Wasn't quite sure where to post this thread !

My Cavalier bitch, Tilly is nearly 5mths old (5 mths on Oct 12th). She has been behaving alittle strangly for afew days, growling when my 6mth old dog Ozzy goes near her "back end" and even growling at me on occasion. I have noticed spots of blood on my kitchen floor today but unsure if it has come from Tilly. I examined her and found nothing aswell as examining Ozzy to see if he had hurt himself and yet again, nothing. I know the spots of blood have come for either dog as I noticed them after I cleaned the floor and nobody else had been in the kitchen.

Is it too soon for her first season ???

Hi,
Just as there's no 'set' age for girls to reach puberty, there's no hard-and-fast rule for bitches. The average age for the first season is 6-7 months, but just as some will be over a year before their first season, others will be younger. Have you tried the 'tissue test' with her? When she gets up after resting, press a clean white tissue against her vulva. If there is any pink staining or spotting, then she is in season. And if she is, keep her separated from your boy for at least 3 weeks!
Hope this helps.
:)

I have known puppies have a season as young as 4 months have a season. It seems so sad! Catch her with a tissue after she has had a wee.

I have tried the tissue test and all seems normal. Will keep an eye on her and see how she goes. I am hoping she isn't in season just yet.

My dog is 11 months and is 2 weeks into her first season. she is entered into a number of shows over the next two/three weeks, how will i know when she is safe to mix with others? is it when the bleeding stops/swelling goes or does this happen at the same time? she is my first bitch so i'm not really sure what to expect.

Hi Rose,
I found with my bitches that if I gave them a really good bath after 3 weeks of season they were alright at shows and dogs weren't bothered about them. If she's still showing any discharge don't go. You'll only get a bad reputation - it's not worth it.
:)