HEAT - Page 1

I have a few question regarding my 7.5 months old female puppy.

Yesterday I spotted a few drops of blood on the floor and checked and confirmed it came from her.

So, I want to know how long will this heat last, will she bleed throughout? Is there anything different I need to do with her during heat( change in diet, change in exercise or anything like that)

And also, my 14.5 month old un-neutered male has shown no interest in her. Why would this be? Can I assume that he will continue to do so throughout her heat?

Any advise will be appreciated.

Thanks.

7.5months is quite a common age for a bitch to have her first heat.

They will often "bleed" for up 15 day but this varies from bitch to bitch.  The my bitches have mated on day 13 and 15 however again this varies with each dog.  You need to keep her in close quarters for 1 month to be on the safe side.  You can still exercise her but make sure she is within eyesight/on lead the choice is yours as you do not want puppies at this age.

As for you un-neutered males - Of course he is interested that is what nature intends.  You need to keep them separated, I have been lucky in that my male has always respected my commands and wont actually look at a bitch in heat without permission.  I would suggest that you keep one or other kenneled/crated at all times.

Henry your male is not showing interest because she is not yet ready to breed. There is a coming in phase that last usually 10-13 days, sometimes a bit longer. When she ovulates the scent will change and it will be the "crazy days" keeping the two apart, this can occur very quickly. Standing heat can last from 5-9 days it seems. To be safe don't leave the two loose together at all w/o supervision and most definately keep them seperated as she reaches the 10 day point. She is just a baby and you don't want any accidents.

LOL.... crazy days,   I just went through that again, actually I will be done with it this week.   Two bitch's a few days apart.

Henry if your male is like mine he will climb tree's, dig tunnels ,  jump from tall building's, beg and moan and whine all night long.   Best keep them apart starting now so he has less to think about.  Far apart.   Mine tore up a kennel trying to get to her one night .

Mine are both over two with OFA ,  7.5 is too young.   I chose not to breed this cycle.

I'm getting ready to deal with this at my house (5yo female and 15 mo male).  It'll be the first time I've had an intact male at home.  I've got completely seperate areas for the dogs to stay in and I've already made arrangements to board my boy if he gets too crazy during this time.

An extra word of caution, the can tie really quick so you'll need to be super careful.  A friend just had an accidental breeding at her house when someone opened the door and didn't have a good grip on the leash for her male.  He'd tied her girl before they could catch up to him (yup it took, too).  It was a real shame since she was supposed to be leaving with her handler for the show circuit that day.

Melissa