Poor Summer! She's not been allowed to be let off her lead for ten days now, and her walks have had to be taken later in the day so that we don't bump into any male dogs.
Up to Day 8 (and inclusive) of her season, she was very sleepy in the morning, but yesterday (day 9) and today, she's been a little more perky, which is why I feel sorry for her not being able to have a really good run around!
Regarding her season, the blood isn't as deeply red coloured and is a more watery pink (she is gently wiped with toilet roll) but still an obvious amount. As this is our first time watching her so closely, I rang the breeder of the stud dog for advice, and they said whilst the mating time is imminent, she's most likely not quite ready.
The thoughts are that Monday will be D-day when we take Summer to meet Claude for mating. If we are a little early, Claude (I am told) will not try to mate our girl (he's a gentleman)... If they do mate (she will hopefully be agreeable), the sperm lives for 3 days, so even if they mate before Summer has ovulated, we have a window of 3 days for the sperm and egg/s to fertilise.
There will be 2 matings. These have to be 48 hours apart to give the sperm enough time to be at its strongest.
Yesterday, I took Summer to play with Harris. They weren't their usual bouncy selves but as always, were very happy to see each other. Forty minutes after we arrived, we looked outside to the garden where they were playing, and Harris was on Summer's back, humping. Poor Harris, hasn't got his bits, so there will never be "an outcome", but we quickly distracted them, and no damage was done. It was interesting for me to see that she would seem to be quite happy in this situation (one, I have to admit, I am not totally comfortable with, and dreading having to watch)!
Tomorrow is the Virgin London Marathon, so it'll be a busy day as I spend some time marshalling the outside of the Red Start, and then move onto Canary Wharf to timekeep. Number 1 child will be in charge of walking and lunch feeding, but he's tall and walks fast, so I know she'll enjoy her time with him, even if it is on the lead!
Showing posts with label season. Show all posts
Showing posts with label season. Show all posts
Saturday, 20 April 2013
Tuesday, 16 April 2013
Day 6
So Day 6. The 6th day of Summer's season.
For the past six days Summer has been very lethargic. She sleeps in a big cage at night (which I highly recommend) and when we open the door in the morning, she usually trots out, stretches and climbs on a sofa to go back to sleep, but is then excited to go for a morning walk. Now she is happy to stay in her cage and lumbers out, climbs on a sofa and falls into, what looks like, a deep sleep. Until the house front door is opened, she would be happy not to move!
A VISIT TO THE VETS
Yesterday, on Day 5, I took her to the vets. She was due for her booster vaccine, but I wanted to make sure it was still a good thing to do, bearing in mind we hope she is pregnant next week...
The vet weighed her and checked her over, giving her a clean bill of health. The vet's thoughts on vaccinating, is that there are many nasty things that the dog can catch without it, so safer to be vaccinated. I'd done a little web research and couldn't find any issues to of dogs being vaccinated and it effecting the puppies, so Summer had her annual booster jab.
I'd forewarned the surgery that I wanted to talk about the puppies, and I'd prepared some questions. They gave me a double appointment at the end of surgery which was nice. Having done so much research, maybe too much, I was coming up with contradictory information, like when will the puppies come? Do you base the days on "from conception" or "from ovulation"? Vets answer, 60 days from conception.
WORMING
When should I worm Summer and the puppies? Again, everyone seemed to have a different opinion. As we use 'Advocate for Dogs' (Advocate is a 'spot on' product, which is very effective in the treatment and prevention of fleas and other parasites on and in your dog. As well as killing fleas and their larvae it is effective against Roundworm, Whipworm, Hookworm, Lungworm, Heartworm, Ear mites, Lice, Sarcoptic and Demodectic mange. In summary, it is effective against ALL the common external and internal parasitic problems your dog can acquire, with the exception of ticks and tapeworms.) we don't have to worm Summer, we're advised by the vets, but in this instance, and as worms can be a serious problems to new born puppies, I was given one single Droncit tablet (less than £2) to give her in a few days time. It lasts for 6 months. For the puppies, a Milbemax worming tablet should be given at 6-7 weeks old.
WHEN TO MATE
When the blood becomes a clearer liquid (maybe slightly pink) and the bitch likes to be rubbed near her tale (!!), that is the time she should be ready to mate. This is also the time when she has ovulated. Ovulation = time to breed. This tends to happen around day 10-14 but it isn't unusual to be longer or shorter. You then have around 3 days to mate the bitch and stud.
At the moment, having never watched Summer this closely, I feel very pressurised to make sure I notice the right changes on the right days and don't miss this 'window'!
I discussed with the vet about tests (take the pressure off of me!) but this would involve drawing blood and sending it off to a laboratory. The vet said he'd happily do this if I wanted to, but thought it was more appropriate for bitches that were having problems conceiving. I didn't ask how expensive this would be, but decided I'd go with my gut instinct.
