Chi/Dacshund mix in 1st heat

Question
Hi Amanda!
I have 2 Chihuahua/ dachshund sisters almost 10mths. old.  Cinnamon started bleeding 4-5 days ago and she is very swollen even her nipples look swollen.  I notice that she is even more loving than normal and doesn't like to jump up like usual.  Is she sore or maybe confused?  I'm trying to give her lots of love but is there anything else I can do to make her comfortable?  On another note her sister Daisy hasn't started showing any signs herself but they have both been "mounting" each other for the past couple of months now.  A little strange given they are both female, but I guess there hormones don't know the difference.  Anyway, possibly, how long will it be before Daisy goes into heat because when Cinny is done I want to get them both spayed without having to wait another month for Daisy to be finished.

Concerned mom,
Angela

Answer
If its possible to get the one who is not in heat spayed now, I would recommend doing it since studies have shown that spaying before their first heat cycle can drastically reduce the chance of mammary tumors later in life.  You can even get the other one spayed now if you like, although definitely speak with your vet about this since the blood vessels are more dilated since she is in heat.  There is no way of telling when exactly Daisy will go into heat because every dog is different.  If you want to get them spayed at the same time then I would do it as soon as Cinny is out of heat, hopefully that will be before Daisy starts her cycle.  The mounting behavior is pretty normal.  It's a behavior dogs use to establish dominance, it has nothing to do with sex.  On a side note I just have to say that a Chihuahua/Dachshund mix sounds absolutely adorable. :)

Amanda