Female dogs in heat and Spaying

[jellyfish]

I've learned a ton on this board so far and hopefully, I will make a much better dog mom with Daisy than I have with my previous dogs because I'm more informed. I've read on here (and the breeder also told me the same information), that if I'm going to spay her, I should wait until she is at least 1 and 2 would be even better. I haven't made a decision on if she will get spayed. This may sound stupid but I honestly don't know...will she go into heat? She is the only dog (or for that matter...pet) in the house. If she does, how do I deal with this? What happens, what do I need to know and what should I do?

We had a female Great Dane and we had her spayed at around 6 months. I was not the well informed puppy parent I am now. Had I known the potential health and growth risks I put her in, I would have never done it. I just didn't know.

 

[Tgirl]

She will go into heat. The amount of blood and clean up will just depend on her. All dogs are different. Just be sure to keep her away from male dogs during that time, it lasts about 3 weeks.

 

[MaplesMommy]

Every dog is different,but with Maple I can tell the signs before the bleeding even starts.
You might notice the vulva swelling up some and the dog licks her genitals more often. Some notice a change in temperament as well but I havent ever noticed any with Maple.
So far she has been through 3 (or 4) heats and I find she bled the most amount during her first heat. It was still not super much,but I recommend putting towels down on your couch or if you have carpet. Also, you might want to look into getting doggy diapers.
It is essential that you keep the dog away from others, especially male dogs. And that includes the time before and shortly after the bleeding as well. Keep her busy inside and in your (fenced)yard and she will be fine.

Mark the calendar the moment you see the first sign so you can keep track of everything.

 

[davidh]

I agree, let them go through at least one heat cycle, two is better, before spaying. It can be a mess and when she is in heat, do not let her out of your sight for a second when she is outside. You can use baby diapers to help with keeping things clean. I do recommend spaying them, because if they are not spayed, they have a chance of getting Pyometra which can be deadly.

 

[hannah]

What is the benefit of letting them go through a heat cycle or two?

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

 

[Ryan2421]

i am curious about why we should wait a heat cycle or two before spaying. can someone please elaborate???

 

[hannah]

i am curious about why we should wait a heat cycle or two before spaying. can someone please elaborate???

Me too!!!
[MENTION=377]MaplesMommy[/MENTION] [MENTION=4]davidh[/MENTION] ?

 

[MaplesMommy]

I am uncertain what impact one single heat might have. I believe its rather just a thing that ultimately happens if you decide to hold of with the spay/neuter until your dog is mature. Usually females go into their first heat between 6mth -12 mths, so if you decide to wait for the spay until,lets say the dog is 1 year, then your dog will likely go through one heat before spaying her.
More and more research shows that waiting to desex an animal until its mature and fully grown is very beneficial to the pet. Sex hormones are essential to close growth plates properly and a proper hormonal balance is important for a variety of functions (immune system,neurological health etc).

So I believe people aren't waiting for that one cycle to happen,but rather they're waiting for the dog to mature and the cycle is just something that happens meanwhile.

 

[bullmama]

[MENTION=377]MaplesMommy[/MENTION] got it, it's to get all the proper hormones which benefits growth.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[davidh]

The growth hormones come from the sex organs, so that is why it is important to wait so the can mature properly.

 

[hannah]

Thanks everyone. Will it be okay for Banksy and Aiko to be together when she is in heat? Or should she be totally crated?

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

 

[bullmama]

Thanks everyone. Will it be okay for Banksy and Aiko to be together when she is in heat? Or should she be totally crated?

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

Completely separated until you are sure the heat is over.

 

[Cbrugs]

Thanks everyone. Will it be okay for Banksy and Aiko to be together when she is in heat? Or should she be totally crated?

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

If Bansky isn't neutered than you should definitely keep them separated while Aiko is in heat.