hi i have a 4yr old dobermann bitch who i have had for a few months now. she is in season and has been bleeding for 3 days now, how long does the bleeding usually last? It's getting all over the carpets and furniture and we're already tired of cleaning up after her.
we are thinking of getting her spayed as we don't want to breed from her, we believe her last owners bred from her too much.
She isn't allowed off lead until it has finished as there are a few entire males round here and we do not want puppies!

Any advice appreciated!

Emma x

Bitches do vary but normally will bleed for about 3 weeks. It is hard but probably easier to keep her away from carpets and keep her in an area where you can easily clean up any mess, it is a good idea to have her spayed if you do not wish to breed from her.

Good Luck,   Clair

Hi Emma,

All bitches are different - just like their human counterparts ;)  She may or may not bleed through the entire duration of her season and she may be in season for up to as much as 28 days - so vigilance is paramount for almost an entire month from a possibe accidental mating perspective as well as a cleaning one.

I've found my girls to be exceptionally good at keeping themselves fresh but your girl may not be quite as on top of things.  If you have a large mat / rug which is easily cleaned or alternatively buy a cheap off-cut of carpet to put down in her favourite place(s) where she lies this will greatly reduce your cleaning up time and prevent staining to permanent flooring.  For furniture just some old bath towels or a cheap throw over blanket are useful and of course easily washed.

As you don't want to breed from her it is a wise precaution to have her neutered 6-12 weeks after her season is completely finished and then you won't find yourself in this position again.

HTH, regards, Teri :)

  

Something to do on your carpet when the blood is fresh is to put some table/cooking salt on it. The salt crystals soak up the blood, making it easier to clean up :) Though try to make sure that she doesn't eat the salt ;)