info on first heat cycle please

[wolfspirit]

Hi all....ok well I took bailey for a run this afternoon and after she pee'ed I noticed some drops of blood on her back legs. I looked at her vagina and noticed she was swollen. She was 7 month on the 15th of this month. Now my question is how long can her first heat cycle last? Any info would be appreciated. And will the bleeding be really heavy or light since it is her first heat

 

[raechiemay]

It's all going to depend on the dog. Heat cycles can last as long as 3 weeks. My girl had her first heat around 9-10 months & it was every bit of 3 weeks before she was finally done. Her bleeding was not too bad but it was noticeable. Do you have some kind of diapers/panties you can put on her while she's not going to the bathroom? You can use boys or men's underwear just use the hole for her tail & get some cheap panty liners. Or they make denim diapers & sell them at petsmart or petco but they are a little pricey compared to the underwear alternative. I'd also make sure you keep a close eye on her when she's outside going potty. An intact male can pick up the scent even from a distance

 

[wolfspirit]

Ok thank you. Im already getting underware ready for her. Its not a lot its just little drops. But im assuming that it can get a little heavier as it goes.

 

[raechiemay]

Yeah, you will probably notice it will get heavier. Duchess always had drops, but there was probably about a week where she bled regularly. Then it started tapering off. Even when your girl isn't actively bleeding, I'd still keep her away from intact males for another few weeks. I knew Duchess was completely done when the swelling had gone away & she was back to acting normal again. I also made sure to give her a good bath when she was done too.

 

[wolfspirit]

Ok thank you raechiemay and I may have to crate her while im at work when the bleeding stops as I have an intact male at home. That is my main concern. I dont want any accidents while im at work. Now I am going to have to take all precautions may send my male to my daughters house. Now just for information what could happen to her if a male would get her at this age? As I said im not breeding and will arrange for my male to stay somewhere else but just need to know what could happen to her if something did happen

 

[raechiemay]

Well most likely she'll end up preg I would think. I'm not exactly experienced enough to know what sort of damage it would cause to her being bred at a young age, but I would imagine it would put a lot of unnecessary stress on her body. I believe it would be for the best to send your male to your daughter's if you can't keep a constant eye on them. I've heard of males jumping through windows or chewing through doors to get to a female in heat.

 

[wolfspirit]

Well I just talked to my daughter and she is very excited about taking him. So all is well. No more worries about him getting her prego.......thank god for small favors.

 

[raechiemay]

That's great news! it's like a slumber party for your boy!

 

[wolfspirit]

yep and he will only be across the street from me so i can go see him at any time to visit..........(doing a happy dance)