My puppy is in her first heat. Is shivering normal? How can I help?

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Dogs do not appear to develop pain like women do thankfully. She may though become less playful perhaps at the beginning though she should come around fairly quickly. If no improvement is observed, have her evaluated by your veterinarian. She is likely just fine for now though. Good luck and have a good night

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!

Hi there, and thank You for posting this question about Daisy. I am not as worried about the swollen mammary glands as this can be normal post heat, but I am very worried about th decreased appetite and shivering. Pyometra is a life threatening uterine infection that occurs several weeks after heat cycle. Dogs often have non-specific signs of illness such as lethargy, fever, decreased appetite, sometimes increased water consumption, and occasionally vaginal discharge. I would highly encourage you have her examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. I would not wait until Tuesday. X-rays and blood work are usually needed to make a diagnosis. Sometimes early pyometra will need an ultrasound to find it. If she does happen to have a pyometra she will need an emergency spay. Best of luck and I hope she does well. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

While shivering can be normal occasionally it can also be a sign of pain or fever. It could also be seen with a low calcium level. I’d recommend having your vet take a look at Cocoa - they can take her temperature and determine if she seems painful. Some blood can be normal for awhile but they can also look at the discharge from her vulva and make sure there are no signs of infection. They might recommend some blood work.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Since you are seeing a vet tomorrow and Izze is eating and everything else is normal I wouldn't panic. There are many reasons for a dog to shiver: fear, maybe the babies are starting to move causing discomfort, a fever (though her temperature is normal), and pain (she wouldn't be acting normal). I wish you luck for her ultrasound! Have a great day!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Lilly! I have seen dogs act this way when in heat. If the discharge is normal, she is eating and not vomiting I think you can watch her. I always tell me, you know your dog best. So if she is worrying you it won't hurt to have your Vet do an exam. Even if it is just for peace of mind. I wish you and Lilly the best!

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.