Hi

As per my last post - I was right it was her first day of her first season.

I now have an issue; yesterday my 6 month old dalmatian who I have no intention of breeding at the moment, dug her way out the garden which we thought to be very secure, and was out on the street for approx 5 mins before we caught up with her.

We have been very careful with her - but were getting work done in the house and she has managed to escape!!!

Anyway - there were a few dogs hanging around her and to be honest i'm not 100% sure if any of them got to her.

I just dont know what to do!  One was an alsatian and the other a mongrel.

This is day 10 of her season and she is still bleeding.

I was informed that nothing will happen with regards to mating until the bleeding stops - is this true?

Thanx

Well, if she has got out, she has advertised her presence in the neighbourhood to the local "hopeful" romeos!

If you are having work done around the house, and cannot guarantee that she will be contained in one room, I would suggest that, whilst you have workmen around, that you crate her!   Not the best idea, I admit, but all I can think of for the moment - it really is the next few days that you have to be aware that she would be receptive to the males.

Margot

<<I was informed that nothing will happen with regards to mating until the bleeding stops - is this true?>>

No sorry, thats not true. Many dogs, including every single one of my Labradors have discharged for all the 21 days of their season. The discharge does get a little paler during the second or third week but it is still there.

If you feel she has been got at then your only choice is to take her to the vets for an injection.

Regards, John

Yet another qeustion John !! my lab first bled on the 10 feb and is still bleeding, when is the danger time over or should we stay away from other dogs for another while yet, I'm not sure as I've either had males / my Xbreeds spayed or castrated, best wishes sonja

Keep her away from male dogs until the 10th of March, though she may actually be finished by aroudn the third.  She will now be at the most fertile time,a dn is as likely to want to get out to a makle as males will be anxious to get to her.

>I was informed that nothing will happen with regards to mating until the bleeding stops - is this true?

No, it isn't. My dalmatians have always bled all the way through, even after planned matings, and have had successful litters. I would suggest you take her to the vet for the 'morning after' injections just in case she was mated. Unfortunately this seems to bring them back into season, so you'll have another few weeks of upheaval, but that's infinitely better and easier than an unwanted litter from a puppy.

Make sure you never leave her unattended, even in your own garden - very many litters are sired by the dog who can jump the highest! (And at least two dogs know where she lives .... )

I would advise that you take her to the vets for an injection which prevents pregnancy to be on the safe side.