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dogs in heat. (hope i spelled this right)

19 17:04:35

Question
i rescued a cocker-spaniel MIX from the gas chamber and i have a couple questions.  how often will she go in heet.  i am getting her shots and flea dipped tomorrow and need to know when to start using flea control drops after she is dipped.  she is 1 year old and seems to be very responsive to commands any tips on how stern i should be with her will be greatly appreciated.  thank you very very much  

Answer
Hello Arrie,

Bitches come on heat on average every six months, some starting as early as six or seven months of age. The heat lasts for three weeks, the first signs being the swelling of the vulval area often with some dripping of blood from the vagina. Although the bitch will generally only allow a male to mate her during the middle week of her heat, the scent of both her urine and her vaginal discharge will usually be attractive to dogs for the whole three week period, and the males will go to extraordinary lengths to get at her.

You should give her flea drops as soon as she has been dipped then every month after that.

You need to be quite strict with cocker spaniels but not harsh or cruel to them.  Make sure she knows who's boss but that doesn't require any hitting or any other form of physical abuse.  Teach her what is allowed and whats not and you should be ok.

I hope this helps,
Lynne.