Could Roxy be in heat at 6 months?

[I luv Roxy]

My baby doesn't turn 6 months until Sunday but we noticed last night that she was panting, whining and just wanted us to rub and love on her more than usual. I noticed this morning that she was cleaning herself for the 2nd time in less than 20 min.. I checked her night blanket for any sign of red and found nothing. I read here that I would notice some swelling, will this swelling be very noticeable or do I have to really probe to see it? I hope it's a false alarm as we are waiting to see if she will lose a few more teeth before having her fixed. Someone please tell me exactly what I should notice and how I can make my little lady more comfortable.

[Maximo]

Sorry I don't have any experience with female dogs in heat, so I don't have any advice.

The LSU website indicates a heat is possible at 6 months:
The Normal Canine Estrous Cycle

[dawn27]

She will be swollen at first but not really noticeable until she is further along in her heat. You will notice her grooming/cleaning her bottom a lot. You can see a sure sign of blood that will turn to a clear liquid about ten days into her heat. Each female is different and some heats can last longer than others. Just because you see no blood later in her heat cycle doesn't mean she is done. Keep her away from any intact males !!

The 4 Stages of the Dog Heat Cycle (Signs Your Dog Is In Heat) | Ask a Dog Breeder: Dog Breeding Information, Storefront, Questions, Tips, Advice & Forums - Dog Mating

[I luv Roxy]

I checked Roxy last night and everything as far as I can tell looked normal and there was no blood although I have to admit that I haven't really just paid attention to the size to know if it's really swollen. I wil have to do better with that. I assume it will be very noticeable. She continued to pant last night but I am hoping it's because we have had 86 degree Texas Spring weather for the last few days. She loves to be in front of the fan.

[I luv Roxy]

Thanks for the help! I really hope she's not coming into heat since this is her first spring and she's just getting a chance to get out for long evening walks. A 3-4 week period keeping her inside will be miserable for all of us and she does love her weekly visits to Petsmart. We were delighted when we realized we could take her there with us! Yes, we are truely new to all of this and have a lot to learn. I will be making her an appointment in the next month when I can be off a couple of extra days with her. Thanks again for the websites. I just love my Roxy and YT!!

[dawn27]

Originally Posted by I luv Roxy

Thanks for the help! I really hope she's not coming into heat since this is her first spring and she's just getting a chance to get out for long evening walks. A 3-4 week period keeping her inside will be miserable for all of us and she does love her weekly visits to Petsmart. We were delighted when we realized we could take her there with us! Yes, we are truely new to all of this and have a lot to learn. I will be making her an appointment in the next month when I can be off a couple of extra days with her. Thanks again for the websites. I just love my Roxy and YT!!

You are welcome, but I dont see why you would have to keep her from evening walk or trips to the pet store.

When she is home you can let her be all natural and just leave her to clean herself. On those day you want to walk or shop you can put panties/diapers on her. They keep the mess contained and guard against male dogs. You will still need to be very aware of male dogs sniffing around her on your walks.

Amazon.com: dog diaper female

You can buy toss away inserts to go inside them or I've even used womans sanitary napkins. (must less expensive)

[I luv Roxy]

I was just looking at doggie diapers!! Unfortunately if she is in heat we will have to stop our walks for awhile. My neighbors are not good pet parents....they open their door a few times each day and let all 3 of their animals roam the street until they are ready to call them back in. They are all males and have taken to coming to my yard every since we got our little Roxy. They are big dogs and I don't think I would be able to protect my girl without using my taser or mace. My cousin has a small male dog do you think I would be able to tell if Roxy is in heat by his reaction to her? I just need to know so I can avoid taking her out.

[dawn27]

Originally Posted by I luv Roxy

I was just looking at doggie diapers!! Unfortunately if she is in heat we will have to stop our walks for awhile. My neighbors are not good pet parents....they open their door a few times each day and let all 3 of their animals roam the street until they are ready to call them back in. They are all males and have taken to coming to my yard every since we got our little Roxy. They are big dogs and I don't think I would be able to protect my girl without using my taser or mace. My cousin has a small male dog do you think I would be able to tell if Roxy is in heat by his reaction to her? I just need to know so I can avoid taking her out.

Oh wow... Than yes by all means keep her in doors !!!

Yes your cousins male would be able to give some indication that your pup is in heat.

BE VERY CAUTIOUS dont let them alone for even a minute !!

Signs: They will be very playful and she can be a little aggressive at times. He will lick her bottom/vulva. She will turn her bottom toward him and than of course he or even she will try to mount one another.

Photo is of a females swollen volva

[I luv Roxy]

Thanks for the photo! I really wanted to ask if anyone had a picture because I really didn't know what it would look like. I believe that is exactly how Roxy looked last night although when I wiped her there was nothing on the wipe....poor Roxy...poor me! I will take a pic tonight and I will take her to my cousins and trust me I will not turn my back on them. I am praying that it's just the weather. I will keep you posted.

[dawn27]

Ok, just be very careful. A pregnancy for such a young and tiny gal could come with great consequences.

[TxVicki]

Originally Posted by I luv Roxy

Thanks for the photo! I really wanted to ask if anyone had a picture because I really didn't know what it would look like. I believe that is exactly how Roxy looked last night although when I wiped her there was nothing on the wipe....poor Roxy...poor me! I will take a pic tonight and I will take her to my cousins and trust me I will not turn my back on them. I am praying that it's just the weather. I will keep you posted.

They also get much bigger than that. Just keep a very close eye on her.

[I luv Roxy]

Don't worry Roxy is never outside alone and I have no intentions of letting her have pups. I am about to go home now and after we give one another our I missed you kisses and petting I will be turning her over to rub her stomach and posting a pic of her area for you all to see. Roxy is a healthy 9lbs of fun and excitement but I know we can't handle anymore than her right now. I can officially be renamed "Helicopter Pet Mom" until further notice!!

[I luv Roxy]

I must say that I never imagined myself taking a picture like this and certainly not to post in a public forum....I love my little Roxy. Does she look swollen?

[TxVicki]

Originally Posted by I luv Roxy

I must say that I never imagined myself taking a picture like this and certainly not to post in a public forum....I love my little Roxy. Does she look swollen?

She does look swollen to me.

[I luv Roxy]

I took her around the male dog yesterday and they played a little, he sniffed her and then went to his crate. He didn't get overly excited. Roxy continued to pant and clean herself repeatedly yesterday but there isn't any type of fluid coming from her.