Expert: Renee Cox - 6/2/2008

Question
QUESTION: My boxer, General Leigh, turned 1 in March of this year.  I think that she is in her first heat.  She is very swollen back  there.  She is acting very different.  She had been fine until Sunday.  Her nose is cool to touch and she is still tee-teeing, and drinking.  She just has no energy and is lethargic.  I am scared that she is sick, but also am wondering if it is just what they do.  I gave her some pepto bismol in case she had a tummy ache.

ANSWER: Hi Heidi. The swelling of her vulva may indicate that she's in heat, but it could also indicate that she has an infection of some sort. Can you see blood coming from her vulva? If she has no energy and is lethargic, then I suggest taking her to the vet for a check up just to be safe. The faster you catch something, the easier it is to fix it. Good luck!

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QUESTION: Yes she wears panties and a pad in the house due to her bleeding.  I have very little money to go to the vet.  My husband just got diagnosed with epilepsy and I am the only one working supporting our blended family of 7.  Are there any home remedies or anything that I could do for the next few days to be sure?

Answer
If her bleeding is normal, then there may not be a lot to worry about right now. All girl act differently when in heat, especially their first one. If the bleeding ever looks like tomato soup, then that's an emergency, and the only way to save her would be to get her to the vet. It's called pyrometra, an infection of the uterus. Usually, it happens after the heat cycle if the dog is going to come down with it. Just keep an eye out for that later. As for home remedies, you may want to ask one of the other experts about that. :-) I never really got into home remedies and don't know a whole lot about them. One of the other ladies may be better able to help you with that. For now though, if her bleeding is normal, she's eating and drinking, then she's most likely ok. Try to get her up and moving around a bit, and see if that gives her some energy back. You said your husband was just diagnosed with epilepsy, if she's close to him, she may be reating to his health state. Dogs will do that. Any of the other experts in this area would be great, but I think Joyce does home remedies. She may know a whole lot about it. Good luck!