[maggiesmom]

My boxer is 10 months old but hasn't had her first heat yet. She's been licking a little more than usual and her nipples are getting more pronounced. Our male boxer isn't acting like she's in heat. Tonight I noticed a sticky yellowish discharge, and then she licked for a really long time. Could this mean she's about to go in heat?

 

[PhoenixsMom]

It's not uncommon for them to have their heats later than the 8th month mark. When Phoenix went into heat, her nipples got bigger, she had increased licking, and her private parts swelled up and she had a bloody discharge. She has also in the past when she was a puppy had a UTI which produced a yellowish discharge and make her lick more. Sharon might be able to better tell you but the yellowish discharge sounds like an infection to me.

 

[HannaBanana]

Signs of heat would include her bottom (Vulva) swelling, nibbles more pronounced, and some bloody discharge.  She may become moody too.   :twisted:

However if you think its a heat, and your male is intact I would do my best to keep them separate.   Males can smell a dog in seaon for miles away!!  If he is neutered, then no worries, just watch her and you may need to buy some doggie diapers!

 

[samsonsmom]

I believe Jessica(Burning River) mentioned that it can be up to 1 1/2 yrs before the first season, but it does sound like Maggie may be about ready....Typically it lasts about 3 weeks, so definitely if your male is intact, you will have to be extremely careful....Here's a few articles that may you out as well


http://petcaretips.net/dogs_in_heat.html

http://ezinearticles.com/?10-Questions- ... t&id=27237

 

[Barbs2Ks]

Since males can smell her miles off you may want to make sure that you keep her on a leash when she has to potty, even if your yard is fenced. A male will do anything to get to her and you don't want to leave her unattended.

 

[BurningRiver]

It can be up to two years before their first heat, but my girls have always come in for the first time between 8 mos to a year. I've heard of some coming in as early as 6 months, but with boxers, this is pretty rare.

I agree with the others - you'll need to be extra careful over the course of the next three weeks if she is coming in season. I've heard horror stories of accidental matings through chain link fences, crates, intact males breaking out of their crates (and some even through closed doors) to get to a bitch in season. She's obviously way too young to be bred, so you'll want to be very careful.

 

[maggiesmom]

She's definitely been really moody lately.  I haven't noticed any swelling though. We're just trying to watch her right now and make sure she's not having a bloody discharge.

 

[PhoenixsMom]

i'd ask the vet about the discharge you are seeing now where it's yellowish in color...might not be nothing but it might be an infection...common with females because they pee so close to the ground

 

[maggiesmom]

she started swelling tonight and now she's acting clingy (even more than usual).  I'm going to go buy her some diapers tomorrow.