Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 6/27/2010

Question
I have an 8mth old pit bull that has started looking "swollen" over the last few days and today started bleeding "light"  bleeding today. 1)-thought they started going into heat at about 1yr. 2)how long prior to her bleeding and how long after her  bleeding is she "in heat". Do I have to worry about males getting her pregnant?

Answer
It is not unusual for an 8 month old bitch to go into season in the springtime.  She will bleed for 9-14 days and then she is in true heat.  That will last for 5-7 days and that's when you should keep her away from the males.  She can get pregnant even at 8 months of age.