Seems that most websites mention a season being 3-4 weeks duration. Our little puppy is now day 26 of her first season and I’m desperate to take her to the park for a run off-lead! I assume this is safe to do on day 29?
Not necessarily, no. The 3-4 weeks is just a guide. Some bitches are in season and therefore can be fertile much longer.
Personally, I'd say that if she does not flag her tail to one side if you run your hand down her flank, then after 29 days her season is probably over. But as snowbunny says, each dog is different.
Agree with @Karen, also the response of other dogs is a good clue. I found it tricky to be sure when Cassie's first season was over by looking, the vulva seemed to stay swollen for longer. I popped her on lead and took her out with my neighbours Lab and he wasn't interested at all, so I took his word for it!
Luna didn’t flag at all during her season so it was difficult to say when she was finished. Even up to six weeks later, some dogs were showing interest by sniffing rather enthusiastically, others weren’t bothered at all.
No Cassie didn't with her first season, which also made it difficult to tell, but she very definitely did with her second so was easier to work out when the end was coming.
Yes, some male dogs will continue to sniff enthusiastically at some bitches after the end of their season. It's tricky, to be sure, and each bitch is different with her seasons. I even know a couple of bitches who are a magnet for male dogs months after their season has ended.
Thanks for all the advice, I think it would be wise to wait a little longer! I was feeling sorry for her having all walks on-lead for so long now, but actually she is having a great time retrieving balls in the garden! So I’ll wait for her nipples and vulva to subside....better safe than sorry as they say.
