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mood changes in female

19 9:40:54

Question

Abigale
My 2 1/2 year old Rat Terrier female is due to come into season within the next couple of weeks and she is tending to "withdraw" just a little bit. She seems to prefer to lay in her bed or on her blankets instead of her usual place in my lap. There are no other changes with diet, potty habits or anything else (maybe a little more cleaning of herself...). Could the withdrawing be an EARLY indication that she indeed is about ready to come into season? I can not remember if she displayed this behavior with her last estrus. Thak you in advance for your reply.

Answer
Dear Chelane,

Thank you for writingt to me about the adorable Abigale!!!  She is absolutely precious.

I think that whenever a dog displays any significant changes, including mood, it is very important to have her examined by your vet.  Dogs hide that they are sick.  It is a natural instinct of survival in the wild, because sick dogs (wolves) are either shunned by the pack or killed as easy prey.  They therefore hide in order to survive.  By the time you know your dog isn't feeling well, it is often advanced.

Additionally, for every heat that a dog goes through the chances for cancer increase dramatically.  Taking that into consideration, as well as that for every puppy born there is one less home for a dog on death row, it is best to spay your dog.

Keep a close eye on her behavior and don't hesitate to speak with your vet about these changes.

Best Regards,
Shelley Davis