Heat Cycle Question

Firstly, I would like to add, my lovely little pooch is going to be spade, but the heat cycle got there first! Please no tirade's on spading, I totally agree with you all :) I just humbly would like some advice on what to expect as I have never had a female dog before.

So, the precious little thing, is 7 months old (a toy poodle) & her vulva is squishy, it has been firmish recently, her teats are a little more prominent - basically I can feel them now, whereas before they were smooth on the skin - and going out for a walk yesterday - some of the dogs were straining at the bit to get to her and one male dog not on a leash (on a busy main road I might add - hmmmmm!!!) ran across the road almost getting knocked over to get to her. But there is no blood yet or none that I have seen.

If anyone minds sharing their knowledge please :) How long does the heat cycle last? Does she bleed throughout the whole cycle? I was just really wondering when I will be allowed to take her to an off leash area, as obviously, I can't right now.

Thank you lots in advance.

Wait three weeks from the day you noticed to be safe. Also, many females do not have a heavy flow so unless they are sitting for a while then move quickly, you might never see the spots at all. Other dogs are very fastidious about remaining clean so will lick that area more often so no blood is visible either.

You wont' get any "tirades" if you make sure your puppy doesnt' get pregnant.;) At her age, there could be serious problems if she does.

The heat cycle is about 3 weeks, but the bleeding does not last the whole time. After the bleeding, she will go into the "standing heat" period, and this is the time she will allow males to mate with her.

Watch her like a hawk and never let her out of your sight. Dogs can come up with amazing ways to get together when they wish, and have even mated through the bars of crates and through fences!

And it's "spaying".

Thanks so much both of you, for your advise and the spelling suggestion too :) I will definately be keeping an extra eye on her for the next 3 week ... and no visit from her little brother either ... just me to play with.

Thanks again.

You may also be subject to insufferable behaviour, a lot easier to notice than the physical signs for many dogs.

It is possible to have the dog spayed during a heat cycle. Costs more though.

That's funny, but dogs are mammals after all ~ I guess I'd better get prepared for the mood swings! Thanks for the warning.

Oh, you may not be laughing when she whines incessantly for being confined and finally breaks down your door to go find a mate. :evil: :angel: :evil:

Dogs have been known to break through drywall, scale impossibly high fences, break through windows, etc to mate. It really isn't that funny. It could be 3 or so weeks of hell, on top of your animal not listening to you, because the urge to mate is so high.

Sooooo that explain's why she has been whining for no reason & really clingy ... AND eating my LV shoulder strap, fortunately the bag survived - Phew! Though she does only weigh 7lb's so unless the adrenaline starts pumping she'll have to eat the dry wall to get a start on it first before she can break through it - poor little mite! I guess it will get worse before it gets better, but I love her - so that's okay, she's worth it. :love:

That is funny what wanting s** will make all of us do..hee hee hee hee

It is possible to have the dog spayed during a heat cycle. Costs more though.

So true.I went through this with my Calico.She came into heat the week she was to get spayed.It was an extra $25.BUT it was worth it.She is 3 now and absalutely no health issues or drawbacks to having it done while in heat.

This is no different with a dog. :)

Talk to your vet. :)

Aaahhhh! Speaking of heat cycles, my girl just started today. She has been pacing back in forth ALL DAY LONG. She's driving me nuts.

Only three weeks to go! :eek:

Thanks for posting this. The vet said they will spay Sophie at 5-6 months old. After reading this, I know NOT to let it go any longer than that.