[FreyaAshcroft]

I took home an un-spayed 8 month old pug cross border terrier cross rescue about six weeks ago.

After the initial separation anxiety she settled in fine and was a delight. When we picked her up we noticed her bits were a little swollen since then her nipples have become very swollen and she has been paying particular attention to cleaning her personal area! This has not changed apart from her nipples becoming more prominent in the six weeks we have had her however she has not bled. This would be her first season. She also has had no unwanted attention from other male dogs which we socialise her with, First question is...is she in season? Is she coming into season? How can I tell, I have been informed that some bitches don't bleed on their first season, she has been humping things but no males seemed to have notice?

The other odd thing that has happened is that she has become incredibly naughty, will not listen, and worst of all has taken to barking constantly. Having slept through the night unbothered for five weeks in the last three days she has barked 6 out of the 8 hours we have been (or tried to be) asleep. Could this behaviour change be hormonal? ...hoping and praying its only temporary!

HOW LONG WILL THIS LAST

(And before anyone asks yes she was due to be spayed but had kennel cough when we picked her up so is going in ...if she is not in season... next Wednesday!)

 

[Maxxie101]

Stay calm in a situation like this.

You should clean her once or twice a week, especially on her nipples. Im guessing your dog has a infection if it's swollen.

If you haven't brought her in to the vet, it's a good time to do so. The vet is probably the best information source you can get.

 

[Tess]

She's either in season or pregnant. A vet check is very important to know which. She could very well be pregnant. She could have been bred before you got her. Many small dogs will have a season at 6 months old.

Yes, hormones can definitely change her behavior. Just be patient with her. She cannot help herself.

A season is about 3 weeks.
Pregnancy is about 60 days, then puppies... so you want to make sure that's not what is going on!
With the symptoms and timing you describe, I'm putting my money on her being pregnant.

Vet check on Monday if at all possible.

 

[Tess]

The barking may be because she needs to go out to potty and is asking you to let her out. Pregnant dogs typically need to urinate much more often. Try taking her out for a tinkle break tonight and see if she can settle afterwards. If she is pregnant, and close to her due date, she may need out to pee several times at night.

Or... maybe you catch a break and she is not pregnant, but does have a urinary tract infection or yeast infection that is making her feel the need to pee more often.

Overall, the barking is a reason for concern for her health. Hopefully the vet can help you out here.

 

[Tess]

Are the males she has been around neutered, or has she ever been possibly around any intact males at all, ever, perhaps while she was in the garden without you around?

 

[Kwenami]

Everything Tess said seems appropriate. Take her to a vet, you wouldn't want a surprise litter and dealing with pups is a lot to handle so you want to be prepared...

 

[TMsam]

I think she is pregnant