Signs that my female may be in heat?

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

I swear I did quite the online search but most are vague on the dirty details. I think it may be happening now but not sure. I have no experience with these things.

A disclaimer for those that don't know me and my dog: She has a vulva that is tucked up (an innie instead of an outie), and had puppy vaginitis quite a bit early on, and it was recommended by my vet to wait until after her first heat to spay her because going through her first heat will cause the vulva to swell and push it out permanently helping her overall health in that area. I do plan to spay her.

She is about 15.5 months. I saw some dried brown stuff in that area 4 days ago and again 2 days ago but no red or dripping. I'm assuming blood. The area around the vulva is very swollen almost tucking the vulva in more rather than having it swell up and out. Today there is a sticky clear discharge. She has been a bit sick, and today she threw up twice but that could be something else-not sure it's a sign of heat. Other than that her behavior is pretty normal but low key because she hasn't been eating as much. 

I just don't know what to look for other than blood, a swollen vulva, and male dogs howling at the front door.

[Wendy and Myla]

A very long time ago, (39 years ago) we bought a sheltie mother with four puppies - we sold the puppies and before we knew it, we had lots of dogs at our door!  We could not believe it and our "Lady" was just salivating at the door, trying to get out!  No blood, absolutely nothing!!!!  That's how we knew!  We had a really hard time keeping her inside our house and as soon as the dogs were gone, we brought her to the vet to be spayed!  I'm not kidding, we saw no  blood or discharge or anything except the males!!!!

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

I have not had any dogs at the door, and I don't have my dog salivating at the door, but it may be that I live in an area with fixed dogs and no dogs run loose.

Georgia also shows no behavioral signs that vary from normal other than vomiting this past week. 

The only thing is that I've been monitoring her private parts regularly just to get an idea of what could be a sign and I think things are changing….

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I had two females that each went through a first heat before being spayed, and I never saw blood. Just a very swollen vulva, and (this is gross) a LOT of licking...which is probably why I never saw blood. :)

[Wendy and Myla]

Actually, our Lady did a lot of licking also!

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

Thanks, this is good to know. I have yet to see Georgia licking that area and I'm with her 90% of the time. I have only seen dried blood in trace amounts in that area.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Tara went through one heat cycle too and like you I just saw swelling and tiny amounts of dried blood (of course she is a mini so that probably factors in)  We didn't have any dogs at the door. She did seem to be somewhat withdrawn and not her normal cheerful self. No vomiting that I can recall.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I really think I'd check with the Vet, especially since she's had problems.  Also I haven't heard of dogs vomiting when they're in heat.  Maybe one of the Breeders will have some input.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

A vet visit would be my thoughts. It may well be a Heat but there are known problems so there may be something else. Also if it is a heat cycle you can arrange the spaying.

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

sigh.

Yet another trip to the vet…. I have an appointment this afternoon.

FYI the receptionist said the doctor probably couldn't tell me for sure, but they would take a look at her and let me know what they think.

They either think I'm completely nuts or just watching the money roll in from a neurotic pet owner.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Dogs do not vomit when they are in heat. This is not a symptom.
Much like us women, their symptoms can vary. You may or may not see a show of blood. Depends on how " clean" they are. Most females get a tad restless and some of an increase in appetite.

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

Back from the vet. Georgia is not In heat. She has vaginitis.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Oh dear, that's not good. I'm glad you had her checked out though...see you're not a neurotic doodle mommy after all-you're a smart one!