Preparing for First Heat Cycle

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Hi everyone,

Marley my 8 month old goldendoodle is still intact and will be spayed after her first heat cycle, per the breeder's recommendation. I have diapers ready to go and am trying to stay conscious of changes so I can be ready for when it begins, but does anyone have other tips for handling it? She did throw up a dark green bile this morning and hasn't eaten or played all day (not normal) so I'm wondering if it's about to start?

I'm most worried about the mess it's going to be and how I can keep her comfortable. 

Thanks!

Madison and Marley

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's been many years since I had a female puppy in heat, but as I remember it, the only symptoms were excessive licking of the vulva, and swelling of that area. No vomiting of bile or anything else, no change in energy, behavior or appetite. 

I think you should call your vet and perhaps have her seen. It's entirely possible that she is ill and that it is completely unrelated to her heat cycle.

[Ginny Nightingale]

I agree with Karen--unless she is a very small dog, it could be 2-3 months before she starts her heat---I have dealt with this a great deal as a breeder (now retired) and usually the dog sits for a treat and leaves a drop of blood on the floor--they sometimes keep themselves so clean that it is a day or two before you are aware of it.

Biggest advice--keep her home during the cycle!!

[Lynda Kamrath]

In my experience it is not messy at all, maybe just a little discharge.  When I had my female airedale and we lived with other dogs, I gave her a pill that I got from my vet that took away the heat scent.  It was no problem with her being around other dogs.  It is not like a first period for a human.  Their vagina changes shape, but otherwise no changes.

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

wow this is news, I didn't know there was a pill.

[Lynda Kamrath]

That was forty years ago in Berkeley, but it worked just fine.  This dog would go into heat and have false pregnancies.  We wanted to breed  her and had registered male airedales to service her, but she was not interested (even without the pill), but then she would have this false pregnancy and had a little rubber dolly that she would carry around, lick, and later bury.  Next heat, she would dig up this dolly and carry it around.  When she was 11 years old, she was going through the regular routine, but was pregnant this time.  She had a litter of 8 airedale/rotweiller pups.  They were not very cute and it definitely took a lot out of her.

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

I had the same plan as you. My doodle didn't go into heat for the first time until about 18 months. I know. A late bloomer. I didn't see any really obvious signs prior. The area does get a little swollen. I got some boy's swim shorts and underwear and she was fine. Not a big issue. I had heard rumors about all the male dogs in the neighborhood breaking down fences to get to female dogs in heat. Not an issue where I live. I even took her to her usual dog park--a small fenced-in park with mostly regulars--and was careful to monitor the entrance. 

I did experience something I wasn't prepared for afterwards. She went into what they call a false pregnancy. Lots of bruising and swollen mammary glands that lasted for about 6 weeks. All new info to me. I had an appointment to have her spayed 4 weeks after her first cycle ended. I even took her in for a pre-consult. The vet changed his mind on the operating table for fear she would bleed out. We did the spay about a month later and everything was fine. No issues.