erinsayscheese
New member
Hi everyone! I have two English bulldogs--Hank is almost 8 years old and in August I brought home Lola, who is now 5 months. I plan to have her spayed, and Hank is neutered.
I know there can be a range in terms of the age of first heat--I've seen an average of 6 months, and my vet told me typically 6-9 months. I've also seen on random discussions, forums, other information sources, etc. that it can even be as late as 12 months. What are the main signs to suggest when Lola will be going in to her first heat? I know that most commonly discussed is the enlarged vulva. I assume this is something that is clearly obvious in relation to how she looks otherwise? And, once this is observed how long until she is in heat and/or that the bleeding might begin? In other words, how much "warning" do I have?
I'm also most interested in learning whether there are other signs that I might observe to suggest she is close to heat other than those signs above (since I'd want to be aware before the bleeding) (e.g., any other fluids and/or discharges? any notable behavior changes?). I realize it would be okay if I do "miss" it and spay her after the first heat, but my hope is to have her spay appointment before her first heat while allowing her to develop as much as possible.
I appreciate any information you have!
I know there can be a range in terms of the age of first heat--I've seen an average of 6 months, and my vet told me typically 6-9 months. I've also seen on random discussions, forums, other information sources, etc. that it can even be as late as 12 months. What are the main signs to suggest when Lola will be going in to her first heat? I know that most commonly discussed is the enlarged vulva. I assume this is something that is clearly obvious in relation to how she looks otherwise? And, once this is observed how long until she is in heat and/or that the bleeding might begin? In other words, how much "warning" do I have?
I'm also most interested in learning whether there are other signs that I might observe to suggest she is close to heat other than those signs above (since I'd want to be aware before the bleeding) (e.g., any other fluids and/or discharges? any notable behavior changes?). I realize it would be okay if I do "miss" it and spay her after the first heat, but my hope is to have her spay appointment before her first heat while allowing her to develop as much as possible.
I appreciate any information you have!