Bitches in heat and appetite

[andyhilt27]

Do bitches in general have a change in appetite prior to coming into season?

[Elaine]

Some do, some don't. I don't worry if they want to eat more... most of my girls are food vacuums... they eat everything in front of them and I can always adjust the amount. I'd be a bit concerned anytime a dog wants to eat less than normal... could be an indication of something not so good.

[Kissntell]

If I were you after 3 days of no eat...

I'd go get a liver pannel and CBC done. It is well worth its cost. If there is something going on, its always better to treat before there is damage than to wait. The cost of a liver pannel is well worth it.

One of the first things I did with my puppy bitch was get the first liver pannel done at six months. That way I knew were she stood. She is fine liver and thyroid right now. And...I have a baseline to work with in the future if need be.

I've had quite a bit of experience in this area.

[andyhilt27]

What is a CBC?

Eva is eating, just not like she has in the past. She is indeed coming into her first season. My little girl is becoming a woman. I'll let my wife handle the sex talk with her.:D

[pretty dobe]

Andy, has it been extra warm in your area....Humid also????? When it gets really warm out here my dobes don't care to eat like normal. It was 114 or so the other day and they skipped a meal and picked at the other meal. I always cut back their food in the summer since they just waste it anyway. They also don't have the activity they are used to having. Once back from the dog park very early in the morning, they are loving the air conditioning and being couch potatoes. So with the extra fluid on Eva and warm and humid....I don't blame her for cutting back.

Judie

[Kissntell]

A CBC, I believe, tells if there is infection anywhere. It counts the white blood cells.

Doberman livers can do some things that are not good. That is why I am careful when it comes to livers.

I had a horse once that quit eating. She was four years old. It turned out that she had not lost her 4 year old caps (teeth). I had to try and feed her corn. After awhile it cured out.

But there are many reasons re not eating. The first one most likely is your summertime heat. So if she is eating some, I would not be highper concerned.

I have just been through liver hells so that is why I am so careful now.

[andyhilt27]

Yes it is hot and humid here. She eats, just not like she used too. Then again she is not growing as much either. I think we will switch her food soon as she is still on royal canin puppy.

[Kissntell]

I have tried many premium foods and really found no difference. I am feeding Bil Jack food this time. I usually stay with the same food. I did find that feeding the Large Breed Puppy was a mistake on other puppies. There is not enough protien in it. I paid for an orthopaedic exam on a puppy because her legs were twisting. This orthopaedist said that the protien level was not sufficient. We changed her to regular premium and the problems left.