General Care and Nursing - The female's first heat period

If your dog is a female and has not been spayed, your most important concern at this age will be safety during her first heat or seasonal period. The average female first comes in season at about eight months of age, although some begin at six or seven months, and others not until ten or twelve months. The heat period occurs at approximately six-month intervals. Most females have two heat periods each year. A few come in season only once, while other go to the opposite extreme and have as many three heat periods a year. The female whose periods are more often than once every six months should be examined by a veterinarian.

Each heat period lasts about twenty-one days. Early signs include extra friskiness and affection, more than usual urination, and swelling of the vulva. An occasional mucus discharge for a few days is followed by a bloody discharge which usually continues for two weeks. During the third week the vulva swelling subsides and the discharge lessens as the parts return to normal.
During her heat period the female will be attractive to male dogs and can be bred by them; in fact, it is the only time she can be bred. Heroic measures are needed for her protection. She cannot be allowed outdoors alone for one minute. Either board her in a kennel or confine her securely for the entire three weeks. The instant she sets foot out-of-doors, males from far and wide will congregate in your yard, to your annoyance and her danger.

Every time a female in season squats to urinate, she leaves an odour for male dogs. Her urine contains a special chemical that is produced only during her heat. This is why males you’ve never seen before will hang around your yard. If your female is habitually kept in an outdoor kennel run, shut her securely in her yard for the entire three weeks. The fencing must be escape-proof. It must also keep out visiting males, who will try all sorts of daring stunts, such as climbing over or digging under it, to reach her. There is a monetary consideration, too. Some municipalities levy a substantial fine against an owner who allows a female in season to run free. Don’t blame male dogs if they congregate on your doorstep. It is your fault for allowing your female the opportunity to attract them.

For lack of a fence or protected yard, the female will have to be hand-exercised on leash, of course. Do not let her out of your sight until her season is finished.

If your female is bred accidentally, get her to a veterinarian immediately he may be able to prevent conception by harmonic injection. This treatment must be given within twenty-four hours after the breeding, and is estimated to be about 80 per cent successful. Remember that one misalliance will not ruin your female for future breeding or giving birth to purebred puppies. Each litter is complete in itself and has no bearing on any later litter.