Are there any signs for a first season?

[JammyDodger1]

Puppy 8 months next week, and I feel it could be soon, just want to be doubly alert, sorry for graphic detail, but she is licking down below a lot and what looks like a scrotum at her behind look swollen, but no sign of blood, sorry if you having your tea

she a Weimaraner, thanks.

[whatwoulddexterdo]

Don't know much about the breed.
However, my goldie became quite swollen down there, although the swelling increased as she began bleeding.
Also she shed alot!!!

[BookWorm37]

My 10 month old labrador is having her first season. First signs were she kept sniffing and licking her swollen (pink and puffy but no blood) bits and my other dog kept sniffing her too.
I also noticed a different smell to her in general.
Obviously she would attract the attention of male dogs so try to minimise contact as far as possible.

[JammyDodger1]

not noticed any shedding just the swelling, no blood, and is there a lot of blood? First time I've done this, the breeder recommended she go through her first season and then have her done.

[BookWorm37]

Little one hasn't bled much if at all, just a few drops I think. Her mum however does bleed during her seasons and we put a sheet down for her to lie on. We find lots of little red dots everywhere where she has sat down or dripped

[JammyDodger1]

Thank you, sort of waiting now, just get a feeling it's soon! need to be alert!

[Lonecatwithkitten]

If she's swollen and licking there is a good chance she is just about to come in or is in season. When you get back from a walk before she has a chance to lick wipe her vulva with damp cotton wool, this a very effective way of finding even the smallest amount of blood.

[JammyDodger1]

Good tip thank you will do that, most of the dogs she plays with are puppies themselves so its hard to see if any interested.

[yummumto3girls]

Mine has just had her first season. I found she became quite clingy before, during and definitely after. Lots of drips of blood, we had to confine her to the kitchen most of the time to contain the mess as easier just to wipe up on wooden floors. Bleeding lasted for about 3 weeks!

[JannyBeg]

Every breed seems to be different. It can be from 6 months to after a year. My wolf hound has just had her first season at eleven months. She was very clean, unlike our whippet whos not. Enough said. We have two males both castrated but they always seem interested. Signs are, as you say a swollen behind and taking an interest in that area. If she is coming into season let her keep herself clean by licking, I know its gross but its what dogs do. Good luck with your lovely little weimaraner its a lovely breed

[EvenBetter]

Mine is about to turn 8 months and started her first season a week ago. Her vulva swelled up a few days before the bleeding started, and when it did it was a brownish discharge, changing after a day or two to red blood.
Her vulva has got even bigger now, and her teats have stuck out a bit, she's also eating more, and not interested in fighting us, which she normally loves.
She's also tired easier and extra cuddly. We've been sneaking her out on early morning on-lead walkies.

There's not much blood, just occasional drips on the floor, and there's a spare towel on our bed where she sleeps. Apparently the second week is when they're super fertile and will actively want to go and find boys (over my dead body), so I'm getting nervous now!
She'll be getting neutered in July.
Good luck! It's not as bad as I thought it was going to be, just be very very very careful, male dogs will go to great lengths to get at a girl in season.

[EvenBetter]

P.s. I read online that you can wipe them sometimes, to help hem keep clean and prevent infections. I'm using baby wipes but I don't like the fact that she then licks off the chemically water from them.
Maybe just a facecloth with warm water on it. You don't have to 'get right in', just a quick wipe when there's several drips of blood all at once.

[JammyDodger1]

Thanks all, have seen a few more spots, but when I wipe her there is nothing, perhaps it's on it's way, will just keep wiping and a watchful eye!
Bit nervous as dh is away for four days at the end of the week and it will be just my luck it comes fully then, will walk early morning and late evening I think just to be on the safe side.

That made me smile Even as we also have a towel over bottom of bed where she sleeps too

[digerd]

Many are so dilligent at licking and keeping themselves clean you don't see any blood. The bleeding often lessens during her ovulation week.
When she is ready to mate and ovulating when touched on her back near her tail she will turn her tail into an arc sideways to provide access to mounting. She will stick out her behind to all males - they really are little minxes/seductresses.
The swollen vulva can last a whole month before getting back to normal size.

My friend's Yorkshire Terrier had her first at 6 months.

[JammyDodger1]

That's confirmed it Digerd thanks, done the tail test and every time it goes to one side, so how long does it normally last?

[EvenBetter]

It normally lasts about three weeks, with the middle week being the time when they'll accept a shag. Before that they won't, and will keep their tail tucked down and won't be trying to seek boys.

[SilverShadows]

I'm a bit concerned at this, my weimaraner is 14 months and hasn't had a season yet. We thought it was coming at Christmas as we found some brownish spots on her bed but saw no other signs so put it down to all the mud that was around.

Could we have missed it?
We have a male, neutered 6 year old and he didn't change his behaviour and we walk off lead often and had no issues with other dogs.

Can they be as late as this?

[ernesttheBavarian]

How can you tell when they are definitely no longer in heat and safe to let loose again?

My lab went on heat 2nd week of May. I've read 3 - 4 weeks but how can you be sure?