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Archived Message

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
by Hannah

Hello folks,What a relief to find a great site with all this information on Maltese. Hopefully I can get some help on our sick baby. We got our maltese, Abby from our neighbors a few weeks back (when they had to move out of town). Abby wasn't spayed when we got her. She was about 9 months old. She was in good health and very frisky. We figured that since she was so close to her first heat cycle, we will wait till that passes and then spay her.
Now she has her first heat cycle and she is really sick. She has throwing up for the past couple of days. Plus I noticed she has the runs today. She hardly touces her food and sleeps all day (which is very unlike her). Are all these symptoms common with a female dog in heat ?? Or is this a matter of concern and I should take her to the vet immediately ? I looked through Jay's front page index and I really couldn't find any information on dogs in heat. I am looking for information on the complete heat cycle....how long it takes, the common symptoms, what kind of care needs to be given etc. I am not interested in mating Abby. So is spaying after the first heat cycle recommended ? or is it too late ??.....Any information is appreciated. Thanks a bunch

DISCUSSION:

Hi Hannah,If you haven't had your new little one checked by your vet yet I would highly recommend it. Season usually lasts about three weeks. Guard your female from other dogs to keep her from being breed by someone elses male. This is really important until she is completly out of season.
-Cherie Eno

I would just take her to the vet to be sure. I have only had one female dog and she did not act differently when she was in heat. She may be just being dramatic but I wouldn't take the chance, especially if it has been more than 24 hours since the symptoms started. I think the heat cycle lasts for 2-3 weeks, first the bleeding and then they are ready to breed. If she is not going to be used in a breeding program I would get her spayed as soon as she is done with her heat cycle and meanwhile, watch her every second that she is outide. I turned my back for just a moment, and my Daisy was off with the neighbors ugly mutt. He was known as a biter so I was kind of scared to just go and grab her and by the time his owner came out, it was too late. Thankfully she didn't become pregnant, but it sure was alot of worry and unnecessary headache for me for the next month until I was sure. As soon as I knew she was not pregnant, I had her spayed. I hope this helps.
-Ruth

When My Princess is in heat, I notice she lays around a little more, but eating, bowels etc. is still the same. I have an older scottie who I breed occasionally and have never had anything like that happen to her. Sometimes a dog will pine away for their previos owners. I had a dog once, who when I left her with my sister for a few days wouldn't eat and got very listless. As soon as I picked her up she was fine. You might try calling your vet and asking if this is a normal thing. I have never heard of that type problem with dogs in heat. I have raised dogs for years and have never come across anything like that. I would take her to the vet if I were you. It is better to be safe than sorry. They are worth it. Good luck.
-Pat