How long will puppy be in heat?

[Sissys Mom]

Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask this but, I didn't know where else to put it. I've been looking around and can't find an answer.

She just turned 8 months yesterday so this is her first time. Also, this can happen anywhere from every 4 to 6 months?

She is my second baby. The first one was stolen right after her tail was done, about 12 years ago. So, I'm starting to learn all over again. Can anyone tell me where to start?
Thanks for any help you can give me,
Sissys Mom,
Gloria

[SABELLESMOM]

Three weeks! It's messy. Yes it comes back about every 6 months. You have to be very careful so she won't get pregnant. She should be on a leash with you even for bathroom breaks. Are you considering having her spayed? There is definately a lower incidence of mammary cancer and pyometria in dogs that have been spayed.

Your other pup was stollen after her tail was done? Tails are usually cropped a day or so after they are born at a vet who knows the breed and how to do it right. To do so later causes a good deal of pain and is not recommended.

[BostonRott]

It can also be every 4 mos, that's not uncommon. SHe'll leave drips all over your house and on any furniture that she's on. I'd highly recommend getting her spayed.

[Sissys Mom]

Thanks for all your help. She is on her 3rd week now, so we're almost at the end of this one, I hope.

She is truly my baby. How can something so sweet end up with such a bad reputation? It really is just like having a 2 year old running around under foot again.

Yes, I'm probably going to be getting her spayed soon. Will her tempermant be worse? She doesn't like strangers being around the house. But, I can take her for a ride in the truck to the corner store. And she will just sit there watching everyone come and go and she won't say a word. Waiting for me to come back, I suppose. Don't they say a dog should have one litter before getting spayed? Or no?

Like I said I'm learning this stuff all over again.
Thanks for your help.

[BostonRott]

No, there is NO reason at all to have one litter before being spayed, that's an old wives' tale and it contributes massively to the over-population problem.

Regarding temperament, it will even her out more, no more hormonal swings before/after her cycle (I'm sure you can relate to that!). The dislike of stragers sounds like lack of socialization and this is prime time to continue working on that. See if you can get her into a basic obedience class even if she "knows her commands." This will help strengthen the bond between you, as well as get her out and exposed to more new people and new dogs.

You need to wait at least one month after her heat before spaying (to allow the blood engorgement to go away). Due to the breed's increased risk of osteosarcoma (bone cancer) when neutered at a young age, I would wait until she hits 1 year, and then do it. Since you don't know how long/short her cycle will be (i.e. until she comes in again), this should safely "age her" with regards to the bone CA, but still keep her far enough from her next heat (you need to spay 1mos before/after a heat cycle) that you should be ok.

[Sissys Mom]

One more thing she has very dry skin, is there anything I can do to help her with that? And is that normal?
thanks

[SABELLESMOM]

Dry skin will often improve by feeding a premium dog food. Something like Wellness, Canidae, Flint River, California Natural to name a few. They may seem to cost more. To me they are well worth it. You also feed a little less. Better food also equals less waste...or stool.

What you are looking for is best sources of protein, whole fresh meats and meals not meat by products. Whole meat source should be the first ingerdient (chicken or chicken meal as opposed to chicken fat) Remaining ingerdients should be natural sounding: rice, brown rice, potatoes, vegetables, etc.

Protein as listed on the bag should be 24-26%, Fat 13-15%, moisture around 10%, and fiber 3-4%. No artificial preservatives such as BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin. No artificial colors ar sugars. No propaline glycol.

Frequent brushing will also help dry skin, as will an Oatmeal bath ...should you need to bathe her.

Also check her thyroid levels.

[BostonRott]

It's not normal, and could be caused by several things:

a)lack of oils in diet
b) thyroid problems
c) she's in heat

My girls' coats go to xxxx in a handbasket when they're coming into season. They not only blow coat, but they do seem to get drier/more coarse. Normally, they have shiny black coats.

If her coat has been dry prior to her heat, I'd consider adding fish or salmon oil to her food, assuming she's already eating a high end food. If not already eating a high quality food, I'd look at switching her food. If none of that helps, I'd get her in for a complete thyroid panel (there have been some recent discussions on this issue in a thread in the Breeding section).

[Sissys Mom]

Thanks for your quick answers. We didn't notice the dry skin until after I figured out she was in heat. So maybe that's it then? As for the thyroid thing, why not I'm hypothyroid myself. lol Seriously though, I didn't know a dog could have that problem too. But then, why not we lost another dog last January due to Breast Cancer. She was a family member for 7 1/2 years.
Anyway, thanks and I will check out other dog food options.
Have a Great Day = )

[brunie's mom]

Please have your dog spayed after about a month from the end of her heat....unless you want her to die of mammary cancer like your previous dog.
For every heat she goes through the more chance she has of getting mammary cancer later in life.

She does not need to have a litter , not sure why this old "wives tale" is still going around??

If you want her to stay healthy and be a good companion have her spayed.

Gina