First, McLeodcon, I do remember there being a list of drugs you could use for dogs and cats that our pharmacist kept on the wall, BUT, a lot of human drugs are life threatening for our pets. Don't guess this one, ask Izzy's vet if there is an approved med for puppy pms. I think, just like humans, the more athletic the dog, the less discomfort they should feel. Mine is a couch potato, but if she had her way, and a younger, fitter mommy, she'd be a more athletic dog.
At any rate, loving, hugging, massaging....maybe a lightly warmed heat pack, if she'll tolerate it on her stomach, but otherwise, just be a loving mom, provide interesting toys (especially chew toys) and get ready for a dog that wants to wear you like a coat, and you'll be fine.
And MM, glad you let me know that this means more fertile, not less. Poor Doc! He's my guinea pig, but his whining and crying on Wednesday tore at my heart. Poor fellow. If we were independently wealthy and, mentally impaired, I'd let these two have their romance. He's a wonderful dog...an English Hunting Labrador. His owners told me that he's never been interested in other dogs, but he has developed quite a fondness for Bailey. Both of them enjoy their early morning meetings. Doc's dad says he knows we're around the corner when Doc puffs out his chest and starts pulling. They really are so sweet together. But the specter of 15 puppies, and worrying about placing them, and worrying about whether they are happy or abused, too much for my soft heart. Harder to place mixed dogs too, I should think, so.... Flights of fancy put away.
Oh, MM, one more thing, I noted that about a month before her heat, her nipples became much larger. My daughter noticed it too. If this is part of the hormonal surge, will they ever go down?
