Menstraul Cycle?

Question
I have a 8 month red nose pit bull, and she just started her period. now my question is how long will she be bleeding for? Also, she is white and black, and the white around her neck looks oily since she started her menstrual cycle. I gave her a bath, but I wanted to know if that was normal or not.

                Thanks a million

Answer
Ok it's not a period. A lot of people have that misconception. A period is when a human sloughs tissue that has been stored in her body to prepare for a pregnancy. Dogs have heat cycles every so many months during which time their hormone levels rise to allow pregnancy. The hormone levels begin to rise and change and continue to do so until the dog ovulates. At that point they go back to their pre heat cycle range. This usually takes around three weeks. I don't see that the oiliness of her skin likely has anything to do with her heat cycle, but could be due to the changes in hormone levels. Try using tea trea oil or witchhazel. Once her hormone levels peak the discharge will begin to lessen and go away.
Good luck with your girl and be sure to protect her from unwanted breedings,
Cindi