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
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

As far as i know there is not much you can do to bring her in apart from walking her alot and feeding her alot so a vet told me but don't worry my bitch didn't come in until 8 months shes just a late starter thats all, i always thought a bitch comes in a 6 months but that is just a myth

staffys can come into season at 6 months my girl came into season when she was just over 6 mths old  and has had 2 more seasons at 6 mth intervals so just becareful and keep a special eye on her from 6monthsonwards intill she comes in

all bitches are different but when my staffy bitch came into season I got through loads of duvets as she had less bladder control and seemed to 'forget' her house training.  This was a bit of a nightmare and very expensive.  She also lost her 'spark' and would lie around the house all day and not want to play or even go outside.  She also had a phantom pregnancy which did not help matters.  Although loads of people I know have had bitches with no problems associated with being in season.

Hello

You cannot really say when a bitch will first come into season - a estimated guide can be when he Mom and grandmom came into season or sisters from same litter (but that won't give you much warning)  
My Stafford pup Tess is in season now she is 7 months old and came into season about a week ago.
My older bitch Sal came into season at 8 months yet her two litter sisters came into season at 6 months and 9 months.

My younger one went off her food about a week before she came into season and has been "picky" since being in season (not like her) But I have no problems with this as she is eating something and won't starve.
The older one eats more when in season. So as you can see there is no "right thing they do"

Luckily neither of mine get "grumpy" or miserable when in season - in fact life has carried on as normal but my previous bitch Gyp used to lie around as if to say "woe is me"
But the present two are fine no trouble.

Karen

My 13month old GSD is in season for the second time at the moment. Very much "woe is me". Especially when she has to walk past the park instead of going in. She does not go off her food but just lies around looking very sorry for herself. It does not help that she has developed cystitus again. The same as the last season. I can't help but think that the two are related. Seriously considering getting her spayed in the hopes that this might cure the problem.