first heat

[kybeagleboy]

Is there something you can do to prevent a dog from going into heat? A guy at work said there was something (He thought it was a shot). I am not familiar with this.

My pup is six months old and I don't plan on breeding her for at least 2 years.

Thanks

[Bev]

There is a product called Ovaban available from your veterinarian, but it's generally limited to preventing a heat coming in during a planned competition event or something like that. It's a pretty strong drug (hormone) and many users complain of undesirable side-effects from even short-term use such as fatigue, loss of appetite, etc. I wouldn't use it as general birth control. It will hold off a heat, but when it is discontinued, they can come right in, or two months later or much, much later. It throws them off schedule, depending on the bitch.

I'd let her come into her heat naturally and just put her above-ground or somewhere secure from males. You will want to know when her heat cycles start anyway and are expected again so you won't get caught off guard 6 months later. Most females I've had come into their first heat at around 8-11 months, but this can vary a bit either way. Hope this helps.

[Doc S]

Can also do monthly injections of depo-testosterone to keep them out of heat. Many greyhound racers do this commonly.