Estrus in a German Shepherd: duration, signs and characteristics

Signs that a bitch is ready for mating

In order not to miss the signs of heat in a young dog, you need to ask the owner about the characteristics of the mother.
The daughter almost always inherits them, and the age of puberty. For an attentive dog breeder, changes in the pet's character/behavior are sufficient.

Before estrus they:

Take the Attention Test! Find 10 differences! (click right here!)

Find the answer Are you bothered by some problem or question? Enter “Breed” or “Name of the problem” into the form, press Enter and you will find out everything about the issue that interests you.

• Aggressive;
• Show uncharacteristic activity (hyperactivity/apathy);
• Mark the territory;
• They are hostile towards male dogs.

Estrus is indicated by scanty pinkish discharge from the loop, accompanied by its swelling.

Stages of the hunt

During the first 5-8 days of hunting, estrogen (proestrus) accumulates in the bitch’s body. She is not ready to mate and drives away suitors. Then comes estrus - the peak of ovulation, which lasts 6-10 days. The dog's body is ready for mating. The cage ends with fertilization and pregnancy. Over the next 3 days, repeated matings increase the number of fertilized eggs.

You cannot breed a female dog in her first heat. Physical maturation of Caucasian Shepherd females occurs at 2 years of age.

Bitches over 8 years old are not bred. The fertile period of a female shepherd is six years. Pregnancy in older bitches often ends in miscarriage/birth of weak puppies.

To avoid unwanted pregnancy, a pet in heat must be protected from males of any breed. Take him for a walk on a short leash. If your pet becomes uncontrollable, then it is better to keep it in an enclosure or house until the end of the hunt.

The bitches' half-brothers are kept separately. For dog partnerships, blood relationship is not an obstacle. Young males who have not reached puberty are harmless. Although they begin to show interest in bitches from 6 months, the required level of testosterone is achieved only by 2 years.

The influence of estrus on the character and working abilities of the bitch

Until six months, there is no difference in the behavior of males and females. The character changes from 6-8 months, that is, from the beginning of puberty. Regardless of the occurrence (or non-occurrence) of pregnancy, females are vulnerable 1-2 times a year and are less productive for 3-4 weeks.

The positive qualities of bitches are:

• Friendliness;
• Easy training;
• Controllability.

Having good ancestors, breeding is allowed with some disadvantages. They will not affect the breed qualities of the offspring when mated to a purebred male.

When purchasing a female puppy, it is important to determine the goal in advance. If the dog will be used for breeding, the nursery (club) should be informed about this. Then she will be included in the mating plan. They will explain the required conditions for caring for the animal and the timing of mating. They will help to accommodate the offspring.

To independently regulate matings, you need to keep records of the timing of estrus/mating and birth. This way you can set the optimal mode for mating.

If breeding is not planned, castration will help. Removal of reproductive organs will eliminate estrus and protect against unwanted pregnancy.

Health effects

During each sexual cycle, the bitch's body prepares for conception and bearing offspring. This causes significant changes in the uterus. The cervix relaxes, its canal is open. The mucous membrane (endometrium) grows with blood vessels and thickens. This is what causes bloody discharge during estrus. Although they resemble menstrual discharge in women, they appear by a different mechanism: blood “leaks” through the walls of blood vessels, and does not come out with the mucous membrane being rejected.

During diestrus, even if the bitch is not pregnant, high levels of progesterone continue to stimulate the reproductive organs. For successful fertilization, the immunity of the uterine mucosa is reduced, which makes it susceptible to infections. The uterus stops contracting (atony), and the endometrial glands produce fluid intended to nourish the embryos. All this can lead to a dangerous disease - pyometra, especially in older animals.

Sex hormones also affect the mammary glands, causing false lactation, and in older age even tumors of the mammary glands. Under the influence of high hormonal levels, oncology can develop in the uterus itself or in the ovaries.

Even behavioral reactions associated with estrus are dangerous for dogs: at this time they are more likely to get hit by a car, run away and get lost, and get injured in fights. Coitus can be a source of venereal sarcoma and other infections, and unwanted pregnancy can be a huge problem for the owner.

Signs of heat

How does estrus manifest itself? You can determine when a dog is in heat by its behavior, and it changes significantly. The female becomes more active, becomes overly playful and may ignore commands. This is all the result of a hormonal surge.

https://dog-care.ru/zdorove/voprosy/pervaya-techka-kavkazskoy-ovcharki.html

Among the main signs of estrus are:

• The dog begins to sit down to urinate more often (it marks its territory so that potential suitors are aware that it is ready to accept advances);
• Bloody discharge oozes from the noose;
• She often licks the area under her tail;
• The bitch begins to flirt with the males, they show active interest;
• Estrus is preceded by molting.

At first, dogs do not allow members of the opposite sex to approach; they may even show aggression when courtship is too intrusive; their body is not yet ready for mating.

