the cardboard) you can dispose of the inner layers as needed.

Thank you for that idea! Friend of mine, retired westie breeder advised me to make 2 boxes and as the first one in use gets dirty from the birthing, to have second box handy for a quick swap for a clean bed again. But certainly your idea sounds much less work to start with and easier option in a long run....brilliant!

 

[excuseme]

There does seem to be a bit of "fullness" in the line of her milk bar. But as you say it is still very early days at the moment.
Getting more excited though!'

 

[Finsky]

There does seem to be a bit of "fullness" in the line of her milk bar. But as you say it is still very early days at the moment.
Getting more excited though!'

Me too....but I try not to I have daily my little Iida-calendar in my hand...and I write every little detail down I notice or I have to remind myself of. All the important stages that is mentioned on the bitch book I have transferred to the calendar so I don't miss them..etc etc. This turning to a proper study!

 

[Finsky]

Now that I remember, I have a question to you great knowledgeable people...
So what is the verdict about Raspberry tea supplement for pregnant bitches/with false pregnancy. I keep reading about this and have come across with differentiating opinions.
Couple of breeders I have talked, they swear Raspberry leaf does work and help a lot too. And yet some sources say it is 'old wife's tail' ??? What is your opinions and have any of you used it?

 

[JudyN]

I'm jumping ahead here, but will you be live streaming the birth? Some rescues do this when a pregnant bitch comes in (and ask for donations), and it's an absolute joy to watch. I quite understand if it would just add to your stress at a time when being as calm as possible is so important.

 

[Hemlock]

I've used raspberry leaf tablets from Dorwest for every bitch's pregnancy, and I also use it from the last week of the season to the end of the false pregnancy time in non-breeding bitches.

 

[Finsky]

I'm jumping ahead here, but will you be live streaming the birth? Some rescues do this when a pregnant bitch comes in (and ask for donations), and it's an absolute joy to watch. I quite understand if it would just add to your stress at a time when being as calm as possible is so important.

.... And show the world of my panic stricken moments!? 'upps, I dropped that pup...'
I didn't know such a things are being done....I've seen some youtube videos and that's all. But now that you mentioned it... I doubt it but I won't say I won't....I have to stew that thought first I suspect that as/if it happens..I forget that I even own camera...never mind using it We shall see what happens and if I do something 'extra'.

 

[Finsky]

I've used raspberry leaf tablets from Dorwest for every bitch's pregnancy, and I also use it from the last week of the season to the end of the false pregnancy time in non-breeding bitches.

Well..I'm glad I asked. I just cannot believe I haven't heard about it before and I have had bitches with quite difficult false pregnancies and I haven't heard a whisper about it to see if it would have any help. I think I'll have a go giving some for Iida.

 

[excuseme]

I would suggest that you take care not to give any extra things to Iida, just stick to her normal healthy diet.

 

[Finsky]

So, it is day 29 with Iida's to-be-mum journey...or I am still hoping it is so.
By looking at her there is not much changed her in a looks wise other than I am thinking she gives impression of looking teeny bit thicker, but not really on the tummy or her boobies...those are still same...I think.
All the changes in her are more of behavioural ones. She certainly haven't eaten enough to put weight on and we are still going out and about as normal.
Iida haven't been sick but she seem to not enjoying the prospect of having to eat very much at all so get her to eat, I have resulted finding even more tricks out of my sleeve on top what I have to use for her usual picky eater behaviour
Every morning we start the day with measure of Pro-Kolin that she actually likes! Then she will gladly have half a ginger biscuit...dipped of course And that perks her appetite enough to accept proper food...but not much. Like this morning it was only a 30g of mince, rolled into tiny finger nail size little balls, offered from hand one by one...but with lots of thinking time and wondering between each morsel if she should carry on eating or not
But at least I get enough food down with her so that she is not going empty and then start throwing up.
She also sleeps or rest A LOT..there is very little effort put on for any silly games anymore. And when I sit or lie down, she is instantly glued next to me...I have to 'peel' her off to able to move away from her

And now that I have not only a potentially pregnant dog to deal with...I also have another one with false pregnancy going on with her own 'funnies' going on!
At least they are both very quiet at most of the time...so there is that. Ohh it is all 'fun and games'...it would be very boring life without these two girls for sure!
We will soon know what is inside Iida (or not) for sure..next week it will be ultrasound time..!

 

[JudyN]

So exciting... do you think pregnancy in one could set off false pregnancy in t'other?

 

[Finsky]

So exciting... do you think pregnancy in one could set off false pregnancy in t'other?

Nah...I doubt it. Eva was due to come on to false one anyway..so the timing was correct but what I don't know if all the 'floating hormones' in the atmosphere could effect to the severity of it. She haven't had it to this extent before. Her boobies are massive compare for Iida's
At least I understand all this hormonal stuff and their effect for their moods. OH is being truly educated...