2006-12-15 08:46:18 · 8 answers · asked by debrita9 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I presently foster two female labs for a professional breeder , and have raised many , many dogs throughout the years. I am drawing on personal experience as I say.......
The average female Lab has her first heat (season) around 6 months to 8 months of age ( colour of coat does not alter this ). This is not written in stone and may vary with the individual dog. Generally you will note that there is swelling start in the tissues around her vagina before you see the initial bloody discharge.
The female will then come into season every six months following the first "heat", so, there is need to record the date of each heat and not to just rely on your memory. Good Luck !
Just remember to keep her separated from all males during her entire heat if you do not intend to breed her.
A female lab should not be bred before she is 3 years old.
The Lab is slow to mature and if bred before three years of age, you will run the risk of the female losing essential nutrients to the developing foetus. Her losing her own essential nutrients, at a young age, means she will not reach full development herself and there fore may not produce healthy vigorous pups.
If you do not intend to breed the dog, please discuss neutering with your veterinarian. The most recent information is that it is advisable to defer spaying until the female has completed her own physical development . Removal of the uterus may mean the loss of growth hormones . The jury is out on this topic so please discuss it with Verterinarian(s).
Terri E
2006-12-15 09:16:46 · answer #1 · answered by Terri E 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should watch for signs around the 7th month but it will definitely happen by the 9th month, which is why Vets spay dogs at 7 months old. If you plan to breed, they can be bred twice a year but they stay healthier if you will only breed them once a year. The puppies will be stronger and healthier too. Please realize how difficult it is to keep dogs that are 'in heat' from soiling your house and furniture. And if you let the female that's 'in heat' go outside for even a second, there is nothing in the world strong enough to prevent Mother Nature and all your neighbor's male dogs, plus roamers, from paying a visit much too quickly for you to stop! Never try to separate 2 dogs "making love" because that will get your female dog seriously hurt.
2006-12-15 09:00:33 · answer #2 · answered by Dovey 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most dogs come into heat around 6 months or after. every dog is different. some might come in heat at 6 months some might not until 8 months or after. the same answer for the second heat or so on. but you shouldnt bred your pet until after it is a year old or better. it is still a puppy in alot of ways.
i have seen alot of dogs bred way to early for the dog and she doesnt understand the responibility or how to take care of the litter. dogs are alot like humans if you really think about it.
2006-12-15 09:05:08 · answer #3 · answered by shortstack 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually the first heat happens around the 9-12 month mark and they have one once or twice per year depending on the dog. Each dog is different.
If you don't want to breed her, most vets reccomend you have her spayed either before or right after her first heat. The longer they have the hormones in their body, the more problems they have later on. Dogs can get breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Spaying helps prevent these problems.
2006-12-15 08:52:41 · answer #4 · answered by nmtgirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Somewhere around 6-8 months or even up to a year old and then they will have a heat cycle about every six months but some go 8 or nine months between heats.
Each heat will last three weeks.
If you are not going to breed your dog have her fixed before her first heat.
It will lower her risk of cancer. Each heat cycle she has raises her risk of mamary cancer.
2006-12-15 08:48:56 · answer #5 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The same as black or yellow labs, or any other dog for that matter.
Normally anywhere between 6-9 months, and then an AVERAGE of every 6 months after that. Some dogs are younger, some are older. Some are more frequent, some are less frequent. It depends on the individual.
2006-12-15 08:48:35 · answer #6 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
most dogs come into heat between 4-6months and u don want to breed until 12-18 months gives the dog time to mature
2006-12-15 09:16:09 · answer #7 · answered by ladilea2169 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They normally start going in heat from a year old and every year after that.
2006-12-15 08:48:53 · answer #8 · answered by bambi 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