cairns in heat

Question
this is my first cairn...and i love her..Punkin' is 6 months old. how can i tell when she is in heat? i know the regular bleeding signs but are there any symptoms before this to look for?
thanks for your time.

Answer
Kitty -

I am not that familiar with the signs of a dog going into heat since I do not breed and all the dogs in my home are rescues (hence spayed/neutered).

I do know that when dogs come into season, they take about 7 days on their way in, stay in full season for about 7 days and its another 7 days before everything is back to normal.

There are usually temperament changes (grouchier) and swelling of the vulva.

She may not have her first heat for another 4-6 months, but then they will occur regularly.  Under no circumstances allow her to become impregnated during her first heat. It can cause irreparable harm to her because her own body is not fully mature yet.

If you do plan to breed her, please go directly to a vet to learn all the things you need to know and to get his go ahead for when she is mature enough and you have enough knowledge to get a good result.

If you do not plan to breed her, you should consider having her spayed as soon as possible.

Enjoy little Miss Punkin'

-Beth