Help! Boxer In Heat....

[steelcity]

My little lady Sadie just finished the "Ugly" part of her first heat (she is 9 months) and now I am confused about what is happening. There is really no way that she could have gotten "it" during her heat but her nipples seem to be getting bigger than they were while she was in heat. They almost look like she is beginning to get breasts! Can someone please tell me if this is common in a false pregnancy or do I have big problems?

Thanks,

Justin

 

[kassa]

Yes, it's common. Dogs go through all the physiological changes of pregnancy during a complete heat cycle (one of the reasons why for so many years there were pregnancy tests possible). Keep an eye on her for any suspicious discharge -- pyometra is an infection that can set in rapidly and be life-threatening. (It's not likely, but it's possible, so you should be ready to take her to the vet if she shows signs of illness or any unusual discharge).

Chances are she won't have a full blown false pregnancy, but you never know. Sometimes they even get milk

Watch her food intake -- if you've greatly reduced her freedom and exercise because of being in season, the same amount of food "as usual" will make her gain weight, so you'll want to cut back a little. I learned THAT the hard way!

 

[steelcity]

Thank you so much. I will keep an eye on her. (as if I ever take my eyes off of her). I have been told that the second or third heat is when to breed, I have a feeling that once I breed her once (everyone I know wants one of her pups) that she will get the old "snip snip". Its nature and all but I dont think I can handle another 2 weeks of diapers and her giving me dirty looks for not letting her play with the little neighbor dog. Poor Beagle...he tried his hardest but never made it.....

THANKS!

 

[jray]

Obviously at 9 months she has not had the proper health testing and been shown to prove that she is a champion boxer. Please do your girl a favor and get her spayed ASAP as to not add to the B-Y breeders out there. Is it worth loosing her for "one" litter? Do a search here for reputable breeding and BYB. Please leave the breeding to the professionals.

 

[SoleilBxrs]

I have been told that the second or third heat is when to breed, I have a feeling that once I breed her once (everyone I know wants one of her pups) that she will get the old "snip snip".

the only time one should breed is after your dog has earned its AKC Championship and has been fully health-tested @ 24mos. (much more than just a Vet ok) The ONLY reason to breed to to better the breed, which means that responsible breeders breed to produce their next show dog. Breeding because your "everyone you know wants a pup" is NOT a valid reason. And as it was said before, are you willing to risk your own bitch's life just to supply your friends w/ puppies? There are enough backyard breeders out there, please don't add to the numbers. Get your pet bitch spayed asap, and if your friends are set on a boxer, send them to your local boxer rescue (their population of boxers that need homes is exploding), or send them to a responsible/reputable breeder to get a pup. (responsible/reputable = showing and winning, finding a stud that compliments the bitch's faults, full genetic health testing on the stud and bitch, carefully screening homes and sending "pet" dogs out w/ spay/neuter contracts).

You're in the right place to research. Look up "BYB" or "responsible breeding". If you are set on breeding your bitch, find yourself a mentor.. get her evaluated by other show breeders/judges/handlers, or better yet show her! (and prove that she's worthy of being bred.. Conformation shows are to evaluate breeding stock) Then get all the health testing done, and have your mentor help you find a stud dog that will helpout your bitch where she is weak. good luck researching, i am sure you will learn a lot.

-Kat