So, I called the vet today to find out when the best timing would be to get Lacey spayed...and the vet tech (?) who answered said 3 months after her last heat is ideal. I didn't know when her last heat was, so I emailed the breeder I got her from, and she said her last heat was 7/4/11.
I've never had an unspayed dog, and I'm a little confused. Everything I've read says dogs go into heat every 6 months. Shouldn't she have been in heat last month, then? If so, is it possible I didn't notice? The breeder did mention when I got her that there would be very little to notice, if any with her...but I
a)don't know if I entirely believe it and
b)probably wouldn't have a clue what the "signs" were to begin with.

So, from one confused chi-mum to you experienced chi-mums; help?!

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Oh it's pretty unlikely that you would not have noticed. Their heats even on tiny chi's still have a bloody discharge that would be hard to not see if you have your chi anywhere in your home on furniture/hanging out with you. I have had my chi go 8 months without a heat, so it's not exact clockwork but usually its every 6 months.

I agree. It's kind of hard NOT to notice. Gracie even has mood swings before and during hers. She doesn't bleed too bad, but it is enough to notice. She also becomes even more clingier than usual.

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i think you would have noticed also. They get VERY swollen in there private area. some you will not hardley notice any bleeding and some you will see alot of blood. Minnie always will clean herself so you do not see any bleeding at all. but you do see alot of licking. with Latte, i saw ALOT of bleeding.

also Minnie is not like clockwork... can be 6 months or can be longer up to 9 months for her.

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siggy by Jan, Thank you!!!

They can be slightly more moody, swollen privates, enlarged nipples and obviously bleeding or excessive licking.

I agree the signs of heat are hard not to notice
Usually the vulva starts swelling up and there is a bloody discharge for a while too, although I find that with Prada and Chanel, it s quite light and they keep themselves clean. But if you rub their bellies and look down there you can see specks of blood
Their nipples may also swell and become larger and sometimes with Prada her behavior changes too
Normally she becomes REALLY cuddly with me and that is when I know her heat is about to start (but I guess it may be different for other chis, not sure)
Perhaps you need to ask the vet whether it is absolutely necessary for that timing, and if it is then maybe its better to wait for her next cycle rather than going by what your breeder said ?!

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If you want the best seat in the house, you've got to move the Chihuahuas!

I'd spay her now! Sue