Hello
  I have a bitch in heat at the moment, and we can't have her speyed until later in the year (this is on our vet's advice). We also have a dog. We keep them separated and supervised, so there is no danger of him impregnating her. She is on her 8th day. The male usually eats just fine so what I would like to know is, is it normal for male dogs to go off their food like this when in the company of a bitch in heat?
Thank you
Carol Law

Hi, yes it is I'm afraid. Some males hardly eat a thing when they are in close proximity to a bitch in season for the entire three weeks. It is likely to get worse before it gets better I'm afraid, as she is just coming up to her fertile time, and will smell even more interesting to him. Be prepared for days and nights of continual howling (warn the neighbours) too!

Quite normal ;)