HELP! We're looking after a female greyhound who's in heat!

[ICameOnTheJitney]

She's my brother's and he's gone into hospital Hopefully he'll be out again in a few days but in the meantime there's nobody but us to look after his naughty, untrained 18 month old dog and we got her this evening, brought her home with us and she's bleeding.

It's not so much of an issue...but she's obviuously upset as she wants my brother...he coddles her terribly...she doesn't even know how to sit and jumps up all the time.

SHe's eating and drinking fine and we've put her own bed, bowls and teddy in the sitting room with us....but she wont lie down and wants to sit on the sofa,....well she's not!

What advice can you offer? Also re walking her....my brother takes her into some very remote areas where she can run but I can't do that as no car and I live in the burbs....so all we have is a field for dog walkers.

As she's not trustworthy but apparently runs at other dogs, I will have to keep her on the lead also with her being in heat, they;ll all be after her won't they?

I am sure I will be disagreed with but walking a bitch in season when you are 'dog sitting' and inexperienced is madness. Restrict walks to very early morning or late at night. For the love of GOD get your brother to have the bitch spayed ASAP. More puppies are not needed right now.

Most greyhounds can't or won't sit, it isnt comfortable for them.

MAKE HIM SPAY THE DOG.

Glitter well how do they rest if they can't sit? Do they always lie down? I will tell him to spay the dog but he is very difficult man....he won't let me tell him anything to be honest and has mental health problems.

Do not under any circumstances walk in the dog field. Loose dogs WILL come up to you and attempt to mate the greyhound. Greyhounds are not a high energy type of dog (sounds weird I know, but it's true!) so a short on lead walk well away from other dogs will suffice. Or even a run about in the garden if it's a reasonable size would do as it's for just a few days.
As far as sitting, keeping off the furniture etc and getting her to settle you do not have a timeframe in which to undo her bad habits, so it's a case of grin and bear it as best you can I'm afraid. Keep consistent and calm and remember she will be very confused in a new place with new people, so don't expect too much.

Will your brother be able to look after the dog once he is out of hospital? If not, it might be wise to look into your options for looking after the dog beyond the next few days if you are not able to continue to step in.

As Too Old has said, the overwhelming majority of greyhounds cannot sit - it is very uncomfortable for them, due to the length of their back and their large thighs. They either lean against you if standing up, lie in a sphinx position or recline elegantly on a comfy sofa.

Don't walk her where there are other dogs or when it is a popular time of day for dogs, and if you have a large-ish garden it won't harm her to have a few days off lead walking - she can be kept entertained with some clicker work. Most greyhounds find this knackering as they are not the brightest. She will be in season and at her most fertile after she has stopped bleeding - you should be looking at around 3 to 4 weeks. I've been through it with foster bitches, it's not easy but you will get there. Bear in mind also that many bitches in season can also be a bit clingy - she will be all at sea being in a different house and with her hormones all over the place - be gentle and patient with her. After her season has finished, you'll need to wait about two to three months for the optimum spay time - watch her carefully for signs of pyometra.

I've fostered dogs whose owner was sectioned and it's not easy - you have my sympathy. Please PM me if you want more help. You don't need to make a decision about spaying for another two to three months anyway, but it will helpful if your brother is in for any length of time that you can, if possible, seek clarity on responsibility e.g. carrying out emergency vet treatment, how much can be spent, or authorising euthanasia for instance. If possible, find out if she is chipped and insured, and get hold of the paperwork, in case of emergency. If she's with you for anything more than a couple of days, I'd consider getting a new tag made for her collar, with yr contact details if she becomes lost. On a practical level, I'd find out details of yr nearest vet and dog warden and put their numbers in yr phone.

If yr brother is seriously ill, please discuss this with his nurse or social worker if there are particular issues you want to resolve. Also, we were given permission to bring the dogs in to the ward ( it had a garden) - I can't tell you how much this helped and cheered the owner, along with regular photos and updates from them. For many people with mental health problems, the dog can be a real lifeline, and often (sadly) their only friend.

You've been put into a very difficult position, but there are plenty of people here who will be very happy to help. Please PM me if you want a bit more info on how we managed the dog/patient/hospital situation.

Good luck.

Scuttle he's not been sectioned. He's not well physically but has depression.

The dog has no training whatsoever so clickers mean nothing at all to her. Bro is not seriously ill and should be out in days thank God now you've told me how long her season will be!!