Miko on Heat

Miko had her first menstruation last week. We are so excited as she is finally a grown up gal. I do notice she is more tired and wanted more attention than usual. We are not prepare with any menstruation panty so my sister-in-law introduces some impromptu wear for her. She got an "iPad" for Christmas; we put a panty liner over a face mask and wear it between her tummy and tail.

















I also manage to get a liner to overlay her princess bed to prevent any staining. You can actually get it from the Daiso. I shower her twice a week as she is tend to smell a bit "fishy"

















Managed to get the following 10 Most Asked Questions when a Dog in Heat.
1. What is heat?
Heat is more properly called the estrous cycle. During this cycle, female dogs may get pregnant. It's equivalent to human menstruation.
2. What are the symptoms?
Females bleed from the vagina sometimes with swelling of the vulva and increased urination. Don't expect bleeding comparable to a human female.For small dogs, it's usually not much and you may need to pay close attention to your puppy to identify her first cycle. Other than the bleeding, the most noticeable symptom may be male dogs hanging around your house.
3. When does a dog come into heat?
The average female dog has her first cycle about six months of age. A few dogs start earlier and few dogs later, even as late as 14-months.If you have a new female puppy, you should watch her and note when she has her first cycle. If she's 14-months old and still hasn't been in heat, you should take her to a veterinarian.
4. How long does the heat cycle last?
The average is three weeks or 21-days. In some dogs, it lasts only two weeks while others go four weeks.
5. How often will she be in heat?
Most female dogs have regular cycles usually every six to eight months. It's quite typical to be in heat twice a year.
6. When can she get pregnant?
She can get pregnant only when in heat. Some breeders test for progesterone levels to identify the most fertile days but the rule-of-thumb is that the most fertile days are 11-15 of her cycle. Note - when she's in heat, the average dog will permit any male dog to mount her. Few females, however, will accept a male when they're not in heat.
7. Can she get pregnant her first cycle?
Yes. However, responsible breeders generally would not breed a dog that early. For one thing, you need to do genetic testing and some serious problems such as hip conditions do not show up until a dog is approximately 2-years of age.
8. Can I take her on walks during this cycle?
Yes with care. She has no problem with the exercise but she's a walking magnet for male dogs. Even the best trained and behaved female dog will succumb to hormones. You can't trust her off a leash or out of your control. Never let her outside by herself even in a fenced yard if there is any possibility of male dogs nearby. For walks, if there are male dogs in your neighborhood, it's a good idea to take your dog in your car and drive to a remote area. Take her for the walk there and drive back home. Otherwise, the scent of her urine and vaginal discharge will blaze a trail to your home.
9. When I can have her spayed?
People used to be told to let their dog go through at least one cycle or let them have one litter. Today, veterinarians are doing it much earlier. Some vets spay as early as 6-weeks of age! Talk to your veterinarian about your dog and the vet's preferences. The state of veterinary medicine also is much improved over the past 25-years.
10. If I don't have her spayed, will she go through menopause?
No. Her fertility may decline but she will not go through menopause comparable to a human's. She won't lose her ability to become pregnant even as a senior so if you don't want to her to have any (or more) litters, she must be spayed.

How did you spend your Christmas?

I had a long Christmas break this year. I was off from work from 24-Dec-10 to 27-Dec-10. Thanks to the new company policy. Attended 3 Christmas gatherings.
1. A group friends checked in to the hotel and spend a wonderful Christmas count down. We ordered Tim Sum.. See that Nor Mi Kai (replace Turkey)
Manage to spot me? I have a new Mui Mui bag...

2. Followed by family gathering at my brother's cozy house. Its a perfect pot luck and spontaneous games played by everyone.
We have curry, spaghetti, kong ba bao, chicken wing, salad, sushi and Wine

3. Had a 5 hours non-stop singing at the karaoke with my sisters cum colleagues.

December Craze

I will be organizing two Christmas gatherings this year and have yet to buy a single Christmas present for gift exchange. This year I am telling myself not to get present for my friends as they have want they need. I intent to donate to the needy instead.

If you have no idea what to buy here are some tips for you:
* Bake some cookies and pack them in nice bottle
* Nice diaries for 2011
* Moisture for feet
* Nice coffee cup
* Small FM radio to put in the office
OMG these are all what I need.. Wahaha

Have you start planning your 2011 goals?
I have done my refection of what I have done for this whole year in 3 hours run last weekend. Told myself this would be the last run. No more running for an old woman like me. I better concentrate on practicing Bikram Yoga; which I have did it for the last 2 years. I have set my goal for next year. Just sign up a Yoga club and it's for LIFE.. Yes I am going to do yoga for life. If you haven't tried doing one please do so.
I have also plan up some courses to attend to improve my grooming skill. Hope to learn some creative grooming soon. There will be more promotion from Miss Groomer too. Stayed Tune!

There are so many things to do in December.. But not forgetting saying a big THANK YOU for your friendship and invaluable support. May the season bring you Joy, Good Health and Prosperity.

PitaPata Dog tickers

PitaPata - Personal picturePitaPata Dog tickers