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Post by kfieldin on Feb 23, 2005 12:45:22 GMT 1
Not really a behaviour question, but a more gernealised issue. Flora is my first girly dog. At the age of 8 months she has come into season. I suspected it because she has been alternately clingy then stand-offish over the last week or so. But she has lost her appetite completely I'm finding it hard to encourage her to eat her normal kibble at all. I tried to mix it with a bit of rice but still no luck. She just looks at it then walks away. She may have a bit but leaves the bowl half full still. This morning, I gave in and put some Butchers meat in with her breakfast. She ate most of it but still left maybe a quarter. It's so unlike her. Am I doing something wrong? Is she poorly? Jane x
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Post by LurcherGirl on Feb 23, 2005 13:55:28 GMT 1
Must admit - I have no experience with girlie dogs. I know they can change their behaviour during the season, but we really need people answering that have more experience than me? Anyone please?
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Post by Old Dragon (Al) on Feb 23, 2005 17:50:22 GMT 1
My old girl used to spend a few days off her food more than usual (she was always a picky, nice mouthed eater anyway) when in season and then suddenly turned into an apalling tart towards the end of her season! She used to drive Moss and the previous collie dog (despite both being neutered) into a frenzy and they often became knotted too, although she'd not allow a strange dog near her.
I guess a case of hormones running riot. Her seasons lasted about 3 weeks from the time she first began to 'spot'. She could become quite grumpy with the others until ready to stand, although she never had pups and wasn't spayed due to her irregular heartbeat problem/fits.
Al
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Post by kfieldin on Feb 23, 2005 20:03:30 GMT 1
OK, so it's not too unusual then? Should I worry that she turns her nose up completely?
My instinct is to put the food down but if she hasn't eaten it within a few minutes or ignores it to pick it up again. My mother used to do this to us kids figuring we would eat when we were hungry (which was exactly right!).
How should I handle it? I feel daft trying to hand-feed her the choice bits!
Jane x
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Post by Old Dragon (Al) on Feb 23, 2005 22:56:35 GMT 1
I wouldn't worry too much, Jane, if she's otherwise well. What's she like if she thinks Charlie will eat her food? Snip used to stand possessively over hers if she thought one of the others wanted it and even if she didn't!
If worried you could perhaps tempt her with a bit of something tasty such as 'Mr. Dog' - only trouble is, she'd probably turn her nose up at all else forever after then!
Al
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