Silent heat? First heat? Discharge? And nipples! - Page 1

Now that I have your attention...

 I have an 11 mos old bitch that has not had a heat to my knowledge.  We have watched her like a hawk and I check her vulva almost daily.

 We have a neutered male that is showing no interest.  Of course, I don't know whether he would anyway...

 Her fur around her vulva was getting crusty and the fur either seems darker or it is more prominant.  I do not really see signs of swelling though.  BUT, her nipples are larger than I have seen them before.

 She was at the vet for another reason today and the technician noticed a discharge....kinda pus like...maybe not.  The vet said it is unlikely it is a problem and that maiden bitches often get a vaginitis or discharge before their first heat (if I understood him correctly)

 There has been no blood.  She licks it often but has since she was a puppy...there has been no change in her activity or attitude.  She is not flagging or anything.

 So, is this what is called a silent heat?  Or is this a common occurence before maiden bitches have their first heat?  What do I look for?

 Thanks in advance!

yea, sounds like she is getting ready to come in to me too. 

 the vaginitis is not uncommon for young females to have either.  once they go through their first cycle and things sort of open up there, that won't be a problem either.  lucky you that she hasn't gone in yet!  my little girl came in the first time at 8 months to my joy! 

 i also had a neutered male that had quite the libido with the girls!  at the time i was new to the dog world and he almost tied with my first female!  silly me, thinking that because he was neutered he would be able to "do it"  ha ha!