Hi
just wondered if anyone could give me any infomation on my staffie's first season, shes nearly 8 months and just wondered if there was anything i need to do for her or give her, will her behavour change? and could this be why she hasnt been eating. I didnt get her from a breeder it was an accidentle litter so i was not given much infomation.
thanks
danielle

Hi Danielle.
8 months is fine for a first season, usually any time from 6mths onwards.  You don't need to do anything except keep her away from the boys! :D

Her behaviour could well change, snappiness with other dogs, moody, depressed and a whole host of other things too.

I have not heard of one go off her food, others may of though, but if she is normally a good eater and has for no apparent reason stopped eating, if she were mine I would ask the Vet to give her the "once over" just to make sure she is well in all departments.
Dawn.

Thanks for the advise,
she has become very fussy with food since around xmas time so will take your advise and get the vet to check her over.

thanks for your help

On of bitches used to go on hungers trike every run up and during her seasons, so it may be nothign to worry about.

Hi
yes her behaviour could change and it is quite possible she is going to come into season anytime.
She will be in season for about 3 weeks.For part of it she will bleed.When she STOPS bleeding she is receptive to males and so please don't think she is then safe.It is adviseable to keep her away from males for 4 weeks.If you walk her it is best to put her in the car and take her away from the house in the car otherwise you are leaving a scent trail to the door.Not only will males attempt to get in to your bitch but your bitch may attempt to get out to the dogs.She SHOULDNOT be left unattended in your garden and shouldn't be let off lead when out walking.
Archer

You may also find a lapse in the housetraining.  I don't think it is fair to chastise her as they do not seem to have the same bladder control at this time, maybe a disappointed look will suffice :)

i own a staffy bitch she goes of her food when she comes into season thats one of the first signs with her i also find she gets very thirsty so i make sure she has more water than normal and her toilet control lacks a bit but after acouple of days into her season she soon picks up and eats me out of house and home if i let her she also gets even more affectionate than normal but also beaware at about 10 days into her season she gets very frisky and tries her best to get out so i have to keep an extra special eye on her whoever made up the saying like abitch on heat wasnt wrong!!! hope thats helpfull to you