My 9-month Lab is in her first heat. What care and food does she need?

That is possible. If she has any vomiting, is unable to stand/walk, stops eating, develops a vaginal discharge or seems painful it could be something else going on and she should be examined by a veterinarian.

If she is a healthy dog, she should be fine. You can have her examined by your veterinarian. A vaginal swab can be examined in the clinic for the presence of sperm. There is a canine equivalent of the "morning after" pill for accidental matings. Your vet can dispense a 5 day course of a hormone pill to prevent pregnancy.

Yes that could be completely normal, especially during heat period. As differential can be many, the approach must be logic, starting from offering different kind of food. A check up is needed if inappetence is complete and last for more than 24hours. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

No a dog's growth does not stop after her first heat. Some dogs continue growing, although slowly, until about 18 months to two years of age depending on the breed. I'd have a diaper for her so she doesn't bleed all over the house. Exercise her at her pace. Keep her away from all intact males during her first heat. I hope this helps!

In regards to your question about Olie having her first heat cycle - on average a dog will have their first heat cycle between 6-12 months of age. It is hard to determine right now at her 2 month age exactly when her first heat cycle will be but it will be several months from now. If you want to take extra precaution during her heat cycle you can have her wear a cloth or disposable diaper to help with the "mess". She does not need to wear cloths and you do not have to change her normal healthy diet. You should take extra precaution when she goes into heat that there will be intact male dogs seeking her out to try and breed with her. If your intention is not for her to have puppies than it is very important to keep her away from intact male dogs during this time of her heat cycle or she will be bred. If you do not wish for her to have puppies it would be best to have her spayed prior to her first heat cycle by your veterinarian. Best of luck with your sweet puppy Olie.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Snow! Most dogs handle their heat cycles fine. Some dogs have a decreased appetite and are lethargic while others are hyperactive. There are no need for medications as they shouldn't be painful. Just always have her on a leash and do not let her outside a lone or around intact males dogs. I would have her spayed 2 months after the bleeding stops. I hope this helps and I wish you and Snow the best!

These behavioral changes in Brownie will be related to her being in heat. She doesn't want to come inside and keeps scratching the door because she wants to go outside to find males with which she can mate. She is likely whining as well because she wants to be outside to roam. Her appetite may be decreased due to her interest elsewhere. Pretty much she is focused on mating at this point. The only want to stop this behavior is to have her spayed once her heat is over. This will keep her from having these behavioral changes, and will also have many health benefits as well, including a significant reduction in the risk of developing mammary tumors and eliminating the chance she develops a pyometra (a life threatening infection of the uterus). Otherwise, you are just going to have to wait it out until her heat is done. You may have to carry her back inside, and I'd keep her in a room away from the front door to keep her from scratching at it. You can try tempting her to eat by mixing in some boiled white meat chicken (no bones) with her dog food, or you can soak her dry food in low sodium chicken broth. I hope this helps!