I know that this sounds stupid but I'm not sure whether my pup is in season or not. She is a little Westie of 5 months and she has like a ring of blood around her vulva but she doesn't seem to be losing any blood on the carpet, her bedding or on our clothes when she sits on us. Her temprement doesn't seem to have changed and although she was sick once last weekend she hasn't any problems since and I am confused as to whether she is or she isn't in season and what exactly should I be doing. I first noticed this blood last weekend and I have checked that she hasn't cut herself at all and we have stopped walking her for the time being. Are the first seasons sometimes light? Please help to put my mind at ease.

It's possible - are her 'bits' swollen too? My kids always refer to a dogs 'strawberry' cos that's what it looks like when they are in season....... Many bitches don't leave trails of blood everywhere and are meticulous about cleaning themselves - bless 'em! IF you don't have one like that - you soon know it! I'm not a breeder, and both my girls are speyed, so I'm not 'up' on the timing of a dogs cycle, but I'm sure others will be along who know more than I do soon - but in the mean time don't let her in the garden on her own (some dogs can be very determined :-( ) and she's way too young to have a litter...