jef Posted June 23, 2008 Report Share Posted June 23, 2008 My cocker bitch (10 months) has come into season for the first time. The bleeding started about 6-7 days ago and she is very swollen just now. Is it natural for her to look a litter fatter than normal? She isn't eating any more than usual but looks as if she has put on weight. Her teats are also more prominent than before which I am only assuming is connected. She has only been in contact with next door's dog which is also a bitch. Can someone tell me this is all normal and put my mind at ease. Thanks Jef Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deeksofdoom Posted June 23, 2008 Report Share Posted June 23, 2008 Welcome to the wonderful world of BIATCHES! Everything is fine, I wouldn't say she's pregnant yet. What you've described should be the last of your worries. Wait until you have every stray dog in the neighbourhood trying to get into her at night time, that's when the fun starts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdunc Posted June 23, 2008 Report Share Posted June 23, 2008 Her behaviour will most likely start to become a little off - become more erratic and less responsive to training / commands. Be careful where she's off the lead too as bitches can go looking for dogs just as easy as the other way round. It'll go on for two weeks or so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jef Posted June 23, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2008 Cheers chaps. She lives "in house" so they'll have a job And I'm keeping her on the lead at the minute anyway. She had a fight with her girlfriend next door last night which resulted in sedation and six staples in her leg!!! Jef Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Sweepy Posted June 23, 2008 Report Share Posted June 23, 2008 Ooooooooo that looks nasty how is she today. I have a bitch and the dog (not done ) Now that's fun when the bitch comes into season(NOT) My poor dog was beside himself .When my bitch was on.He just didnt know what to do with himself . It did remind me of the first few months (or weeks ok may be days )when i first started dating sweepy. Anyway dont worry to much about her season . As long as she kept away from male dogs your be ok . All females are funny old things when on. Even the human ones (I can get away with saying that us i am female) Why in my house they run and take cover . or give each other that knowing look . one thing to look out for though is if she phantom at the end of it.Some of the signs are She will start building a nest become protective towards her belongings. she start making milk.And she will become anti social. Not all dogs go though it .Unfortunately my springer is one that do. xxxxsuzy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdunc Posted June 24, 2008 Report Share Posted June 24, 2008 Cheers chaps. She lives "in house" so they'll have a job And I'm keeping her on the lead at the minute anyway. She had a fight with her girlfriend next door last night which resulted in sedation and six staples in her leg!!! Jef Poor wee thing! She looks a cracker as well. You should prob. try and keep her away from that other bitch as fights and attacks can be bad for a dog's personality. Mrs Sweepy's right about the phantom pregnancy too - it is not a good laugh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pantheman Posted June 24, 2008 Report Share Posted June 24, 2008 OK, now you got me all worried I need some advice too! I keep my dog and bitch in the same run. Brother and sister, both about 5 1/2 months. I am aware that she may come into season anytime soon or even after some more months (i guess all bitches differ) but at what age can my dog pup actually do the business? Is he old enough? You know what I mean. I do check her daily for any signs of swelling or blood, but she seems so young yet. All input welcome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdunc Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 OK, now you got me all worried I need some advice too! I keep my dog and bitch in the same run. Brother and sister, both about 5 1/2 months. I am aware that she may come into season anytime soon or even after some more months (i guess all bitches differ) but at what age can my dog pup actually do the business? Is he old enough? You know what I mean. I do check her daily for any signs of swelling or blood, but she seems so young yet. All input welcome I'm afraid that the wee fella could well sire a litter at the age he is already and you should start making plans for seperating them when she breaks now. My cocker bitch went at 8 months, which is fairly early, but it can happen younger than that. She wont be ready to stand until the end of her season but you really want them apart long before then - basically as soon as she starts to swell. Hope you've built a double kennel / run already otherwise you better get cracking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
new to the flock Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 A Bitch usually has her first season or heat between 6 and 12 months of age. There are 4 phases in the cycle, which usually lasts 6 to 7 months, although the anestrus stage is very varied from dog to dog. 1 Pro -Estrus This is the first noticeable stage. There is usually some swelling of the vulva plus a clear discharge, which then becomes bloody. You may miss the discharge, but you will normally see the blood. It may simply be "spotting". Most bitches are fastidiously clean and lick the discharge from the vulva very quickly, so you may notice the licking first. Some bitches have a heavy discharge and no swelling; others may have no discharge but heavy swelling. Bitches of the large breeds often show almost no external signs. During this time a bitch is attractive to dogs. Most bitches are flirtatious, although usually all but the most experianced will refuse mating. Pro-estrus lasts between 8 and 13 days 2 Estrus Normally the bleeding has stopped. The vulva is less swollen and distended. There may be a clear or straw colored discharge. Now the bitch may seek out dogs willingly accepting them. Ovulation is said to occur on the second day of estrus making it the best day to breed......Personally our bitches are bred on days 13 and 14 or days 14 and 15, depending on the bitch.......Two matings around this time increase the chances of a fertile conception. Estrus lasts between 4 and 7 days Side Note It is possible to breed to more than one male during this time and then DNA test the puppies when born to register to the correct father, essentially having a multiple litter on one breeding. 3 Metestrus Altough there are often no external signs, this stage still represents an active time in the bitches uterus as it prepares for a period of quiescence (anestrus) False pregnancy.... the hormones in the body at this time can cause the distressing problem of false pregnacy. A non pregnant bitch may think that she is pregnant, make a nest and produce milk. If this occures consult your vet. Mestrus lasts 6 to 10 weeks Anestrus This is the quiet period and last different length of times in different bitches. There is no activity in the bitches reproductive tract at this time. Anestrus usually lasts around 15 weeks NTTF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pantheman Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Flippin Heck, and thanks for that guys. I do have another run, but that means i will have to get Jack and Bruno (my daughters 4month rottweiler) in one and Lena in the other. Next you'll be tell me they will be doing it through the mesh Thanks I will keep an eye out for her. I have to say just as an aside, she is a real cracker, she will go into water with ease, down (virtually vertical) slopes into thick cover and she is super fast and direct. I just love her. jack, well he has a lot of catching up to do, he is just a bloke. Very affectionate fella, you can't help loving him. I can see how people get attached to their dogs, they just become another family member. Is there a time when cockers settle down a touch?? Mine are just super hyper, if the see another person, dog, cat they just go nuts and want to clammer all over them. My biceps have now turn mr universe style with all the exercise they are getting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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