9month schnauzer

Question
puppy has very swollen vulva and slight bloody discharge concerned never had female unsure if dog is in heat what can i do until i get to a vet. dog given to me about 3weeks ago

Answer
It very much sounds like she is starting her heat cycle.  I think it is much more important to keep her away from males for now than see a vet.  You can buy ''Seasonals'', a doggy sanitary garment. For just this once you might make do with children's training pants.  Run the tail out the fly.  Most vets won't spay her now until after her heat is all over.  

The second and third weeks are when the most risk of accidental breeding is. Don't take this lightly. She will do anything to get loose and get to a male. Once loose, an accidental breeding and an unwanted litter is far from the worst that can happen. Such breedings can also result in fatal infections. She can get killed when she dashes heedlessly across the road in front of a car. Other dogs or coyotes may kill her.  You can expect the same thing about every 6 months for the rest of her life if you don't go ahead and get her spayed when the vet will do it.

There is more you need to know.  I would pick up a general book on dogs.  

Here is a list put together by the professionals at a dog guide school for those caring for their dogs.

The Cultural Clash by Jean Donaldson, 1996

Excel-crated Learning by Pamela Reid, 1996

Don't Shoot the Dog, by Karen Pryor, 1996

Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence, by Carol Lea Benjamin, 1993

Second Hand dog, by Carol Lea Benjamin, 1988

Dog Problems, by Carol Lea Benjamin, 1989

Super Puppy, by Peter J. Vollmer, 1988

HELP, Mt dog Has an Attitude, by Gwen Bohnenkamp, 1994

Owners' Guide Better Behavior in Dogs and Cats, by William Campbell, 1989

What All Good dogs Should Know, By Wendy Vollmer, 1991

How to Raise a Dog When Nobody is Home, Jerry Kilmer, 1991