Hi

my gsd girl is 8 months old and has just come into season today, Please could any one tell me how long approx. it may last? also, I am worried about taking her out for our run to the fields, I didn't take her today as I had this vision of heaps of male dogs chasing us home. I also wondered if anyone had any advice about speying, I've heard it's a big op, I did ask our vet but he was very matter of fact and didn't really advise one way or the other. I have heard about injections to stop them coming into season but I dont know anything about this. is it safe?
I am not concerned about macey bleeding, it's more about her getting the exercise she loves, it made me feel so guilty today when she was looking up at her lead on the hook and whining, I chased her round the garden and we had a few games but she loves to be out, and I love taking her out, how can we get round this, without going out in the middle of the night.
many thanks.
maggie

It will last for about 21 days, and it is better to keep her on your land. Take her in to the garden and play ball or do some training exercise with her, keep her mind occupied, build a little jump and teach her to jump it, or may be try and teach her to weave, something like that and she will not miss the walk so much and nor will you.

I've no advice with regards to taking your bitch out, but our bitch was spayed last month at 8 months old with no problems whatsoever.
She went in at 8.30am and came home at 6pm, she slept all night and was a bit subdued the next day but fine after that.
Some vets recommend waiting till their 1st season, some don't, it depends on your vet.

Good luck.
Sarah
p.s Weekends we hardly walk our girl, and spend hours in the garden/garage with her.(I've taught her how to sit/stay/paw in that garage lol cos it was raining)

Thanks very much for the advice. I will keep up the running about in the garden for the time being. It was quite reassuring to read about another 8 month old being spayed, I may give this some thought as I expected the recovery to be much longer, and I do worry about the risks.
I would still be interested to hear from anyone that may have the injections done.
thanks again.
maggie.

Hi I have heard about the hormone injections being given and some say the risks are too much, and would not use them and others have used them quite happily with no ill effects you really need to discuss with your vets, me personally if you do not wish to let the bitch have a litter then I would opt for the spaying but some vets do them at differing times again you need to talk to your vets on the best time to do this, there was a discussion on the board sometime ago regarding hormone injections and there was differing views hope this helps

Janines