Signs of being on heat.

[wordfactory]

I was advised by my vet not to spay my dog until after her first heat (to avoide dribble incontinence).
She's six months old now, still very small, but I'm wondering if she might be on heat.

Her vulva is very swollen (sorry tmi) and she is endessly licking it. She is weeing far more often than normal and is a bit subdued.
No signs of blood though.

Is this it? What if anyhting do I need to do?

Thank you in advance, oh wise ones.

[PeriPathetic]

Sounds about right. The blood comes a bit later and may last a week or so. Then she will be at her most desirable to other dogs. She may also try to escape, although my girl has never tried this.

She may be quiet, grumpy, lethargic, off her food. Or something totally unique to your own dog!

Basically, keep an eye on her! Mine always wants more cuddle time during her season.

[wordfactory]

Oh thank you.
She keeps putting herself to bed, poor girl.

[PeriPathetic]

Aw, poor thing! Mine's coming to the end of hers and is almost back to her normal self. Last week I had the distinct impression she wanted to curl up on the sofa with a hot water bottle and the dog equivalent of chocolate!

[wordfactory]

Today we took her for a walk (our house backs onto open countryside and we can see for a long way if anyone is coming, which is rare anyway) and she was perky.

But tonight she is feeling sorry for herself again.

The worst thing is we now can't put her in doggy day care as we planned over NY and are going to have to drag the poor thing along on a loooong trip in the car and leave her in her crate for most of the afternoon, early eveing.