KNOWING SHE'S PREGNANT
It was suggested that Summer has an ultra scan at 24-25 days after conception to check she is pregnant. Once you know you have a pregnant bitch then you can start going mad and buying the huge list of implements and objects needed to get through the birth and to house and look after the puppies. I've already got a list of where to order everything and believe me, the list is extensive... Don't leave research to the last minute! The cost of the scan, by the way, will be around £85.00.
DIET FOR SUMMER
The vet suggested giving Summer a puppy diet for the 2 weeks prior to giving birth and 2-3 weeks after as this has a lot more nutrients in it. I asked about the first puppy food at 2-3 weeks old as I'd heard of some giving scrambled eggs. The vet said he would buy puppy kibble and soak it in warm water for about 30 minutes, and that the pups would love it. The amount of water could then be lessened as they got older, until they were on the nutritious kibble with no water. Sounds like a good idea to me!
EXERCISE
Summer and I attend Agility Classes run by KC registered Ann Cook in Reigate. We both enjoy it, and definitely good exercise for both me and Summer! I had read that we shouldn't continue classes but I thought that with the jumps laid on the floor and avoiding apparatus like the see-saw, we could continue. The vet agreed and said to just wait 4 weeks after conception and to take it easily.
LABOUR
A last tip was to watch Summer's temperature close to the 60 days after conception, as it drops significantly and almost certainly means that within the next 24 hours, puppies will be born!
For the past six days Summer has been very lethargic. She sleeps in a big cage at night (which I highly recommend) and when we open the door in the morning, she usually trots out, stretches and climbs on a sofa to go back to sleep, but is then excited to go for a morning walk. Now she is happy to stay in her cage and lumbers out, climbs on a sofa and falls into, what looks like, a deep sleep. Until the house front door is opened, she would be happy not to move!
A VISIT TO THE VETS
Yesterday, on Day 5, I took her to the vets. She was due for her booster vaccine, but I wanted to make sure it was still a good thing to do, bearing in mind we hope she is pregnant next week...
The vet weighed her and checked her over, giving her a clean bill of health. The vet's thoughts on vaccinating, is that there are many nasty things that the dog can catch without it, so safer to be vaccinated. I'd done a little web research and couldn't find any issues to of dogs being vaccinated and it effecting the puppies, so Summer had her annual booster jab.
I'd forewarned the surgery that I wanted to talk about the puppies, and I'd prepared some questions. They gave me a double appointment at the end of surgery which was nice. Having done so much research, maybe too much, I was coming up with contradictory information, like when will the puppies come? Do you base the days on "from conception" or "from ovulation"? Vets answer, 60 days from conception.
WORMING
When should I worm Summer and the puppies? Again, everyone seemed to have a different opinion. As we use 'Advocate for Dogs' (Advocate is a 'spot on' product, which is very effective in the treatment and prevention of fleas and other parasites on and in your dog. As well as killing fleas and their larvae it is effective against Roundworm, Whipworm, Hookworm, Lungworm, Heartworm, Ear mites, Lice, Sarcoptic and Demodectic mange. In summary, it is effective against ALL the common external and internal parasitic problems your dog can acquire, with the exception of ticks and tapeworms.) we don't have to worm Summer, we're advised by the vets, but in this instance, and as worms can be a serious problems to new born puppies, I was given one single Droncit tablet (less than £2) to give her in a few days time. It lasts for 6 months. For the puppies, a Milbemax worming tablet should be given at 6-7 weeks old.
WHEN TO MATE
When the blood becomes a clearer liquid (maybe slightly pink) and the bitch likes to be rubbed near her tale (!!), that is the time she should be ready to mate. This is also the time when she has ovulated. Ovulation = time to breed. This tends to happen around day 10-14 but it isn't unusual to be longer or shorter. You then have around 3 days to mate the bitch and stud.
At the moment, having never watched Summer this closely, I feel very pressurised to make sure I notice the right changes on the right days and don't miss this 'window'!
I discussed with the vet about tests (take the pressure off of me!) but this would involve drawing blood and sending it off to a laboratory. The vet said he'd happily do this if I wanted to, but thought it was more appropriate for bitches that were having problems conceiving. I didn't ask how expensive this would be, but decided I'd go with my gut instinct.
KNOWING SHE'S PREGNANT
It was suggested that Summer has an ultra scan at 24-25 days after conception to check she is pregnant. Once you know you have a pregnant bitch then you can start going mad and buying the huge list of implements and objects needed to get through the birth and to house and look after the puppies. I've already got a list of where to order everything and believe me, the list is extensive... Don't leave research to the last minute! The cost of the scan, by the way, will be around £85.00.
DIET FOR SUMMER
The vet suggested giving Summer a puppy diet for the 2 weeks prior to giving birth and 2-3 weeks after as this has a lot more nutrients in it. I asked about the first puppy food at 2-3 weeks old as I'd heard of some giving scrambled eggs. The vet said he would buy puppy kibble and soak it in warm water for about 30 minutes, and that the pups would love it. The amount of water could then be lessened as they got older, until they were on the nutritious kibble with no water. Sounds like a good idea to me!
