My female yellow lab is in heat for the first time. I have never owned a female before and I had a few questions for the experts.

First off, how long does a typical cycle last?

Second, how long do I need to wait after she is out of heat before taking her to get fixed?

Third, can she still hunt while being in heat?

Fourth, can she still train while being in heat, i.e. water work etc.?

Thanks

You're welcome!!

Thanks for the info. I am going to wait until after season to get her fixed, I was just making sure I didn't have to wait a few months or something.

Totally agree on everything oxner said, with one qualification... be careful if you take her hunting. I don't know your situation, but if there are males around or if you take her while her urges are up, there could be problems. Just exercise caution here.

One other comment to add to the above, when mine are in heat, the term "b!tchy" is in fine form. Hunting is no problem, but the training part can be challenging.

lol... 'nuf said! I think that's probably where the term came from! Ain't it the truth?

Aint that the truth. She is being a bitch right now and real moody. Guess it's just like when your old lady is in heat, nothing you can do is gonna be right.

Seriously though, when my pup (turned 1 on 12/11 and 1st heat onset on Christmas Eve) had her first heat, she got sick as a dog. (Man, that saying doesn't work when you're already talking about dogs, does it?) Anyway, she was still vomiting the day after Christmas. I've got lots of young pups here, so as a precaution, off to the vet we go.... $100+ bucks later for stool, blood & urine tests, guess what?

She's the first female I've ever had that got that sick. Nobody makes puppy midol, do they?

Thats what I would be most worried about.