My 7 mth old ESS bitch would appear to have started to come into seaon on the 25th ( small spots of liquid/blood mix ) on setee throws. Is there any other way to confirm that she is in season physically or by behaviour...many thanks in advance.

PS: we have no intention to mate her until about 30 months old.

Scotty

No, that's the only way I know of telling she's in season! Keep a close eye on her, and never leave her unattended outside (even in your own garden) for at least 3 weeks.
:)

Her vulva will be quite swollen and gets bigger as time goes on.

you can test her discharge by blotting her vulva with a bit of tissue...that will confirm exactly where the blood is coming from. She will likely be cleaning herself a lot. there will be blood staining for the first week, then it will go clear. danger time for mating is about mid season, but keep her under lock and key for the whole season to be safe.

Just to cheer you up, bitches are often messier on their first season, seems to take them by surprise, afterwards they are often cleaner and it is more difficult to know they are. I always check when I am grooming, at least once a week, and whilst you are doing that do not forget the mammary strip just check and if in later life a tiny lump appears you will know straight away and it can be dealt with before it causes trouble. If you have dogs check them too along with their testes.