| Several months ago I was wondering the same thing about my chihuahua pup....and I found a web-site that was very helpful.
I do not remember the web-site because I just printed the pages I needed and forgot about it.
This may be a bit graphic for some .....but......the site explained the female's 'vulva' will change in firmness just prior to and during the heat cycle. This lady is a breeder and watches her females closely because the "breedable days" are very specific. She states that the female's vulva will normally be very soft to the touch....like the feel of pinching your own upper lip. Just prior to and during the heat cycle the vulva firms to feel like pinching the end of your nose.
I tried "checking" Apple occasionally and SURE ENOUGH...I started noticing a different 'firmness'...
She went into heat at age 7 months ...it lasted about 2 1/2 weeks (the bleeding) and then gone.
As for the cramping.....I have no idea. She seemed fine. But she did seem a bit "bitchy" for a few days. Not as playful and slept more than usual.
Try looking around the internet....'canine estrase' is the term used often. |