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8 month old Doxie in heat or pregnant

19 17:08:23

Question
My husband and I adopted an 8 month old piebald dachshund. She is adorable! My question is when we got her her vulva was swollen and I'm not quite sure how long she may have been in heat for. My next door neighbor has been letting her out to go to the bathroom while I'm at work. I told him that I have an appointment to get her spayed in three weeks. Her nipples seem to be swollen more now than when we first got her, is that one of the symptoms that she is still in heat? The swelling of her vulva has gone down some. This is my first time having a puppy that has not already been spayed. Any information to educate me about this before her spaying appointment would be great so I can avoid my new addition getting pregnant at such a young age. Thank you for your time.

Answer
You are right - 8 months is way too young to get pregnant.  They are typically in heat from 2 - 3 weeks.  She should be kept away from males.  She can also have a false pregnancy.  Is she spotting?  Does she hold her tail to the side when you pet her near the back end.  Nipples is not a sign of heat but can be a sign of false pregnancy.  Good luck and thanks for spaying!  I have a 1 year old pie and he is the cutest ever.