My Westie bitch has just started her first season at the age of 7.5 months. How many days can I expect her to continue spotting blood?

The bleeding usually stops after about 2 weeks, but that is when she will be most at risk of becoming pregnant (as that is usually when they are fertile). Seasons on average last 3 weeks, but for safety she should be kept on the lead and not left alone with a male dog for 4 weeks from when she fiorst started.

I know some people think the serason is over when the bleeding stops, and then their bitches are allowed to run free and get mated!

Dont leave her on her own in the garden either, always go out with her. I never take out mine for walks til their season is over as any males in the area will follow her scent home and often wait for her. We used to have a local lurcher who laid on our doorstep for 4 or 5 days and nights when she was "right". He was very handy actually, as I knew when he turned up, that the bitch was ready for mating!! He was a sweetie, but one day brought a blooming still born lamb - presumably as an enticing present for her, and left it on our doorstep!! Ugh, had to bury the poor thing quick before the next door farmer saw it and blamed my dogs!! We had 5 foot fences and he just sailed over like a steeplechaser, I used to keep the windows shut too.Bitches can also be capable of accepting a dog while still bleeding, or could also accept a dog at any time during the season, some bitches will accept a dog as early as 5 days after the season starts, or as late as 22 days. Be vigilant!

Hi, just realised that I didn't actually answer your question! My bitches seldom bleed for the full 14 days. they bleed heaviest for 6-8 days and then it lessens, turning paler to straw coloured by around 10-12 days. In a "normal" season the loss is almost always clear by 14 days.