My goldie is nearly 9 months old, and I suspect she is about to come into season because she is molting. Could someone give me some first hand hints and tips on what to expect both behaviour wise and healthwise please.

Thanks

Hi,

Just because your Goldie is moulting does not mean she will come into season:-)
My youngest bitch is 10 months and had her 1st season at 8months and has alovely full coat.Her personality did not change at all,we had no problems.
Just make sure no other dog can get at her for a good 4 weeks and supervise at all times even when shes in her own garden.
Usually there is no cause for concern its a natural event,and generally most bitches keep themselves clean.Some bitches produce more discharge than others.
Some of the first signs your bitch is comming in she may wee more and lick herself more and if you have a male he will showing more interest in her.
However some bitches can come into season without it being obvious to the owner.
You could try getting a clean white tissue and press it against her vulva if you get a colour stain she will be in,get use to checking her regularly.
If you notice a dicharge at any other time,get it check out in case she has picked up a low grade infection which would vet would be able to sort out.

My other bitch had no problems with her season she had her 1st one at 16 months and only comes into season once a year.It wasn't until her 5 th year following a season she slightly more lethargic but that soon passes.

My dogs produce a good coat just before they come into season and keep it for about 3 months afterward then they moult it big time and can take them a good 6 months to get it back again some take even longer than this.

I'm sure other will also be able to adise as I only had bitches  6 yrs.

Briony:-)

The moulting misnoma! Thanks for your advice, have taken it all on board
Kindest Regards

Hi,

Moulting does not mean an animal is coming into season! Males moult too! Bitches of coated breeds often lose their coat after a season, not before!

However she is of an age to expect her first season any time. Have you noticed her vulva area swelling at all (can be hard to tell with all the coat)? From now on, every morning press a clean white tissue against her vulva, before she goes out for her morning wee, and the first day you see a sign of pink is the first day of her season. From then on you don't leave her unattended out of doors - not even in your own garden - for at least 21 days. If you take her off your property it's best not to let her off the lead.

Healthwise you should notice no difference at all. Behaviour-wise, she might first become a bit moody and clingy, then halfway through, at her most fertile time (about 11 days into the season) she may become independent, bolshy and flirty.

Thank you for your excellent advice; have now spoken to the breeder as well so things are alot clearer.
Kindest Regards