Female problems

[ricksandplus4]

Our almost 3 year old Miniature Dachshund, Heidi, has been spotting for about 1 week. Her little "area" is swollen as well. We're assuming she's going through her female thing! Does anyone know how long this usually lasts, what we can do to keep her comfy, and any suggestions on how to keep her from spotting all over the house. We've restricted her to one area for the time being! Look forward to your replies!

[~Jen~]

Yes it does sound like shes going through her heat.. Lucky you...yuck!!...hehehe http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif
It normally lasts around 21days for the average. They bleed the 1st week the 2nd week is when she would be ready to accept a male (SO KEEP HER LOCKED AWAY!!) the 3rd week is they usually bleed again. You can buy what i call fancy pants that have little pads that fit into them to keep the blood off your carpet and furniture as some females are very messy. I have noticed alot of females are more loving around this time and crave alot of attention. If you are not planning on breeding i would have her spayed after she comes out of heat ... this will save you from having to deal with all these problems http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif Remember this is only the average female just like woman their cycles can vary so never take her outside unless you are holding the end of a leash ... male dogs will do almost anything to get to a female in heat!!

Good Luck
Jen

<FONT COLOR="#00FFFF" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">This message has been edited by ~Jen~ on November 19, 2000 at 10:39 AM</font>

[dutchman]

I'm far from an expert on this matter but I can give you a few basic tips. First off you can purchase some panties at most pet stores. You will want to get the ones with the disposable liners. I assume you already know she must be kept away from all unaltered male dogs. This means any time she is outside you need to be with her. Even if you have a six foot security fence it will not keep stray male dogs out with a girl in heat inside the fence. How long it will last I'll let someone else give a reply since I've never had an unaltered female. One last suggestion get her spayed after her cycle is finished. It is really healthier for the animals to be altered.

Good luck,

Tom and the boys (Frank and Tanner)

[ricksandplus4]

Thank you guys for all your help! Now we know where to begin. My husband and I are discussing whether we plan to breed her or not. It has been a consideration. If we choose not to, we will definately have her spayed! I'm really glad we found this site. You guys are great!

Sandy, Rick, Alisa, Amanda, Ricky, (Kimmy is due next 3-4 weeks) and of course Heidi(who will now be very happy because her Hoomans will know how to help!) <IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm42.gif" border=0>

[dutchman]

It sounds like you have quite the full house there. I'm glad we could be of some help.

If you decide to breed Heidi pleas do a lot of reading and talking to other breeders. I hope I don't sound like I'm preaching here especially with new board members. It's just that I know too many people involved with rescue and have seen some of the dogs with genetic defects that could have been prevented if the people who had produced the pups had known more about genetics. There are so many dogs out there in need of a good home I would suggest leaving the dog breeding to the professionals.

I hope you will share many stories of you life with Heidi with us. Please don't take what I've stated above as a personal attack it's not meant that way at all. You sound like very a very nice caring family after all your care enough about your little girl to seek advice rather than just confine her to a bathroom or kennel for the duration of her cycle. I'm guessing Heidi is a relatively new addition to the family is that correct?

Thank you,

Tom and the Boys (Frank and Tanner)

[ricksandplus4]

Hi Tom,

We've had Heidi since she was old enough to leave mommy. She'll be three in February. I understand your concern completey! We would never do anything that would put our Heidi in a dangerous place. Don't worry, my husband has had several Dachshunds in his lifetime, and knows much about breeding. I believe they all had pups! He just doesn't remember them spotting so long. our concern is whether or not breeding her would not only be in Heidi's best interest, but ours as well, having such a houseful!! Especially with a baby on the way! I also homeschool all our children, so our plate is pretty full! I apprieciate your advice and concern! I wish more people were concerned about their family pets! They are more than just animals! Like I said, it's nice to have a place to come to for advice!!<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm42.gif" border=0> Thanks again!

Sandy and gang<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm12.gif" border=0>

<FONT COLOR="#00FFFF" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">This message has been edited by ricksandplus4 on November 19, 2000 at 08:05 PM</font>

[~Jen~]

Hi Sandy

I forgot in my orig. post to ask how long has she been bleeding? This shouldnt be her 1st heat if shes 3 she should have had serv. before this. Is she eating ok etc?

Thanks
Jen

[Penny's Aunt]

If she's in heat (this is kind of an odd time of year for a dog to come in heat, but not impossible), she should bleed for about a week, with the discharge gradually getting lighter toward the end of that week. By about the 10th day, it should be a fairly clearish straw-color, when the dog is most susceptible to breeding for several days.

BUT!!! Some dogs are in heat for longer. Some dogs are susceptible to breeding (& will conceive) nearly ANY TIME during the 3 weeks.

And, as mentioned, don't let her out in the fenced backyard unsupervised. Any Beagle or Fox Terrier can scale a 6' fence with little trouble. Bigger dogs may not even touch the top. And there's always UNDER the fence, or THROUGH the fence, or the meter man or a kid leaves the gate open. BTW, bitch britches will NOT prevent a male from breeding her -- he will just rip them off.

If she does get bred accidentally, call you vet immediately. He has a shot that can prevent her from conceiving (but I think it extends the heat period).

Another thought: if this is her first heat, it is unusual. If she has been bleeding for more than a week, that is also unusual. And if there is any other kind of discharge, like pus, she needs a vet's attention. In fact, if anything seems odd, get her checked. There is a condition called pyometra (among others) where a dog's uterus fills up with pus. They get tremendously large, like large sausages. This is NOT good, as you might suspect.

[ricksandplus4]

HI Jen & Penny's Aunt,

Heidi has been bleeding for about 1 week. It has lightened up alot, and her appetite seems to be just fine! <IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm38.gif" border=0>

Sandy

<FONT COLOR="#00FFFF" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">This message has been edited by ricksandplus4 on November 20, 2000 at 05:09 PM</font>

[Penny's Aunt]

GOOD! Sounds normal.

[wireweiners]

It is unusual for a female to come in heat for the first time at 3 years of age. Normally a female will have her first season anywhere between 6 months and 1 year. That she has not come in until now would indicate to me that something in her reproductive system is not right and I would strongly recommend having her spayed.

[~Jen~]

Yes if this is her 1st heat and shes 3yrs old ...something may be off. When i read your orig. msg i thought you had just gotten her within the last couple mos. ... but if this is her 1st heat i would have her checked by a vet asap. to make sure there is nothing wrong.

Good Luck
Jen