False or Strange Heat Cycles

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have three female Pembroke Corgis that have been coming into heat at the same time for the past two years. They all have had normal heat cycles until now. All three females were due to come into heat this November around the first of the month but for some odd reason I had one that came into heat in October and only remained in heat for 7 days and then went out. My male paid a lot of attention to her but she would not permit him to breed her. Usually she breeds on her 9th day but since she didn't even go that long and was out of heat by her 8th day she didn't breed. My other two females are in heat now, but are not swelling nor do they have much blood and my male is not paying any attention to them what so ever. Out of all three females two are proven brood bitches. The first has had two litters in the past two years and the other has had one litter. The third bitch has not been bred yet. They average age for them are from two to four years. The first bitch being four years old. I do not understand what is going on. All their heats six months ago were normal. Is there anything I can change as far as diet or anything you can suggest I do? They are eating Beniful name dog chow, wet with a little water. Is there anything I can give them that would help their reproductive cycles straqighten out. Also, one more thing I have been checking them everyday since October for signs of being in heat and this is the first I have seen anything, so it isn't that I missed it. And they are very healthy. But my youngest bitch wants to fight with the other two all the time. I have had to keep her separate from the others. During the summer they were kept indoors away from the heat and was only let out long enough to go to the bathroom and exercise a little. Could that have anything to do with it? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

ANSWER: Hi Kathleen

First throw the Beniful out.  That food didn't even make it to the rating system of a independent survey that rates dog food.  There are so many superior and even just better food on the market.

With breeding females you want mentally and physically healthy bitches.  Start them on a fish based diet (it's lower in protein as they are not as active) supplementing with organ meat, vitamins and oils.  This will kick up their system.

Also sunshine (vitamin D) or full spectrum lighting will help.  Females that are kept indoors have longer times between seasons.  The lighting you can purchase at Wal-mart of any hardware store.  Just a regular light bulb that screws into a socket.  Leave it on all day where your girls are.

The youngest sounds like she is fighting for her position in the pack. Basic obedience and consistency will keep her in check.  Make sure she is the last one let out and the last one fed.  A surly female can also mean that she's getting ready to come into heat.

With three females you get the "dorm room" effect.  When one female goes into heat, the others will follow.    

Good luck

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have already started leaving the light on in the kennel building all day long. I started that about two weeks ago. Now as far as the food...you said start them on a fish based diet. Do you have any suggestions of what name brand of food? You also stated to supplement their diet with organ meat, vitamins and oils. I have the vitamins, could I cook up some liver and mix that into their food or even buy a commercial product with organ meat in it? About how much would you mix in their dry food? Also, these dogs tend to become fat if you feed them more than 1 1/2 cups of food a day. SO I have to watch their weight too. As far as the oils would you suggest maybe an Omega 3 oil? I can get them from the health food area in Walmart. Would one table a day for each be okay. I would appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks so much.  

Answer
Taste of the Wild, Dick Van Patten, Solid Gold are all quality food.  Depending on your demographics and availability, I would check out what's readily available in your area.

Organ meats like liver, heart and kidney can be given raw or cooked.  You just need to give them a few pieces a day to get their own internal organs working better.  Everything in moderation. Start with a few pieces and work it up to about half a cup, three times a week is plenty.

Omega oils and fish oil can be purchased at Wal-mart BUT you can also give canned sardines as a treat.  One piece every other day will make a big difference.

Remember any changes you make should be started slowly.  If they get diarrhea, a tablespoon of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix!) will help.

Good luck!