How long for a heat ?

Betty started on 18th August and is still very swollen and drippy seems a lot longer than I remember previous girls we have owned, and beginning to think it may be a problem ?? Any reassurance would be good or do we need to consult vet ?

Two obvious stages so far and this second drippy stage has been going on for 14 days. She is off her food a bit and getting a bit depressed (as are we) !

In my experience it seems to vary quite a lot but the text book season would be pro-oestrus 4-15 days swollen vulva, clear then bloody discharge. Oestrus 4-8 days discharge stops and ovulation begins. In an unmated female followed by Metoestrus lasts 6-10 weeks, hormonal changes continue, uterus wall thickens, often enlarged mammary glands, milk production, possible mothering of toys.
I've just had all 3 entire bitches in season at once and the one that started first finished last, so there are no hard and fast rules. Luckily my lot don't even acknowledge their seasons let alone get distressed by them.

Thanks we won't panic yet then. She isn't getting walked as we were attracting too many naughty males, not fair on their owners who are absolutely amazed their never before wanderer is charging after our little girl. So lack of exercise may be affecting her appetite. Could also be why she is getting a bit down. When Mollie had her first and last season she really got depressed even the vet was worried about her being so down.

I would phone the vet and if necessary take her in, that is a long time for a bitch to be in season. One of my dogs wasn't in as long as that but longer than normal, she had an infection that was quickly cleared up with antibiotics.

I would also go to vets but only because I've had a very recent scare with pyometra. My girl also had unusually long seasons. I just knew there was something wrong. She's just been spayed and is doing great now. Good luck

I agree with Ginge2602, I would have her checked out too as I actually lost a girl who had pyometra. and I don't like the fact that she is off her food and not herself... also it will be peace of mind for you. x

Vet wants to see her again Monday if she is still not showing signs of stopping, she hasn't got a temperature and he says he isn't worried yet so just keep an eye on her. She has lost a little weight but that is not dangerous yet so just get her to eat what she wants when she wants it for a few days.

Just changed her wet food and that seemed to tempt her to eat her breakfast this morning just left a little.

I know this sounds disgusting but does the bloody discharge smell?

Not really when she started we could smell quite a musky scent but last 6 days no smell at all. Or we could just be getting used to it I guess.

Males are still finding her fascinating though so they can still smell her.

Keep us posted. Damn dogs!!!!! They are going to be the death of me!