Lhasa Apso / breeding

Question
QUESTION: I have an eighth month old female and male lhasa apso. She is just going through her first heat cycle and we didn't catch it @ the beginning. The male has mounted her and I am nervous she could be pregnant. How high of a possibility is it that she could be pregnant. She is still in her cycle and we have since put a diaper on her to help prevent anything else.

ANSWER: Hi Barbara.  If you caught her soon enough you might be in luck.

The normal heat cycle ,in dogs, lasts approximately 21 days as follows:

Days 1 - 7, the vaginal area swells and bleeding usually occurs.  During this phase, the female usually will not allow the male to complete the mating process, although he will try to mount her.

Days 7 - 14, is when the female is considered to be in Estrus.  Normally during this time the color of the blood will have changed from bright red to pink and then to an almost clear discharge. This is the phase where males will me more interested, and when the female will normally allow mating to occur.  

Days 14 - 21, there is normally no outward signs, but this is the time the embryos are forming, if successful mating occurred.

Good luck, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions.

Sincerely,
Penny DiLoreto
www.puppies-dot-com.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: If she did get pregnant @ 8 months, is that too young? Is there more risks, or something I can do about it? I don't want to be mistaken as irresponsible as an owner because I love my puppies dearly.

Answer
Some breeders breed their females on their first heat without any complications.

If you elect to breed you female several times over the next few years, then I suggest that it is best to skip the first heat.

However, if you only intend to breed her once (intentionally or by accident) then there is a good chance she will deliver without any complications.

If you have no intentions of breeding her again, then I strongly suggest that you get her spayed.  Many vets are spaying female dogs as early as 4 months (16 weeks) in order to help prevent accidental breeding.

Good luck, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions.

Sincerely,
Penny DiLoreto
www.puppies-dot-com.com