how long do periods last for?

Hey everyone ~ our Abalone got her first period 2 days ago and I was wondering how long they usually last for. She's 11 months old now. Any special things we need to be careful of?

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Permalink Reply by Sam Tsang on April 26, 2009 at 9:48am

Yes, usually it starts off with 1 week of "no blood", then follow by 2-3 weeks of blood. Only go out for potty, Do not bring her for walks or the dog park. Keep all male dogs separated. You may wish to invest in doggie diaper for now, use an odd sock and sew up that "hole" for the tail, go to walmart and purchase those "equate" brand maxi pads, they're the cheapest and change them daily. Once the heat is over, have her spayed. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Abalone_Chan on April 27, 2009 at 4:11am

wow you serious? i heard that getting female dogs spayed is not good for them because they lose their 'female' hormones and their temperament changes. are there any dangers with this operation?

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Permalink Reply by Karen Dadisman on April 27, 2009 at 12:05pm

There are dangers with every surgery but with spaying it's minimal. She will be much happier without those raging hormones and much safer. No chance of getting pregnant by who knows what. Spaying also greatly decreases their chance of breast cancer and other female problems. It does not change their temperament. Also no messy heat sessions. The only reason not to spay is if she is a champion show dog with outstanding bloodlines. Spay her ASAP. You will have to wait out this heat session but then get her to the vet!!!!!

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Permalink Reply by Plato & Sula on April 27, 2009 at 12:10pm

Definitely look into the research on spaying/neutering, go to the websites of reputable organizations and talk to your vet about the procedure. There is no reason why a dog should be kep intact unless s/he is being shown in conformation. The health benefits outweigh any possible "risks" (which are minimal to none) from such an operation. Most female dogs should be spayed before their first heat cycle. Here's an excerpt from the Spay USA website:

Benefits of Spaying (females):
No heat cycles, therefore males will not be attracted
Less desire to roam
Risk of mammary gland tumors, ovarian and/or uterine cancer is reduced or eliminated, especially if done before the first heat cycle
Reduces number of unwanted cats/kittens/dogs/puppies
Helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives

Top 3 Reasons to Spay and Neuter:
It helps to reduce companion animal overpopulation. Most countries have a surplus of companion animals and are forced to euthanize or disregard their great suffering. The surplus is in the millions in the United States. Cats are 45 times as prolific, and dogs 15 times as prolific, as humans.They do not need our help to expand their numbers; they need our help to reduce their numbers until there are good homes for them all.

Sterilization of your cat or dog will increase his/her chance of a longer and healthier life. Altering your canine friend will increase his life an average of 1 to 3 years, felines, 3 to 5 years. Altered animals have a very low to no risk of mammary gland tumors/cancer, prostate cancer, perianal tumors, pyometria, and uterine, ovarian and testicular cancers.
Sterilizing your cat/dog makes him/her a better pet, reducing his/her urge to roam and decreasing the risk of contracting diseases or getting hurt as they roam. Surveys indicate that as many as 85% of dogs hit by cars are unaltered. Intact male cats living outside have been shown to live on average less than two years. Feline Immunodeficiency Syndrome is spread by bites and intact cats fight a great deal more than altered cats.

Some articles:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2112&aid=926
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1570
http://www.avma.org/animal_health/brochures/spay_neuter/spay_neuter...