Expert: Angela Donald - 10/7/2009

Question
My 2 1/2 yr. old boxer female had puppies April 27th . This is a problem because we didn't intend to breed her. I have always keep a close eye on her, but it was getting so hard to tell when she was in heat I know the signs but here is the problem. She always look swollen and she never bleeds. Me and the vet thought and she came in heat last month so I keep her up all month,but now she looks like she still is in heat. I took her by the vet and they agreed and had no suggestion except exposing her to a male. I really would like some help I really love my dog and don't want her to get accidentally breed again. I felt bad enough the first time. We just would like to see one full blood litter from her. She is an exceptionally beautiful dog. Please help

Answer
Hi Gina,
You do have a problem, when a female is always swollen and doesn't bleed. The vet is right the only way to know is to expose her to a male and see the reaction, if he tries to mount her then yes she is in heat. Your best bet is to spay her as soon as possible because you are looking at a situation where you can never tell if she is in heat and take the risk of an unplanned litter or mixed puppies.The average heat cycle in female boxers is every six months or once a year. I wish you luck in your decision on whether to breed her or not. I personally never breed a female without skipping a heat cycle and never more than two litters in her lifetime. It would be best to skip this cycle and plan a litter for about two years after the first litter, this is ample time for the dam to be in shape. You can also find alot of information at www.americanboxerclub.org that can help you in planning a top notch boxer litter.Thanks so much for your question.

Sincerely,
Angela Donald
Canine Behavior Consultant
http://www.hitowerboxers.com
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