Expert: Christine Puetz - 8/14/2009

Question
I have an enlish bulldog female who was supposed to go into heat about 2 weeks ago but hasn't I do not know exactly what I should be looking for they said blood but I dnt see any they sai her vergina would get swollen but I really cnt tell the difference looks the same..and I have a male but he dnt seem to wantto just on her or supper excited. Wondering what I should do besides check her blood since it will add up on bills to vet .. Thanks

Answer
Ernie,

No dog will be exact to schedule in when they go in heat - especially bulldogs.  The best way to tell is watch for blood, but not all dogs have it.  The most accurate way to tell ovulation is a progesterone blood test.

If you don't want to have the cost of the blood test, you just have to watch.  It also helps to watch when your female is receptive to the male but that won't always work.

Hope that helps,
Christine Puetz