One of the signs /Heat - Page 1

My girl is going on 8 months old.  Is one of the signs of going into heat, playing around with her food when eating? She has not done this previously.
Dawn

I have never noticed my girl doing that - doesn't mean it isn't a sign.... could be she is just not hungry - how much do you feed?

Common signs would be swelling of the area  and of course blood.... if you have a male dog - then they know - my weiny dog is 2 1/2 yrs old and fixed - but he starts jumping up and smelling the GSD giant..lol (doesnt do that unless the heat cycle is starting ) and the boys start smelling were she urinates and sits - then start licking the area - that is pretty easy to see the boys doing - but if you dont have a male - then the above is for you - can always take a piece of toilet paper and rub the area - see if you see anything - keep doing that....  good luck -

happyday

Sita gets "bitchy" a week or so before going into heat - we're talking major PMS!

She becomes intolerant of others, will go after dogs that are not from her pack, mope around, stay in her crate, look for dark places to hide, not want do train.......then she will be sweet and want to be a lap dog, and even cuttle with the cat....all of this happens just before she shows any physical changes.....She has shown these signs for both of her heats so far.....

That's when I know she's fixing to come into heat.....I would guess that all dogs act a little differently.

8 months is a good time to start expecting it.......though Sita was 9 months...

Your bitch's coat will shine and look like a million bucks,

I think 8 months might be early, mine are between 10 months to a year old before they go into heat.

I've never noticed Addie playing with her food, but overwhelmingly affectionate with me and the cats.  However she get more mouthy toward my other female and she doesn't like me messing with her backside much.  She didn't actually bleed very much her first heat, but this second one was very messy so don't presume all of her heats will be alike!  xD  She started when she was 9 months.  Every dog is different though. 

Haley

WHEN MY BITCHES COME IN THEY USUALLY PREFER PLAYING BOARD GAMES. I DO HAVE ONE BITCH THAT RIGHT BEFORE PROESTRUS SHE WILL BEGIN DEALING TEXAS HOLD EM.

Mirasmom,
She has a coat that does look like a million bucks. I do not see any blood yet.

TOO FUNNY Ronny!

Dawn, sometimes the first heat signs are so subtle they go unnoticed by the inexperienced.Sometimes even the experienced miss it and end up thinking the 2nd heat is the first.Rarely though does an intact mature male miss it.

My females begin to blow their coats about one month prior to coming in heat and some are not in full coat when they are ready. IMO the first sign that something is up is blowing their coats but your girls age is getting to be about right for most.