Female Dogs 1st Heat

Question
Hi there,

I recently adopted an 8 month old female German Shepherd - intact.

I have all intentions of having her spayed, her appointment isn't until next month.

However, today after we were playing I noticed two small spots on the floor. They were roughly the size of a nickel and initially I took them to be very runny diarrhea. I quickly put her outside and went back to clean it up.  It was very runny, with a just a hint of consistency to it, dark brown, odorless, very fast drying.

I was concerned and wiped her lady parts with a moist paper towel and there was a little more still on/around the exterior.  She showed no discomfort while I 'tidied' it up.

What I would like to know is, does this sound like normal "heat" occurrence? or should I be at the Vet's already?  The only reason I feel like I have some time to investigate is due to the fact the discharge was odorless, or it would definitely be an infection.  

Answer
Your bitch could very well be in season as her age is right. However, the color of the discharge is generally bright red, fading to pink, and then to straw or cream-colored as the season progresses.

If she is in season, the vulva should be enlarged, and early in the season quite firm, gradually softening as she approaches ovulation. Her nipples should be developing. Stand her up, and test her color with a tissue inserted a bit into her vulva. Also try gently running a finger around her vulva and see if she reacts by moving her tail off to the side (called "flagging"). All of these would indicate being in season. Most bitches will also work very hard to keep themselves clean by licking any discharge.

I would be tempted to give the vet a call and see if he thinks the bitch should be seen as intact bitches can be prone to uterine infections... often about six weeks after being in season. There doesn't have to be an odor, and at eight months, your bitch *could* have already come into season.

In the meantime, do NOT let the bitch outside by herself, but go with her, and keep her on leash if your yard is not fenced. If she is in season, males will try to get to her... and she will try to get to them once she begins to ovulate.