Hi.

My pup is seven months old now and since I've never had a bitch before I would like any information I can about what to expect when she comes into season, common problems I may encounter and any tips on lessening her scent (if this is possible) would be appreciated.

Thanks in anticipation.

Lessening scent: Bac to Nature do a spray which I am told is good. I have always used Sherleys deoderant Tablets (made of chlorophyl). I understand Johnsons also do these. I think they work, as when I have used them my bitches have attracted no notice of passing dogs, obviously I wouldn't stop and let them sniff :)

Some bitches can become a bit waspish before a first season especially. The first season is often not as long as normal, but don't count on this, always assume 3 weeks, and don't let her alone near a male dog for an extra week!

The amount of bleeding can be very variable, some staying scrupulously clean, with only a little found on bedding, some can be rather obvious, and not attend to cleaning very well.

You will normally find that a few weeks before the season your bitch is likely to squat a lot, doing a little here and a little there, in order to advertise her impending condition to potential suitors. When I want to be sure of knowing exactly when they come in, I will dab at the vulva every morning to detect the blood!

The TH was 15 months old when she first came into season. Because she's white the first thing we noticed was that the fur around the "offending area" was a bit pink and stained, then she gradually started leaving little spots of blood when she sat down or when she started running. It was nothing that washing her bedding and following her around with some dettox and kitchen roll didn't sort. (Thanks heavens for lino and wooden floors!)

The big thing was that she was just so miserable. On Leigh's advice, I started giving her half a soluble aspirin a day, mixed up in some warm sugary tea and it did cheer her up a bit. Don't know if it was the aspirin or the tea!

They can sometimes get a bit of wanderlust too, so make sure she's under supervision at all times. You don't want her getting out or another dog getting in. We had a collie in season once and had a yorkshire terrier camp at our back door for two whole weeks - he'd have needed a step ladder!!