My dog is in heat for the first time. What should I do about it?

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Congratulations on your new little girl! Any pet-store will have diaper products for female dogs in heat, so you can go by and get some. Usually small breed dogs, especially on their first heat don't need any diapers and won't spot too much, and usually will clean themselves up. I recommend that you wait about 1-2 months and then have Lulu spayed before her next heat cycle. Spaying prevents the common and severe condition of pyometra, and also prevents unwanted pregnancies (shih-tzus often have trouble with birth and often require a c-section and get eclampsia, so you should not breed her especially if she is your first dog), and decreases her risks of being hit by a car (less roaming) and also decreases the risks of many cancers. You can chat with your vet about the best timing for this. Best of luck with Lulu! I hope you have fun with her!

Doggy diapers are definitely a good way to keep from having to clean-up blood all day. The cone may be necessary if she tries to take off the diaper, but some dogs tolerate the diaper well. Keeping her outside is another option if the weather is OK, but make sure you have a good fence to keep out any possible intact males in the neighborhood...they will smell her from a mile away. Getting her spayed will prevent future cycles. You can have this done about a month after she's out of heat. For more information about the heat cycle and what to expect, I recommend you read the article at the link below. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/estrus-cycles-in-dogs I hope that helps and all is well with Maya.

You are correct that Panda could start going into heat suddenly, as female dogs can start their first heat any time after six months. If you don't bland on mating Panda, I would get her spayed as soon as possible.

Hi! I hope you are well too :-) Do not let Jaya outside unsupervised. I would not take her for walks or in public. Take her outside quickly to potty, then bring her right back in. You want to keep her away from all intact males so she doesn't get pregnant. It is safe to spay her after her first heat! I hope this helps, and you stay safe too.

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!

Thank you for submitting your question! Most puppies will start their first heat cycle anywhere from about 6-10 months of age. It can last upwards of 18-21 days. You will notice swelling of her vulva and mammary chain. She will spot and bleed as well. Some dogs keep themselves very clean and you only see small amounts of discharge, others will require diapers. You may observe some behavioral changes as well. These can include a decreased appetite, attraction to male dogs or being more clingy to you. Most dogs will cycle every 6-9 months with small dogs cycling more frequently and giant breeds less. I hope this information 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.