The American Beagler Forum

This is my first Female to go in to heat now what should I expect ? I under stand one week going in and (one week in)and one week out. I am not plaining on breeding her this time. and I don't have any male dogs.

i would keep her layed up. its good that you dont have males in that you wont have to worry about an accidental breeding with your dogs but i would keep her layed up anyway because its hard telling what kind of strays she will bring in...good luck....keith

Her moods may change. Hormones can cause these changes and can include:
strange behaviors - things they would not normally do such as digging, aggressivenes, etc.
increase/decrease in appetite
"moodiness"
lethargy (tiredness)
more vocal - barking/whinning
obsessive cleaning
diarrhea/constipation

These are just a few things to watch for and understand each bitch is different and will exhibit different signs. Some don't seem to be affected by their heat cycles at all, while others are totally a different dog during theirs (kinda like us women, lol). Usually the bleeding will only last 6 - 9 days and she will begin to become herself again.

The first 2 weeks is the most critical time to make sure she does not get out of her kennel or another dog does not get in as this is the time when she will be the most receptive (horney, yes, I said it, lol).

Good luck!

Renee'

Make sure she is in something she cant dig chew or climb out of. The same goes for a male getting in.No matter whether you have a male or not, a male will travel a mile or more.

Yelp, put her in a secure location. So that no male dog can get to her.