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800104 tn?1251386237

menstraution

my dog is 11 months old and just got her first menstrual period last week. is it normal for the first timer dogs to have her period for more than a week?
Best Answer
675347 tn?1365460645
COMMUNITY LEADER
Yes it is.
In dogs, it's not exactly the same as a Menstrual Period in Humans. For a start, it's the other way around in dogs. It is the equivalent of their "ovulation".

Her "Heat" cycle will last approximately 21 days (3 weeks) The first week, you will notice drops of red blood. In the second week, her vulva will swell slightly, or may look reddened, so don't worry if you see that -and the bleeding will not be so obvious. After that, some dogs don't appear to bleed much, but there may be a little blood stained discharge.

It's very important to note the date down on your calendar of the day she started her Heat cycle. So you will be ready for that second week! Because during the second week, that's the time when she will be most fertile, and able to mate with dogs. And she will move heaven and earth to be able to do that! So never ever leave her unattended where there are male dogs around if you don't want her to get pregnant. And make sure dogs can't get into your yard, because even well-trained male dogs will move heaven and earth to get out of THEIR yards, in order to get to her!

An unplanned pregnancy especially in a young dog like this, especially with goodness-knows what dog, with goodness-knows what health problems which could be bred into any puppies  -is the last thing you and her need.
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800104 tn?1251386237
both of your words and concerns helps a lot. thank you!
Helpful - 0
441382 tn?1452810569
Many dogs, especially young ones, act "off" when they have their first couple of heat cycles.  They can be very quiet, lay around a lot, not want to eat like they usually do, and in general act as though they don't feel real well.  

As Ginger explained, when they first come into season you will notice some drops of blood on the floor and in places where she has been laying or sitting.  After a few days, the blood will stop, but now you've really got to watch her because it's after the blood stops that they become willing to allow a male to breed them.  The normal heat cycle is 21 days, but it isn't unusual for females to allow males to breed them as late as the 25th or even 26th day.  As long as her vulva is even a little bit puffy she may still allow the boys near her, which will result in an unwanted litter of puppies.

Ginger also very wisely advised you to have her spayed to prevent pyometra.  Pyometra is a life-threatening infection of the uterus.  There are two types - an open pyometra where pus is present draining from her vulva and a closed pyometra, where the pus and infection are completely contained in the body.  The open pyometras, while still life-threatening, are actually not as dangerous as the closed pyos because in an open pyo, the pus is at least draining from the body.  In a closed pyometra, the uterus can continue to swell with pus and infection and burst internally, sending infected material all over the abdominal cavity.  Death is pretty much certain.

Unless your dog is a truly excellent example of her breed who has won many ribbons and trophies for her perfection, the best thing to do is to have her spayed so that you don't have to worry about this any more.  If you have her spayed, pyometra is an impossibility, and the earlier you have her spayed, the more you decrease her likelihood of developing mammary cancer later in life.  

Please don't wait.  Right now, if you were to have the surgery done, it would cost a bit more because since she is in season, the arteries and blood vessels around the uterus are engorged with blood in preparation for what it thinks is an upcoming breeding.  Because of this, the surgery would cost a bit more because of the increased risk of bleeding during the procedure.  Keep her inside, and about 8 weeks after her heat cycle ends, make an appointment with your vet to have her spayed.  You will never regret your decision and she will thank you for it, too, because she will be able to concentrate on being a loving pet instead of trying to listen to her breeding instincts.

Ghilly
Helpful - 0
675347 tn?1365460645
COMMUNITY LEADER
Well my dog was entire for many years. (spayed last year) She never showed any signs of being unwell, nor did her general behaviour change -for instance she was just as energetic- during her Heat cycle. The only change came during that second week I mentioned. Then she would change slightly, though she was always very well. For instance she would do a lot of "marking" grass and pathways etc....she may not come to me first time when called as she usually does!.....whining a little occasionally if she picked up the scent of a dog...things like that. Because mating was foremost in her mind!

I know dogs are all different. Yours may feel the hormonal changes as a sudden shift in her world, and that may be why she is behaving differently. But if she shows ANY sign of what you think is "unwell" don't just pass this off as normal, but take her to the vet to be checked out. It isn't normal to be unwell during a heat cycle.

Many females get what is called a "False Pregnancy" which usually occurs about 8-9 weeks after their cycle has ended. Their breasts can become tender and swollen, and there may even be milk or clear fluid from the nipples. They can show "nesting" behaviour, or refuse to get off their beds. They can sometimes "mother" toys, or become clingy to you....that kind of thing. This may seem cute behaviour, but in fact it's simply a chemical event. Their hormones are swinging wildly, causing those effects.
Often this just passes in a week or two. But with some dogs it can be quite uncomfortable and they get no peace.
It's also true that females with a history of False Pregnancies are far more likely to develop Pyometra (a very serious and life threatening condition of the womb, which is very very dangerous.) If this happens her life is in danger, and Pyometra has been known to kill dogs -either from the womb rupturing, or kidney failure owing to the toxins spread through the bloodstream) -in a matter of hours!

So if you really need her to be entire, because you have a breeding plan for her -then fine. But if you don't....please do consider having her spayed. For her own sake.
Helpful - 0
974371 tn?1424653129
Ginger gave you good info.  Not sure why she would be acting that way. It may be due to her coming in heat. HOWEVER, I would NOT be letting her outside alone and unsupervised.  Male dogs scenting a female in heat, will often get to them be it under or over fences, etc.  You do not want an unwanted breeding.  She is too young, for one thing.  Is there some reason you haven't had her spay?  
Helpful - 0
800104 tn?1251386237
thanks. anyway, is it normal that she looks not so good. what i mean sad and aloof? when im looking for her, shes always outside - under a chair and lying on the ground. is it because of her period?
Helpful - 0
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