My Girl

False Pregnancy - Pseudocyesis

"Canine false pregnancy is a term used to describe female dogs showing signs of pregnancy, nursing, and lactation, and yet produce no puppies; either there was no mating occurred or have any fertilized eggs. This sign usually occurs after her estrus stage is over (about a month or two), and it may last for two to three months depending in type and severity from one female to another."

Well, this is what Mya is experiencing right now. She was not near any male dogs so she is not pregnant. Also, she will be spayed this summer so there is not need to talk about that.

She is experiencing all the signs of pregnancy. Increased appetite, weight gain, enlarged teats, lactation and nesting. However, her tummy is not big.

It's quite the thing to see. I never knew that this condition would mimic a true pregnancy, all the way up to the end....less the puppies.

Here are some pictures of her belly and her nesting areas.

Belly

Nest 1
Nest 2
Nest 3

Feeding a Giant Schnauzer can cost a lot of money. Before I switched Mya to raw food, she was eating about 6 cups of dry kibble. Her bag of food was about $70 and it lasted a month.

With her allergies, I cut out kibble and switched to raw. I first tried the raw meat with veggies and oatmeal, rice etc. But after I did more reading on the subject, I decided to go to meat only. I am lucky that my parents own a grocery store with a butcher shop. They give me the meat that they would otherwise throw out because it is getting close to the expiry date. I don't get it all as I don't get up there every month. It's a 4 hour drive. However, what I do get really helps cut the costs. The only thing I have to buy is the liver to add to her meat. I also buy chicken legs, necks, turkey legs, lamb ribs, fish and almost anything I can find on sale or reduced. She does get bones everyday (in the chicken legs, lamb ribs etc)
Here is a video of what I use to make her mixture. I was able to get 14 1lb bags made today. She eats 2lbs of food a day.

It's been a long time since I have posted about Mya.

Here's a short video of Mya playing with her basketball. The bigger, the better.

Mojo gets a new look

I would like to say Thank You to Cheryl at Gone with the Dogs in Courtice Ontario who groomed Mojo free of charge. It is people like this who make it all worth while.

Mojo is still available. He is currently living at his home, but his owners are looking for a new home for him. If you know of anyone who would be interested in owning Mojo or fostering him, please let me know.

P.S. Sorry Cheryl, I didn't mean to cut your head off in these pictures. It's my lack of photography skills that are to blame!