Expert: Jannie Balliett - 10/26/2009

Question
Hi Jannie...I have a female boxer who had 5 puppies this past February. I can't tell actually when she goes into heat because I never see any bleeding. I watch for the male boxer to start smelling at her and I watch for her to droop, but now I think she may be pregnant again because her nipples are hanging real low and she looks like she's gained some weight. I haven't actually seen the two lock up. Is this too soon? Thank you very much.

Answer
Yes, it's too soon, but can be inevitable.

My girl had her first litter February of 2006, had her next heat after whelping, in July, got pregnant without our knowledge (same daddy of first litter) and never saw them- but it happened.

I didn't know until her weight gain. Then, I knew, and kept feeling for puppy-movement until I felt them. She had 6 beautiful pups.

The female will bleed some of the days of her heat- and discharge hormones the rest. Usually you will see spots were it dripped, or where she's laid. I am surprised you did not, although, the female will lick it and clean areas it drips.

If she has gained weight and her nipples appear different now, chances are she is pregnant.

How long has it been since her heat- gained weight, etc.?

Remember, it gestation is only 56-63 days.

If you can afford, take her to the vet to be checked. He or she can x-ray her to see if she's carrying puppies- and tell you how many (usually can) and how far along she is.

This will help you prepare.

Let me know :)

Heats come between 5-6 months: twice a year.

Try to keep her away from any male during the 3 weeks of heat.

And usually, when deliberately breeding (in this case you didn't) it is recommended to wait one year, and no more than 3 litters- but I recommend no more than 2 litters because it is so hard on them.