9 yr old rottweiler

Question
my roommates female recently came out of heat. About a week ago we noticed she had an excessive amount of discharge. It almost looks like amniotic fluid but she hasn't been around any males. What could this be and what should I do?

Answer

Hi Traci,

A female dog's heat lasts for about three weeks. During the early part of the cycle she will have red spotting which as she heads into the fertile time will become lighter. In order to avoid unwanted pregnancies it's recommended to have the female dog stay inside your house or property and keep the dog on a leash when going out on walks etc. You should also avoid going to places that are frequented by other dogs.

The dog's flow will vary from cycle to cycle, just as a woman can have a light flow during her period, or have a heavy flow. If the discharge seems excessive your friend should talk to her veterinarian.

Your roommate's dog would have gotten the most health benefits if she was spayed before the onset of her first heat cycle. There are still health benefits to be gained by spaying now though, such as the elimination of the possibility of the dog developing uterine and mammary gland tumors. Not to mention that spaying will stop all future heat cycles.

Once the dog's heat cycle is over, this dog should be spayed. Female dogs don't go through a menopause as people do, and will continue to have heat cycles, and the possibility of unwanted pregnancies for their entire lives.

Best of luck,
Patti