EXERCISE
Summer and I attend Agility Classes run by KC registered Ann Cook in Reigate. We both enjoy it, and definitely good exercise for both me and Summer! I had read that we shouldn't continue classes but I thought that with the jumps laid on the floor and avoiding apparatus like the see-saw, we could continue. The vet agreed and said to just wait 4 weeks after conception and to take it easily.
LABOUR
A last tip was to watch Summer's temperature close to the 60 days after conception, as it drops significantly and almost certainly means that within the next 24 hours, puppies will be born!
She's in Season!
Summer (taken 16/04/13)
Our lovely Tibetan Terrier, Summer, usually comes into season every 10 months; just like her mother! So we prepared ourselves for a November/December mating.
But then January came and went, followed by February and March. Had we missed the occasion?
Thank goodness, no! Or we don't think we did...
On April 11th she came into season (started to bleed). We didn't believe it at first, but after about 4 hours of checking, we could confirm she most definitely had.
GOING BACK 10 MONTHS
From May to October 2012, having decided we wanted Summer to have puppies, (as a pedigree dog) we had to have a series of tests done to ensure that she had no genetic defects, and that her puppies would be healthy.
For the Eye Scheme test we had to take Summer to a specialist vets in West Surrey. It was a very quick test involving looking into the back of the eye and dye, and was painless and straightforward. We received a certificate immediately to show she was clear. Excellent!
The Hip Dysplasia test was much more involved, and meant that she had to have a general anesthetic. The x rays were taken at our local vets who sent off their findings for the scoring. The results did take some time, and unfortunately the results were lost (not at our vets) but the normal process we would have expected from x-ray to results was about 6-8 weeks.
The PLL and NCL were just simple swab tests. You pay and order the kits online, wipe where you're asked to (!) and send them off. All clear too. Fabulous!
So the conclusion of the tests was that Summer has NONE of the problems listed above, and next step was to find a mate..
A MATE FOR SUMMER
At Crufts in 2012, also a first for me, I got to talk to a number of breeders and asked lots of questions. I'd travelled there with my friend Judy (also a TT - Tibetan Terrier - owner), and the breeder of her dog, Harris, was there also.
I have to mention, and this was pointed out to me by Judy and her husband, Rob, before the show, that TT owners (generally) are very friendly and happy people, ready to give advice and support. I was pleased to report that this was my experience too!
I digress. With a few names of breeders in my hand as I left Crufts and also having spoken to the people on the stand of the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme, I felt ready for the next step. To find a mate.
Now Summer and Harris (Judy and Rob's TT) are, what we say, "in love". Boyfriend and Girlfriend. Love to be together, and play and protect like two dogs that live together. Same age. We take them out for walks together twice a week, exploring places like Box Hill, Headley and Nonsuch Park.
Judy mentioned that Harris' breeder, showed Harris' brother, Claude, and thought he may be a stud dog, so I contacted them, and was so pleased to find out that he was. Harris is a gorgeous dog, laid back and happy. Summer is also a very happy dog but more sprightly and energetic. I suspect that Claude will be a mixture of the two, and what a wonderful combination of personalities the puppies could have!
A MATE IS FOUND
After a number of emails between myself and Rose at the Tyngeli Kennels, who breeds Pulis and Tibetan Terriers, and checking that the dogs were compatible through their breeding lines, it was decided that Summer (Margretas Desert Dreamer) and Claude (Tyngeli Mr Bojangles) could be a perfect match. Summer would have Harris' nieces and nephews!!
I have to mention, and this was pointed out to me by Judy and her husband, Rob, before the show, that TT owners (generally) are very friendly and happy people, ready to give advice and support. I was pleased to report that this was my experience too!
I digress. With a few names of breeders in my hand as I left Crufts and also having spoken to the people on the stand of the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme, I felt ready for the next step. To find a mate.
Now Summer and Harris (Judy and Rob's TT) are, what we say, "in love". Boyfriend and Girlfriend. Love to be together, and play and protect like two dogs that live together. Same age. We take them out for walks together twice a week, exploring places like Box Hill, Headley and Nonsuch Park.
Judy mentioned that Harris' breeder, showed Harris' brother, Claude, and thought he may be a stud dog, so I contacted them, and was so pleased to find out that he was. Harris is a gorgeous dog, laid back and happy. Summer is also a very happy dog but more sprightly and energetic. I suspect that Claude will be a mixture of the two, and what a wonderful combination of personalities the puppies could have!
A MATE IS FOUND
After a number of emails between myself and Rose at the Tyngeli Kennels, who breeds Pulis and Tibetan Terriers, and checking that the dogs were compatible through their breeding lines, it was decided that Summer (Margretas Desert Dreamer) and Claude (Tyngeli Mr Bojangles) could be a perfect match. Summer would have Harris' nieces and nephews!!
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