Hi all,
My sisters Labrador is having her first heat,she has been bleeding for a couple of days.Can someone tell me how long it goes on for and when she will be safe to mix with other dogs?She intends on having her spade after this season but in the meantime we just need to know how long to keep her away from amourous males(my dog included).Never having owned a bitch this is all new to me so any advice gratefully received,many thanks,
Hazel

Your bitch will be in season for 3 weeks and must be kept away from all dogs during this period! 

Hi Hazel,
The bitch will be in season for an average of 21 days, so to be on the safe side she will need to be kept away from other dogs for 4 weeks (and never left unattended, not even in her own garden).
Hope this helps.
:)

Hi Jeangenie,
Is the beggining of the heat when she starts bleeding?Is it 4 weeks from the blood she can get pregnant?I didn't know exactly what stage the blood meant.She is due to go in to kennels for a few days at easter so she's(sister) very concerned that it won't be over by then.She asked me and I said I would consult the experts,many thanks,
Hazel

Hi Hazel, yes the first sign of blood is considered Day 1. Taking the bitch population as a whole, the most likely time for a bitch to be receptive and fertile to dogs is days 10 - 15 BUT there are exceptions to every rule (they don't read the books, you see!). Bitches have been successfully mated as early as day 4 and as late as day 20, so it's better to assume that she could become pregnant at any time during these weeks. She should be safe after 21 days, so make sure she has a good bath then, and wash all her bedding to remove any residual smells, and all should be well.
:)

Thank you so much,she's only had dogs before too so I think Ill tell her to buy the book of the bitch.I must admit although he's all hormones at the moment I am glad mine's a dog as there's only room for one moody bitch in my house!
Hazel

JG
are bitches "safe" until the first sign of blood then . And if not what signs do you look for ?
Lel ( hoping to become a bitch owner SOME time this year)

Hi Lel, generally yes, the season hasn't started until the first pink staining. But they are all different - some keep themselves very clean and you don't notice the blood. The vulva starts swelling first, and the bitch will most likely wee more frequently on the run-up to the season. The bleeding generally eases off towards the middle of the season and becomes paler, and this is usually a sign that the bitch has ovulated and is fertile. But not all do this, so it's best not to take any chances!
:)