My dog is in heat

Question
I have a Min Pin, she is 3 years old, 7 pounds.  We never had her fixed and she has never had pups. When she goes into heat, she collects items (stuffed animals, balls, etc.) and puts them in her bed and acts as if those items are her pups.  She wines and cries all night, has to be forced to go outside and doesn't eat.  She even growls when you get too close.  Is this normal behavior?  Is there medication or something I should do to prevent this?

Answer
This is called a false pregnancy

If you want it to end,the only thing you can do is to get her spayed-which is a good idea if you don't plane on breeding her,as it not only prevents this annoying behavior it also prevents unwanted puppies being born as well as certain types of cancer