Help! Puppy period question

by **LayLow** » Tue Feb 21, 2012 1:28 pm

My beloved RVCA has started her special time. It started 7-10 days ago. In the last few days it has started to smell. It isn't bad but if she isn't bathed every other day it is pretty stinky. Keep in mind I don't know what "normal" is. I've only ever had males. She needs to be fixed, we just moved and I don't know any good vets in the southern Utah/Vegas area. RVCA sleeps cuddled up to me every night. She is a great dog, please advise, IS THIS NORMAL? Should I worry about smell? Does smell mean in heat or infection?

Thanks in advance.

John

by **FransterDoo** » Tue Feb 21, 2012 2:19 pm

I could be wrong but it should NOT smell. She could have an infection in there.

You need to go to the vet ASAP.

by **Adrianne** » Tue Feb 21, 2012 3:04 pm

If you PM me your location I can try to help you find a vet, I live in las Vegas. I agree it shouldn't smell, unless you're extremely sensitive, and a vet visit is really a good idea.

by **AllisonPibbleLvr** » Tue Feb 21, 2012 8:25 pm

Ditto.
If there's a foul odor, she needs to be checked out.

by **Leslie H** » Tue Feb 21, 2012 9:05 pm

While a foul odor can indicate pyometra(sp), a serious infection of the uterus, some females do get stinky. It adds to there allure w/the boys.

by **Sarah** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 10:23 pm

Yes, the smell is somewhat normal, especially if you have her wearing pants to contain the mess.

by **Mooresmajestic** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 10:35 pm

I guess it depends on how strong the smell is and your sensitivity. I can smell a dog in heat, my husband can't. I think they reek. If you are worried, get her checked out.

by **Mooresmajestic** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 10:46 pm

Sorry for the DP, but...

Generally the best time to spay her would be about 2 weeks after she finishes her cycle. That way there aren't the added risks associated with an in heat spay, and you catch her before her hormones (potentially) send her into a false pregnancy. That is what every vet I have worked for suggests.

Just make sure you watch her outside constantly. In heat females are escape artists, and males (think neighborhood dogs) can smell an in heat female several (I think it 3-5) miles away. Basically no alone time... Ever. Don't think a fence will stop anything.

by **AllisonPibbleLvr** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 8:05 am

We always recommend 6weeks post heat before spaying (although Ava was done two weeks post heat and did fine).

by **Misskiwi67** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 1:50 pm

I recommend 10 weeks post heat. I want all those hormones WELL over and done with...

But I will spay at 2 weeks if there's an urgent need for it.

by **Leslie H** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 6:54 pm

I was advised to go 3 months post heat w/Soleil. She's got a spay appt. April 2nd.