Millie and first season...

Equus Leather

Equus Leather

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Never had a bitch that's been intact before so am worrying about Millie's first season. She's 9 months old tomorrow, and as she's a large breed I'm kind of expecting it to be later than other breeds.

Have read up on the signs like being swollen at the back, and the obvious redness, but am worried!

There is an entire sheepdog at the yard and our dogs have free run around whilst we do the horses....he's not showed any interest yet, but know that we're going to have to keep her locked away somehow.....poor Millie!

So, any words of advice? How will we know she's due?
 
My youngest GSD had her first season at 9 months, but I had another bitch who didn't have a season until she was 3! You are right, about the signs , her vulva will swell, and she will probably start licking herself a lot. Some bitches don't have much colour at their first season others flood for 2/3 weeks.
You will really only know she is due by keeping an eye on her, although some bitches do show slight temperament changes. Just check her over regularly, unless he is very clever, the dog will probably start showing some interest when she first comes in, so you will then be able to keep her away. I have known some experience stud dogs take no notice at all of a bitch until she is ready to mate, but that is very unusual, particularly in a dog that I presume hasn't been used at stud.
 
When our JRT is in season we can tell because she won't leave poor Leah alone - she keeps jumping on her and nipping her and generally being a pain in the bum! We normally notice that before we see the swelling etc. Every dog is different though, obviously.
 
Bella drops weight and condition, becomes listless and spots very heavily.
Then she blooms and becomes all fat and shiny when she comes off.

You would have hardly noticed when our last bitch came in.
 
Polypad - don't be! I know it's hard having to keep an eye on them every second, but it won't be for long (it just seems like it!). She will almost certainly show some changes in behaviouir - the first season often comes as a surprise to the dog and it can puzzle them. She may well start licking her back end a lot and being generally rather restless before she actually starts showing any sort of discharge. Quite often though the first sign that most people notice is the little spots of blood on the floor/bedding.

Don't worry too much - the fact that you're already aware that it could happen any time shows that you are more likely to spot signs!
 
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