Heat cycle and behavioral changes - Page 1

A little history: My 10 1/2 month old female went into heat, proestrus,  on February 20th and on March 2nd she was in estrus, as was evident by my male's (neutered) distinct interest, as well as other physical evidence. By March 10th it was clear that she was in diestrus due to the physical changes and my male's lack of interest. Ever since she went into heat her drive and energy has been somewhat diminished. Her appetite has been back and forth, eating well one day and a little off the next. I noticed her nipples are still large and her teats seem a little swollen and lumpy underneath.  I know she is not pregnant, so I am thinking that she is going through a false pregnancy. She has no discharge or anything like that. I know pyometra is always a concern after a heat cycle, but i doubt that is it, although I am probably going to take her for an exam and blood work to be certain. 

The issue: Yesterday we went to the training field and she showed a fear reaction to two people at separate times, which is very out of character for her. Hackles went up and she backed away both times. The first person (male) I approached with my girl next to me, on leash. The second person (woman) approached us. Usually my girl is engaging, rather gregarious and affectionate. Is this likely due to her hormone fluctuations? Thoughts? I ignored her when this happened.  Both times she settled next to me, while I talked with the people.  She eventually made an attempt to greet, but was cautious. Very odd behavior for her. Normally I have to curtail her enthusiasm over meeting new people. Nothing has happened to traumatize her recently,  or ever for that matter. 

This is the first intact female puppy I've ever had, so please forgive my lack of knowledge on the estrus issues.

After Star had her first heat, she definitely became more mature, more stable. Her appetite dropped dramatically, while prior to her heat, she'd been eating me out of house and home!

I have never heard of a female reacting the way yours did, though.  I would get the vet to check her out. This does not sound normal.

P.S. - sent you a PM. Please check your inbox.

Unlike Sun, I have heard reports of intact females exhibiting nervous reactions

like this, during their first, or first couple, of seasons.  Fortunately I believe most

of the bitches concerned in these reports 'grew out of it' eventually.  Maybe its

just they get upset by the new hormonal reactions they are unused to, and

when they get to accept those they settle down again ?

When I read your OP my initial reaction was 'Oh yeah, not so unusual'.  But

I didn't reply 'cos I don't remember actually seeing this with my own eyes in

young females I have been around.  I have, however, seen it said in many books

on dog behaviour, as well as hearing directly from other owners.

That is not to discourage you from getting the vet to check her out, to be on the

safe side.  Good luck with this.

Thank you SS and Hundmutter. I read about too, but I was also hoping to hear from those who had witnessed it personally. On a good note I had her out last night and she seemed ok, although a little more reserved than normal. She ate really well last night and seems perkier. I guess time will tell... 

Yep, watch for post heat infection(s) and that will be always watch as long as she is intact.  I would probably supplement her with a little raw liver also, a piece the size of the palm of your hand daily for a little while just to be sure she is not lacking or anemic.  Just a precaution, usually my girls feel really good after heat cycles but if they squat in the wrong place at the wrong time they can also pick up UTI's or vaginal infections very easily as they are wide open to germs.  Also as a precaution keep an eye on her temperature if you donot feel she is herself.  Have vet check for fluid in the uterus.  Also just something to keep an eye on.  Good luck  Nan

I talked to the vet today and she said that if my pup doesn't have a fever, is eating well and isn't lethargic, she is probably ok. It is not unusual for a bitch to be a little off and do things a little out of character at this time in the heat cycle because the progesterone level is high and doesn't normalize  until 60 days after ovulation. We have almost a month to go. Even so, I am going to continue to keep a close eye on her and may have CBC and urinalysis done just for peace of mind. 

Nan, She is on a raw diet and gets raw liver regularly as a part of her diet. Should I add some? 

No I would not add any more liver, some and usually a small amount should be sufficient.  Sorry, did not know she was on raw.  But I use a ground mixture of liver/kidney/heart to be sure they get all, small amounts are good as the organ meats are very rich and can cause digestive upsets.  BOL with your girl  Nan

Thank you, Nan. She gets a mix of  organ meat along with her muscle meat and bone. 

She is doing well- no fever, eating well and lots of energy today. Behavior is normal too. I am monitoring her carefully. 

I have a 9month old bitch she's my first GSD and WGSL and the similar to you first intact female I've had in a looong time. She's never been gun shy or shy of loud noises, our first week home someone let off a firecracker in the park next door, I jumped she didn't even flinch lol and she's never shied from the gun at training, but in the last days of her heat cycle(I kept her at home for 3 weeks) a dog behind us acted up when the gun went off which started her reacting a little, she stepped back and looked around a bit paniced which she's never done before, and then the next week when the gun went off she flipped out and slipped her collar and tried to run until I called her back. I've been told it's probably the hormones and the fact the other dog reacted and now she possibly see's the noise as something to be fearful of or react to.

She's a bit cautious of strangers in other venues probably due to my not socializing properly and an incident she had with a drunk person, but at the end of her heat when I started taking her back out for walks again I noticed she was worse then before her heat, she's since calmed down to normal. Slightly unrelated, I'm now going to see a behavourist as I think she's possibly resource guarding me because the behaviour she displays doesn't happen with other family members, only me.

Thank you for sharing, Crumbs. I hope you get your issues worked out. These pups can be full of surprises, I have found. Getting professional help is always a good thing, providing it is the right person. I've had dogs for most of my life, mostly GSDs, and my recent pup has humbled me more than any other. I've needed more help than I ever imagined. When one approach doesnt work, I  look for other answers. Quite frankly, it is embarrassing, lol! But, I know my efforts will be worth it. Please keep us posted on your pup!