After one and a half to 2 weeks, the structure of the dog’s discharge changes; it will look like yellowish mucus. During this period, the female feels a strong sexual desire, especially if she notices males nearby, her tail moves to the side, and her body takes the stance necessary for sexual intercourse. The loop increases significantly in size.

The bitch can remain in this excited state for 5 to 7 days. If the owner wants to breed a dog, then he must mark these days. The right time for mating animals is between the 9th and 17th days, less often on the 21st. Everything is individual and depends on the breed of the pet.

Similar chapters from other books

Estrus. Peculiarities. Behavior.

Prolonged heat

Prolonged estrus Prolonged estrus is an endocrine functional disorder associated with morphological changes in the genital organs; characterized by an increase in the duration of the proestrum or estrus phase. Follicular cysts develop from

Estrus

Estrus An attentive and responsible owner always knows when the dog's next heat should begin, since it appears with a certain frequency. Be sure to take this advice: as soon as a little puppy appears in your house, immediately start a notebook,

Prolonged heat

ESTRUS

HEAT Puberty of females ends at 7-10 months of life. The maturation process depends on breed, nutrition, health and other factors. The instinct to breed (dogs in heat) appears approximately every 6 months (mating occurs at this time), usually in the spring and

Estrus. Peculiarities. Behavior

Estrus, mating and caring for a puppy

Estrus, mating and caring for a puppy bitch The period of estrus in a healthy, normally eating and working bitch most often occurs at the end of winter and summer, approximately every six months. This periodicity is sometimes disrupted, and estrus occurs 1–2 months earlier, especially if the bitch

Martin. Hidden threat

Martin. The Hidden Threat In my story about the Great Rocky Watcher, I missed one crucial moment that inevitably comes when the trainer needs to remove the muzzle from the dog being tamed for the first time. With Rocky it happened as if by itself - after all, for a moment

Owners must assist Caucasian Shepherds not only during mating, but also in preparation for the process. The seriousness of preparation cannot be underestimated. Otherwise, the correct development of dogs and their further use in breeding can be disrupted. Today we will tell you how to breed Caucasian Shepherds.

Step-by-step passage of heat

The entire animal cycle is divided into 4 stages:

1. Proestrus (or called proestrus). Duration 1-1.5 weeks. At this time, the process of blood circulation in the genital area increases significantly, the loop swells, and the first, initially scanty, bloody discharge appears. During this period, the dog is not yet ready for mating; ovulation has not yet occurred. But external signs are already evident - she becomes playful, may not obey the owner, and run away. When walking, he spends more time sniffing out the surroundings and constantly crouches down to leave marks. Males are already experiencing increased interest; when trying to copulate, the bitch growls and snarls.
2. Estrus (active sexual hunting). During this period of time, more precisely the first 2 days, the process of ovulation occurs. But the bitch can keep the gentlemen away for a few more days. A little later, when she sees a potential suitor, the female raises the back of her body, tightens the noose and moves her tail to the side to facilitate the penetration process. She freezes and patiently waits for action from the male dog. The discharge from the loop will vary; normally, the appropriate period for mating occurs when it is light pink or disappears completely. The vulva swells significantly.
3. Metaestrus (the final stage of estrus). The duration of this period is several days. The discharge stops, the noose returns to its previous size, and the bitch again does not allow gentlemen to approach her. If fertilization does not occur, then the female again becomes calm. The dog still experiences hormonal changes - the level of progesterone increases, which is not without reason called the pregnancy hormone. This happens regardless of whether the female becomes pregnant or not. This condition becomes the cause of such a phenomenon as false pregnancy, which mostly passes without outside help and consequences.
4. Anestrus (phase of sexual tranquility). The duration of this stage is approximately 100-150 days and allows the animal’s body to recover before the next heat.

The frequency of estrus varies among dogs due to several associated factors. For example, in domestic dogs it happens 2 times a year - in autumn and at the end of winter. Sometimes flow is limited to once a year.

Dogs that are kept outdoors, pets from the north, breed once a year in early spring to give birth to puppies in the warmer months.

Knitting partners correctly

Certain nuances

Knowing the physiological cycles of the bitch, you can plan the breeding day. Usually the dog is bred nine to twelve days after the start of estrus. During this period, the cervix opens and sperm can enter the mature egg. Since after the maturation of the egg the bitch is capable of fertilization within three days, as a safety net you can perform two or three matings in a row.

The bitch's body is individual, so to determine the exact day of mating, watch the dog's behavior - she herself will tell you when the right time comes. You can also take a smear from your pet’s vagina at a specialized clinic or undergo an ultrasound of the cervix.

But you shouldn’t think that you can marry any partners. Many factors can affect the knitting process.

