when does a dog first go into heat?

[juliefurry]

When will a female dog first go into heat? My female is almost six months old (will be spayed soon) and I was just wondering when is about the first time they will go into heat? She's been sort of blah lately and I was wondering if maybe she was about to go into heat and that is why she's been sick. What are signs (besides the obvious) that they will be going into heat?

 

[wildwings811]

Usually between six and eight months depending on the breed and the care they have recieved if you plan to get her fixed just remember that they will not do it if she is in heat

Usually the only sign is the vagina starting to swell sometimes a mood change but not always

 

[juliefurry]

she will be spayed in a few weeks. My work lost my paycheck so I have to wait until they issue out another one and I won't get my missing paycheck and my other paycheck I should get next week for two more weeks! So I will get her done then.

 

[juliefurry]

oh yeah she's a black lab (she's in my siggy). Do larger breed dogs go into heat earlier than smaller breeds (or vice versa)?

 

[MyDogsLoveMe]

Not really just all depends and the first heat is hard to determine. just keep an eye on her you will see the spotting and she will have a swollen vaginal area. Very wise decision on getting her fixed, responsible owner

 

[showpug]

They can come into season anywhere from six months to a year. The larger breeds usually come in later. If she is close to coming in, you will notice that her vulva will swell slightly.

 

[juliefurry]

we have TOO many dogs right now and I don't think I could deal with anymore puppies! I've had my share of puppies for three lifetimes I think (LOL). We just don't have the money or time for puppies we figure it's best to spend the $100 to get her fixed than the THOUSANDS of dollars for c-sections or puppy emergencies and puppy shots. Plus I want her to live a long and healthy life and if spaying helps with that then I'm ALL for it.

 

[showpug]

Julie...you are right, with everything you are tackling right now I promise you you don't want to deal with heat cycles and all that comes with an intact female. You are smart and responsible to have her spayed, not to mention it will give you much less to worry about!!

 

[juliefurry]

Julie...you are right, with everything you are tackling right now I promise you you don't want to deal with heat cycles and all that comes with an intact female. You are smart and responsible to have her spayed, not to mention it will give you much less to worry about!!

amen to that! The less things I have to worry about right now the better. It'll keep me from losing my sanity .

 

[EliNHunter]

Get 'er done, Juliefurry, get 'er done! She could go into heat at any time and if she does, I "don't think" she could be spayed until after she's out of heat. Maybe someone else could chime in on that. And you may not see any signs of heat. Sometimes they don't even bleed until it's "too late"... keep us posted!

 

[juliefurry]

she'll be done in 3 weeks (after I get my paychecks from work). When can a male dog be neutered? Maverick isn't neutered yet and we have until december to get it done for him but we want to do it ASAP.

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

After a heat, a dog should not be spayed for at least a few weeks.

Having her spayed will be sooo much easier!! I have three female dogs....and heats are absolutely horrible for the dog and the owner.

 

[EliNHunter]

A male dog is definitely fertile at 6 mos. How old is Maverick? If he's close to 6 mos., Good Lord, when it rains it pours for you!!! You might want to keep them separated for a few weeks!

 

[wildwings811]

puppies can be spayed/ neutered at 16 weeks some vets will do it earlier and some later it depends on your vet and the breed of dog you would be wise to have them both sterilized while you have the chance

Your female could be coming into heat at any time so keep a close eye on her and you may notice an icreased intrest from your male also he may go off of his food if you notice any of these signs or her vulva swelling for god sakes make sure you keep them seperated even in the house

If she happens to come into heat before you can get her spayed most vets make you wait for two weeks after their heat cycle is done but you may want to check with your vet he/she may do it differently

Good Luck

 

[showpug]

That's correct, dogs should not be spayed until they are fully out of heat. A lot of vets will do it while they are in heat, but don't be fooled, the surgery is a lot more dangerous. They have a greater risk of bleeding, the surgery takes longer and the incision is usually larger because they have to remove a swollen uterus and ovaries etc. It is best to wait until about 2 months after the last signs of heat have gone away. It is always best to spay before their first heat.

 

[juliefurry]

Maverick is only 9 weeks old (he's just a little pup). Mack and Shelby have both already been neutered and spayed. I plan on getting Maverick done as soon as my vet gives me the ok. I'll have to use my one and only credit card to get him done, but I don't care as long as it gets done. I just got this card so I'll have to hide it so I won't be tempted to use it until after Maverick is neutered.

 

[bubbatd]

Yes, spay her now ! If she does come into heat you must wait 2 months until her progesterone level declines completely.If the progesterone secretion is suddenly stopped, nervousness or irritability may occur for a time.

 

[juliefurry]

ok, I'll ask my vet if he can spay her and hold a check for a few weeks. He usually will but we have such an outrageous bill with him now from Shelby. I think he will, he's pretty understanding.

 

[Sheba]

Very wise decision on getting her fixed, responsible owner

Yes!!

 

[Ash47]

Pugs is right. My bosses do spay dogs in heat all the time, BUT, it is more dangerous for all the reasons she said. It also will almost double your cost. At least it does here. Oreo was done while she was in heat, and she was in major pain and it took her a few days to recover. But, we had the money to do it and she was vomiting everywhere and bleeding, so we just went for it. She has now doubled her weight from 5lbs. all the way up to right around 10lbs. Very plump little girl now. Precious only gained 5lbs. after she was spayed. She now weighs 50lbs.