Hi All,

We're expecting Kiera to have her first season sometime between now and End Feb - she's our first dog and I'm not sure what signs I should look out for apart from swollen 'bits' - I know I'll need to check for any sign of blood - but are there any early warning signs and how fast can it come on?

(She's a 7 month old Lab)

Cheers
Nx

I would'nt be so anxious about it one of my girls first season didnt come until she was 13m
you usually see a slight change in mood (not always) some become grumpy others very affectionate just think us girls and mood swings!

sometimes males in the park etc: will let you know as they tend to want to sniff thier rear end enthusiastically!

if you suspect then just pat with a tissue occasionally and you will soon know.
then keep her away from males I dont bother taking my bitches out a good run in our garden is good enough for them .
A season lasts for 21 days but be careful for another week to be safe

A good book "the book of the bitch" available at amazon is full of information  and well worth having.

HTH
Roni

my 8 month Rottweiler has just started her first season, bloody hell i thought i had another dog talk about lethargic and affectionate lol (just kidding!) apart from the swollen "bits" and constant licking she is much more "laid back" than normal.  She first had a "show" for just a couple of days last month but now she is in full flow (so to speak).  In saying that some bitches don't have their first season that early, i've heard some people say their bitches have been 18months plus before their first one.
big hugs to your lil one
stay safe xx

My bitch had her first season at 1 week short of 12 months old, so it could be a while yet. Worth asking the breeder when the mum and any litter sisters' seasons were, though it doesn't always relate. My bitch's mum's first season was at 14 months old, and her sister hadn't come in last I heard, so it can run in families. Didn't notice any behavioural changes at all with her, just as bouncy as ever! :-)

my girl is 6months- and coming into season now, she's been off her food, bit grumpy, showing more interest in her boyfriends and swollen slightly, peeing more too- she isnt in season properly yet as she's only 'spotting' slightly at the mo'

If you have any male dogs in the house hold you may find they sniff her and any urine she leaves quite a lot
She may also clean/lick herself quite a bit too when in season (or coming in)

I have been having the same questions too regaridng my 7 month old GSD. She has no interest in males, but they seem to be more interested in her (one was VERY interested at the beach and was flashing his bits off to no end and trying to get to her (thank goodness he was on a lead), but she is oblivious and still more interested in playing. She is cleaning herself more though and it might just be me imagining it, but she seems a bit 'heavier' looking around her tum, so that maybe bloating, but god knows as she is my first dog. Her privates are also darker in colour but not swollen at all, so I am wondering whether she is due to come into season soon. I am now doing the white tissue test every other day and keeping a very watchful eye on her but so far there is nothing and she looks at me with this tissue as if to say 'what the HELL are you doing??!'