I just picked up my cocker spaniel bitch (who is 9 months old) from the kennels. She has been in there for 2 nights with her half sister (who is 4). It is the first time they have been in kennels. The older one was spayed after her first season.

I was expecting her (the puppy) to come into season any time due to her age and the change in rountine, etc. She has come into season today. I have read that seasons normally last about 3 weeks but they only bleed for about 9 days. I am NOT going to breed from her so will not be going anywhere near any other dogs. How do you know when the season has stopped since the bleeding stops on about day 9?

Thank you for your help.

Cocker guest.

I have only ever used the bleeding to pinpoint the start of the season, which I have usually been checking for for a week or so, based on other signs. A bitch will usually urinate more often just before a season, often stopping and weeing tiny amounts, like a male scent marking, though usually done squattting.

The genitals will have swollen slightly, and by the end of the first week ofthe season may be very obviously bigger than normal. I usually judge the season over after all sign of vulval swelling has gone,as long as at least 3 weeks has elapsed since she started. with my girls this may be nearly 4 weeks! Err on the side of caution!