Gracie's Having Her First Season?

[TillynPip]

About a week to ten days ago I noticed a few spots of blood in one of the rooms, I naturally accused my husband of having a nosebleed/cutting himself/generally messing up the carpet but then noticed some days later, another couple of spots on one of the throws on the sofa. I checked for cut paws etc but all dogs and cats intact and then the penny dropped. I Cranked up Gracie's tail for closer inspection (much to her disgust) but actually saw absolutely nothing. She is spending a bit more time around her rear end and she is weeing a lot more and having accidents around the house but I had put this down to the anti-biotics that she has had been on. I keep checking but her vulva hasn't swelled and I have not actually seen any blood on her so maybe I am barking up the wrong tree. She will be 9 months tomorrow so it is feasible but has anyone any thoughts? I wonder if any of her sisters have had their first season - Rowan, Holly, Emmy?

 

[rls22]

It certainly sounds as if she is coming in to season. The little wees in the house are a tell tale sign.

Her Mum had her first season at almost exactly 12 months. Neither Rowan nor Emmy are showing any signs of coming in just yet, but that does not mean that Gracie won't.

Holly (Our Holly) had her first season at exactly 9 months and her second 6 months to the day after.

Be super vigilant now and lead walks only til you are certain she is/isn't.

 

[TillynPip]

Thanks for that Rachel. I've just worked out that we noticed the first spotting two weeks last Monday (and some since but I have to assume it was from her as it was on a throw) so shouldn't she be showing some signs of swelling or does this come later into her season. The labs used to show very obvious swelling but perhaps whippets less so.

 

[rls22]

Some swell much more than others - Ruby for example is barely noticeable even at the height of her season, where as Holly on the other hand was always like a baboon (prior to being spayed).

It may be that she is very clean and is licking a lot, which is why you have not really noticed much bleeding. Her Mum is very good in this respect, but some can be very slovenly!!

To be on the safe side I would stick with lead walks only for at least the next fortnight and just keep an eye on what is going on.

 

[owengirl]

Oh my goodness! I was just wondering the other day which of the girls would be first to come in season. No signs from Emerald, but around now would actually be quite good timing since she isn't entered into any shows for a while. Have any male doigs been showing a particular interest in her recently?

Connie seemed to take after Holly on the season front. Bum like a beacon and blood everywhere - thank goodness for washable sofa covers.

Have you any thoughts of getting her spayed?

 

[TillynPip]

Oh my goodness! I was just wondering the other day which of the girls would be first to come in season. No signs from Emerald, but around now would actually be quite good timing since she isn't entered into any shows for a while. Have any male doigs been showing a particular interest in her recently?
Connie seemed to take after Holly on the season front. Bum like a beacon and blood everywhere - thank goodness for washable sofa covers.

Have you any thoughts of getting her spayed?

Poor old Holly and Connie described as 'Baboon' and 'Beacon' respectively!! Regarding the boys, I have been watching and we saw quite a few dogs on a walk on Wednesday but none of them looked particularly interested. I do have a friend with an intact male border collie and I was wondering whether to meet her and see if he shows any interest (from the safety of leads obviously). As beautiful as I think Gracie is, I will definitely not be breeding or showing her and, on balance, I think I would prefer to have her spayed after her first or second season. I really never want to risk an accidental pregnancy. Presumably if you continue to show Emerald you won't have her spayed but do you have any thoughts about breeding from her?

 

[owengirl]

As long as Emmy is being shown I will not have her spayed. As for breeding from her - I have enough stress in my life as it is! I think I will leave that side of things to Jo and Rachel.