In Heat

Question
I have a female American pitt bull.  She is a beautiful chocolate color and only 2 little white spots.  She is approaching 8 months and is in heat.  That seems so uncomfortable.  We don't want to breed her now, she's too young and she's my baby.  How long will she be in heat?  It has been almost 2 weeks, how long is this supposed to last?  I know she is in heat b/c she has been bleeding and there is a bulge under her tail.  What can you tell me?

Thank you for your time

Answer
Often you will see swelling before a female actually comes in heat which is indicated by drops of bloody discharge. You start counting the first day you see blood as the first day of the heat cycle which lasts 21 days. As the heat progresses the blood will change from bright red to pinkish and then nothing much toward the end. First heats can be especially intense on some females. It's nothing to worry about.