Dogs first season - any advice

[newpup]

Hello. Hoping that Bella29 might see this and have some helpful advice But anyone's advice welcome.

My 7 month old lab puppy is having her first season. She has been bleeding for a week today but I have not seen any blood since last night.

I know that now is the 'fertile' time and I need to be careful. I have been walking her since it started but only on the lead and on busy roads, away from the park, fields or anywhere with other dogs! My vet suggested this would be fine.

Anyone have any advice for getting through the next phase. We will have her spayed but must wait until 2 months after the season has finished.

Bump

Sorry for silly question, what's the next phase? I used to take my bitch to the park and put her in the caged area and a street walk for the few weeks they are in season will be fine

Sorry. By next phase I meant when she is actually receptive to male dogs and other dogs can smell her! I suppose I am worried about being stalked by scary big rottweilers with one thing on their mind

I think they are most receptive at 10 to 15 days. She will be 'safe' after 3 weeks, HTH

Hahaha. Is that not only when they are bleeding? I should know this, have always had bitches

I might be wrong but think they are receptive after bleeding and this is when they are 'in the mood' so to speak and will not spurn any advances, if you know what I mean. Also this is when they give off ' come and get me' scent!

Ok. Ignore me then, and how lucky have I been!!!!

Bella. Are you out there?

Hallo newpup!

You only put my name on there because you wanted an excuse to wind me up about my toy rotation chart, didn't you ! It needs updating, thank you for asking...

You're right - there's pro oestrus where she will have a discharge but won't allow mating, and that's usually about 9 days or so, followed by oestrus where she will accept mating, and that's roughly 9 days or so too.

My boy has very kindly offered his services (he has been practising on a soft toy)

Hello Bella. Thank You.

Ummmmm lovely as your boy is, no one will ever be good enough for my little girl

Perhaps you had better rotate his toys into the washing machine!!

Am I doing the right thing taking her out on the lead? She was still dripping blood last night but her behaviour on a walk yesterday was embarassing. Rubbing herself on patches where dogs must have been

Have not come across any other dogs yet, when we go out. But petrified of meeting a randy rottweiler! She is also very clingy and keeps howling when left alone! Hormones !

Hallo again

Was in a bit of a rush last night

My boy is crestfallen that his offer of assistance has been turned down, and is seeking solace with his favourite cuddly toy...

Seriously, though, there are a couple of things you might want to think about:

Firstly, uncastrated dogs will be able to smell her from a long long way away and may do anything they possibly can to get into your garden so don't leave her unattended, even for a few minutes.

Secondly, if you do take her out try to take her in the car then walk her somewhere quiet so that there is less chance of dogs following her trail back home.

Some people get quite upset at people walking their bitches whilst in heat, as it can send their dogs into a frenzy when they get the scent. If you decided not to take her for walks just now then you could just play ball games or whatever with her in your own garden, which is every bit as good as going for a walk

HTH

Bella