help..with my 11month old border collie

[princess*missy]

hey...have a couple of questions concering my 11 month old border collie bitch having never been a dog owner up untill this one i havnt a clue on as to why my puppy has just had a period not so long back she was on for ages i had to put a nappy on her she bled that much but came off after about 2weeks it has since gone 2months since she came off and i noticed a day ago her nipples have got larger and it looks as if she has little breast they seem like little swollen things is this normal?
also she has had a lump about the size of a small marble on her lip for aboput 6months it doesnt seem to be bothering her but as her mouth and teeth has been developing her teeth have become quite crocked and my self and my partner dont have the money at the moment to rush her to the vets just wondering if anyone else's dogs has lumps as such and if its life threating?also i have heard that its best getting my bitch nutered why shes young as she could get tumors and stuff is this true?....any advice hints anything would be highly appreciated...thanks a bunch x

[charmedagain]

Hi welcome.
A dogs heat cycle lasts around 3 weeks and some bleed heavier than others.
Her nipples and mammaries enlarging is a sign of a phantom or false pregnancy this happens to all bitches to some degree if they have never been mated, This will pass on its own.
Keep a close eye on her though any vaginal discharge that is foul smelling and she seems to be under the weather she needs to see a vet ASAP.

She may go on to have all the symptoms of pregnancy, milk production, nesting, even mothering things like shoes and stuffed toys.

I always say that a dog going through a false pregnancy should have her mind taken off it so extra walks, extra play time usually does the trick, If she starts mothering things just remove them from her.

Its best to have a dog nuetered or spayed as each cycle they have there chances of developing uterine cancers, mammary cancers, pyometra increase, So yes getting them fixed early is there best chance.

As for the lump i am not sure what that could be it could just be a fatty lump or a pimple/wart without seeing a vet you won't know what it is.
I would see a vet about why her teeth are growing in crooked though

Mike