female heat

Question
My female boxer is one year old and has never come in heat. Is that normal or is there something I should be checking out?

Answer
Hi Terri

A heat cycle can come in anytime from 6 - 14 months.  There are a lot of factors that would cause a heat cycle to be delayed including:

If she's primarily an inside dog.  Dog's need a good portion of sunlight to help trigger their body.  Full spectrum light bulbs placed in her living area will help.

If she's over/under weight;

If she has a thyroid condition;

If she's on a less then optimal dog food;

The list can go on and on. I would start by including vitamins and oils to her diet, and if she didn't come in within the next few months, I would take her for blood work to check her T3 levels.

Good luck