How to deal with cycles?

[Anthony8858]

Kira just turned 7 months. I've decided not to have her fixed for no less than two cycles, and may consider never having her fixed.

With that, I was wondering how owners of females in cycle, deal with it?

Diapers, etc...

I'd like you to give me a heads up on what I should expect and should be doing.

[Mary&Stella]

Well Stella has had 2 heats so far, more planned before we get her spayed, but we tried the doggie pad thing and she went crazy
she was only 6 months at the time, so we decided to do nothing, we cover the furniture that she likes to lay on and put an extra blanket on the bed for easy cleaning, and other than that I just wipe up all the little spots So far not too bad, Stella is a very clean dog and the most clean up is after a nap. Now my previous dogs both girls I used a pair or normal undies with a hole for the tail with a little human pad inside it. neither of my other dogs minded wearing them.

Other than watching her every move when outside there is nothing else to do, she seems to be a bit more needy and more cuddlie. I seen ot mentioned in other posts that there can be an odour, but so for nothing. Stella is off her food for a couple of days leading into the start of the heat, then no difference at all.

[Gwenhwyfair]

What Mary/Stella said....that's pretty much what I've done with Ilda too. I'm super careful when she is outside though, I don't let her even be in the fenced back yard without me because the neighbor's boxer is intact male!

and....you may want to check out the sticky thread at the top this section about dogs in heat as well, lots of helpful info there.

One other thing, if and when you do decide to go ahead and talk to the vet about a spay (which I have scheduled for Ilda on 2/6).....be prepared for the possiblity of a lecture about mammary cancer.

[WVGSD]

In past years, I had multiple intact females at home as I was showing in AKC conformation. My females all wore a garment called "Seasonals" and I swear by them. Love them. They have good strong velcro on them and, after a few minutes, my girls tolerated them without objection. A feminine napkin is placed inside and I changed it twice daily. Worked for me for many years.

[GSDAlphaMom]

Yep agreee with Shannon. They were great. I buy the cheapest Wal Mart brand pads they have and use those. I recommend have 2 pair of garments as you will need to wash fairly often and be able to interchange.

[msvette2u]

Mammary cancer is nothing to poo-poo, the risk is very real as is the risk of a pyo with successive heats, but she's your dog.
Are you concerned at all about tension between your two females as the puppy matures?
Is your other female spayed??

[Lilie]

I read on here once that it was a good idea to put children's underpants on your female now to get her used to it so when she needs to wear one she won't be bothered.

I don't mean leave it on her forever.....lol...

[Anthony8858]

Originally Posted by msvette2u

Mammary cancer is nothing to poo-poo, the risk is very real as is the risk of a pyo with successive heats, but she's your dog.
Are you concerned at all about tension between your two females as the puppy matures?
Is your other female spayed??

I understand what you're saying. The only reason I'm taking the approach I'm taking, is because of a lack of understanding the pros and cons.
The vet wanted her done before 6 months. Ive been reading otherwise. I need to give her at least a cycle or two before deciding.

There seems to be a mixed bag of opinions regarding the subject.

I'll read the sticky too

[Konotashi]

If I ever get a female (not planning on it, really, as I prefer males), but I would wait either after her second heat or after her second birthday to spay.
With males, I feel that it's healthier to keep them intact, but I feel that it's healthier to spay females.

[Gwenhwyfair]

I hope my post did not come across as dismissive about cancer.

However some studies also indicate that early spays can lead to higher incidences of bone cancer as well hemangiosarcoma.

When to spay is not as clear cut as it used to be. There is some evidence that early spays can have other ancillary problems including issues with temperament and inappropriate aggression.

It's a balancing act for sure.

Some vets are recommending spays be done around 14 months of age. IMHO this seems a prudent middle ground time to spay given the latest studies.

Here is an article written by a veterinarian which references clinical studies: Canine Sports Productions: Early Spay-Neuter Considerations for the Canine Athlete

Originally Posted by msvette2u

Mammary cancer is nothing to poo-poo, the risk is very real as is the risk of a pyo with successive heats, but she's your dog.
Are you concerned at all about tension between your two females as the puppy matures?
Is your other female spayed??