My dog is acting strange with new AC. Is it medical or first heat?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If she has not had her first heat cycle then this could certainly be the cause of what you are seeing. If these signs do not resolve after 2-3 weeks, then I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at Belle so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hello, sorry to hear about Snowy. Yes occasionally female dogs may have increased attention demands after their heat cycle. However, some of these similar signs may be seen with a false pregnency. If the signs do not resolve in 3-5 days then she should be seen by her veterinarian so that they may rule out a flase pregnency. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Callie. If she is starting her next heat cycle, this can result in behavior changes. Otherwise I have had patients display odd behaviors when they are experiencing a respiratory tract infection. Monitor for any coughing or sneezing as this would be another sign of an infection. Finally, she could be painful somewhere. She will likely need to see her veterinarian for a diagnosis and if any treatment is required. I hope this information helps!

Normally, bitches in season do not behave very differently from their usual selves. Since it is her first heat, there may be a problem showing up that was not evident before her reproductive organs became active. Or, it could be something else altogether. Your best bet is to take her to the vet for a thorough exam to determine an accurate diagnosis and, if necessary, appropriate treatment plan.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If she is dripping urine or straining to urinate then I would worry about a urinary tract infection or crystals in the urine. I would try to collect a urine sample and bring it with you for an appointment with your Vet. If she has an infection they can provide her with antibiotics. When dogs are in heat they sometimes act lethargic. She is a bit young to have an infected uterus as they do drink and urinate more. It is best to have her examined. I wish you the best!

Poor Roxy! It doesn't sound silly at all! You know her better than anyone and it definitely sounds like a change. This is likely just her hormones being a little out of whack. As long as she is eating and drinking normally, I wouldn't be too concerned. If she gets to the point where she is always whining or lethargic or a change in appetite, I would have your vet take a look at her. Your vet will be able to do an exam to ensure nothing else is going on. I hope this helps!

That is unusual behavior for a dog but I do not suspect it is related to her mentally thinking she is in heat. That being said, dogs can have a heat cycle if they were not spayed properly or if they have too many ovaries. Your veterinarian can preform a simple blood test to determine if ovarian tissue is present. Next time she exhibits these symptoms, have her seen while she is showing signs as a blood test is more likely to find evidence of ovaries if they are present. That will at least rule that out. Other potential causes could include Addison’s disease or anxiety. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.