Dog in heat question...

[Megansmom]

Megan (our 10 month old papillon) is in her first heat. No, we are NOT breeding her, but made an educated decision to wait until 18 months to 2 years to spay her. We don't have any other dogs, and are being VERY careful about keeping her on a leash at all times when outdoors.

Anyway, since this is our first experience with a dog in heat, I have a question for everyone. The day after she started, she experienced very loose stools for 5 days. Her appetite was always normal, and she was not getting dehydrated, so I didn't worry too much. I fed a bland diet for a bit, and now she's normal (obviously still in heat since it's only day 10 or so)

Is this a normal side-effect from being in heat? I can't find much evidence of this online, but thought it was quite a coincidence since diarrhea normally is not an issue for her.

I'll have to update pictures soon, since she's certainly not the same "puppy" that's in my sig and avatar, lol.

 

[Laurelin]

I dunno, but YES you need to post new pictures. I was thinking about you guys the other day and wondering how Megan was doing....

 

[bubbatd]

Mine never had changes ....except their moods ! Don't let her out of your sight one moment !!!!

 

[Renee750il]

Oh, GODS . . . Kharma has full blown PMS. Seriously. Expect anything, lol. Be glad Megan isn't 145 pounds of moody bitch :rofl1:

 

[Punkygirl0101]

Hmm..i have no clue. I know that I get diahrea when I am having my periods. And not ever woman I know does. I also haven't had an in heat female dog in 4 years...and don't recall her getting loose stools!

 

[Barb04]

Renee, yes, this is bringing up memories of Kona in her first and only heat with PMS mood swings. I don't even want to remember what we went through.

 

[blackmaskrott]

Loose stool would not be unusual. The hormone changes, especially with the first heat cycle, can be quite acute to the body. There are different stages of estrus and as she phases from one stage to the next, you will notice some physiological changes as well. Bowel movements, appetite, mood, libido, energy levels, all can be affected by the changes in hormones. Some females are more sensitive to their own hormones than others.

 

[HoundedByHounds]

yes and attacks by cats will escalate LOL. They sure did here!