Hi all,

Just looking for some guidance here. We were planning on spaying our husky after the new year, she turned 6 months on December 18th. The vet suggested between 6-8 months is the best time to spay. However she appears to be in her first heat cycle. She is swollen and starting to drip blood. Is there any thing I need to do besides keep her away from male dogs. Is this normal to happen so soon at 6 months? I did a lot of research and it said longer dogs it usually happens later. She's our first husky puppy on our own, my boyfriend and I each have had dogs growing up but the spaying process for them happened when we we're young so we don't really remember it. Are there any health concerns I need to be aware of? I read something about mammary tumors. Since it's the holiday we can't get ahold of our vet so any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'd rather hear from actual husky owners than like standard web me articles. Thanks!!

Welcome to the forum! It does sound like she is in heat. It can vary from dog to dog, and that is why your vet recommended 6-8 months, since that is the typical age of first heat. I personally feel it's best for medium and large breed dogs to have their first heat prior to their spay, numerous studies I have read, all say it is better to do so. As soon as your vet is open again I would give them a call, and I think you have to wait something like 6 weeks after the heat before a spay. So talk with them to get an idea on when you can go ahead and do it. Yes keep her away from male dogs. And expect some mess, so you may want to buy doggie pants. Not spaying your dog, can lead to mammary issues later on, so it is best to get her spayed as soon as it is medically safe to do so. Good Luck!