Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
178107 tn?1315947630

Maltese in heat

My Maltese is 13 months old and is now in heat.  I actually had an appointment to have her spayed next week.  I know nothing about this. How long does it last, how long will she bleed, is it painful for her, how long do I wait now to have her spayed?  Sorry for all the questions but I don't have a clue.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
178107 tn?1315947630
Thank you, Jaybay
Helpful - 0
82861 tn?1333453911
Give your vet a call and let him know your Maltese is now in heat.  You'll likely need to reschedule the spaying to allow normal swelling of the organs to receide, making the surgery easier both for the surgeon and your dog.  It shouldn't be too long of a delay, and recovery isn't long at all.  

The usual restrictions apply after any surgery: take it easy, and keep up the fluid and calorie intake.  My girls have been pretty lethargic for a couple of days after spaying, but quickly bounced back.  You'll need to keep her calm until the stitches are removed, and make certain she doesn't try to rip them out on her own.  IF this happens, keep her in a crate before and during transportation.  You don't want a dog on a leash with missing abdominal stitches to go crazy in the vet's parking lot and end up with her guts literally falling out.  If you don't have a crate in that circumstance, you'll need an assistant to fashion a sling around the dog's abdomen while you handle the leash.  I'm adding this info here "just in case", and for any readers who find themselves in this situation.

Her heat cycle shouldn't last too long, and small breeds don't make as much mess as the larger breeds.  Give it a few days to stop, and another few days for everything inside to settle down.  And make sure she has no access to an intact male.   :-)
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Dogs Community

Top Dogs Answerers
675347 tn?1365460645
United Kingdom
974371 tn?1424653129
Central Valley, CA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Members of our Pet Communities share their Halloween pet photos.
Like to travel but hate to leave your pooch at home? Dr. Carol Osborne talks tips on how (and where!) to take a trip with your pampered pet
Ooh and aah your way through these too-cute photos of MedHelp members' best friends
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.