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My dog is in her first heat. Is licking blood okay? Should I mate her?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | unspayed | 8 months and 8 days old

Hi.. Mini got into her 1st heat a few days ago.. I tried putting a diaper, but she takes it off and keeps licking the blood, is it okay? Will it have any impact on her health? Also my vet advised me to get her mated (on 2nd heat) atleast once before getting her spayed, what should I do? I just wanna give quality and a happy life for Mini..

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on February 28th, 2019

Hello! it's absolutely fine if she licks the blood, it won't affect her health. i do not recommend waiting for her second heat cycle and mate her, there is no proof of any benefit in waiting, i recommend having her spayed about 3 months after the first heat cycle.

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