Are there any regular symptoms of a bitch coming into season.

Usually the first sign is (apart from maybe a bit of moodiness) swelling of the vulva, and increased 'marking' urination.

My bitch has just come into season. We first noticed blood spotting on Saturday. However, last Tuesday she was not interested in her breakfast, and was of her food all week. By the way she is a labrador. Does breed make a difference, or is it the same as humans, we are all different?
Lorna

As you said, just like people!
Some bitches are 'bleeders', others keep themselves so clean you hardly notice a thing. Some get moody, other don't. And it can change from season to season. So no hard and fast rules, really.

Remember not to let her out of your sight (not even unaccompanied in your garden) for the next 3 weeks, keeping her on the lead if there's even the remotest possibility a dog might be around, then give her a good bath (and wash her bedding) to get rid of any lingering smell.
:)

My bitch is only five months, however she has gone completley off her food and is licking alot, also her nipples although very small are quite prominent compared to usual.I wondered if these were signs that she was due a season. I do have two castrated male dogs, do you think they would have showed signs that she mybe coming into season.

The licking is certainly an indication - is she starting to swell behind as well?

As for your males showing interest - how old are they, at what age were they castrated? Castrated males have been known to mate and tie with bitches, but at least you know there won't be any pups as a result!

Sorry to bring this thread back to the top again, I was hoping the answers to my questions might have come up. My 7 month old Lab, Abby, had a white discharge for about a week and a half (last month). Just when we were ready to call the vet and schedule an exam, it stopped. Her litter mate is in season now. Is it possible that discharge was her season or is it still to come or was it something else? She's quite good about staying clean and no dogs have bothered her more than usual. Her 'uncle' Simba lives next door and was nuetered as an adult. They play all the time and his behaviour towards her hasn't changed. The only change in her behaviour is that sometimes she just wants to be left alone and other times she's more clingy than usual. Any comments are appreciated.
Nancy

btw, I've been lurking here for a few months and enjoy reading all the caring helpful advise on here!

A white discharge is definitely not a season! I would hazard a guess she had picked up a little infection. The first you see of a season is a bloody discharge which lasts for around 2 weeks at which point the discharge becomes gradually clearer and more watery in appearance until the season finishes at around 3 weeks. The swelling of the vulva may or may not be apparent before the season starts but it does get noticeably swollen as the season progresses. Marking (Urinating) is often seen and if you work your Labrador they often loose enthusiasm for work. (Great when it coincides with the busy shooting or working test season!) I've had Labs start their first season at any point between 6 months old right through to 13 months.

Hope that helps, John