Firstly, the hierarchy factor. Not every dog ​​with a weak character will be ready for mating with a dominant dog. The bitch may simply push him away or show aggression. Secondly, the sympathy factor. There are times when dogs simply cannot get along for reasons that only they understand. Thirdly, the factor of a weakly expressed estrus in a bitch is that it does not leave a strong odor.

If the first mating was unsuccessful due to some nuances, then it is better to postpone it until the next day. As a last resort, change your partner. For an inexperienced bitch, the best match will be a dominant male with experience; for a male dog for the first time, an experienced and calm bitch will be the best match.

Preparation for the process

The first thing you need to do is find a partner. For this purpose, you can contact nurseries or specialized clubs to select a pair, or submit a private advertisement in a newspaper or on a thematic Internet site. When you find a suitable partner, read his documents (pedigree, medical passport with notes on timely vaccinations and deworming), make sure he has no pathologies.

In turn, you must also provide all the necessary information, supported officially. Both male and female dogs must be allowed to breed. Don't forget to agree on the payment method to avoid conflict situations.

For mating to be successful, the animals must be absolutely healthy and not underweight or overweight. A month before mating, it is necessary to get the required vaccinations and get rid of worms. The owner of the bitch should have her tested for brucellosis, an infectious disease that can cause miscarriage or infertility.

On the planned day, it is best to feed the dogs about six hours before the event, and take a good walk a couple of hours before the start. Only a male dog can be washed with water; a female dog cannot be bathed, in order to avoid infection in the genitals.

Process description

Usually mating takes place on the male dog’s territory to make him feel calmer. There are two types of knitting:

• free (free);
• manual.

In any case, dogs must be bred in deserted and quiet places. Otherwise, the male’s protective instinct may kick in and he will begin to protect the bitch from others.

In the first case, a muzzle is put on the bitch and she is released into a separate room or enclosure. They give her time to get comfortable. Then they start the male dog. After acquaintance and courtship, the male mounts, and mating takes place naturally.

If the bitch is aggressive, or this is the first mating for one of the partners, then you need to use the manual method - the owners will have to participate and help. If the partner owners themselves do not have experience, then you can invite a specialist to help.

The bitch is put on a muzzle and a collar with a short leash. The owner must hold his pet tightly, especially when he gets a male. If the dog is vicious, then they put the same equipment on him. The owners should also give the partners time to get to know each other and sniff.

The owner of the bitch must sit on a pre-prepared chair and turn the dog's head towards him. If a male dog cannot mount in any way, then you need to help him. Remember that you basically guide the bitch: raise her belly and support her with your knee so that she does not sit down, move her genitals closer to the partner’s organs.

The male dog itself can be gently pushed, but no more. Touching the dog's genitals is strictly prohibited. This is fraught with consequences, from aggression on his part to complete refusal of mating. If a dog is tired, then his owner should take him out for a short walk and rest.

As soon as the male gets into the female's vagina, he will begin rhythmic movements. At this moment, the owner of the bitch should hold her as tightly as possible, not allowing her to twitch or sit down.

When the male is finished, he will not immediately be able to remove his penis from the bitch's vagina due to the blood flow to their genitals. This phenomenon is called “locking” and lasts from ten minutes to an hour. During this period, you cannot separate the partners until they do this on their own. Otherwise, injury may occur.

During the “lock”, for the male’s convenience, you can slowly turn him around if he has not done this himself. As soon as the dogs are free, they need to be separated into different rooms and given time to rest and clean water.

How was your dog's mating?

If the article was useful to you, please share it with your friends and please like it.

How to avoid mating

This question is most often asked by owners of dogs who do not plan to breed. But it is not alien to people who keep breeding dogs, because an unplanned mating will be an unpleasant surprise.

The main condition is to keep an eye on the dog while walking, do not let it off the leash and do not allow strangers to get too close.

You can purchase a special product at veterinary pharmacies or pet stores that eliminates the odor that attracts male dogs. It is used to treat the back of the pet’s body before each walk.

Care features

On the eve of the first estrus, the female may experience discharge from the loop, juvenile vaginitis containing a small amount of pus. There is no need to worry, this phenomenon is normal. Everything will return to normal as soon as the heat passes. If this does not happen, then it is worth undergoing an examination to identify various pathologies.

To make the estrus period more hygienic (especially for estrus in dogs kept in an apartment), you can purchase elastic panties for one-time use. They will prevent your dog from leaving bloody spots around the house. But still, you should not wear them all the time; veterinarians advise allowing the female to remove the discharge on her own by licking it.

During the first heat, the dog may not understand how to behave, so it is worth teaching it to remove spots. And to do this you need to remove carpets and rugs from the floor.

During the period of heat, the dog requires care:

• You should avoid long walks in winter to prevent your pet from catching a cold;
• There is no need to take her out to places where other dogs gather;
• Walks are strictly on a leash.

If suddenly it was not possible to prevent an unwanted mating, then it is forbidden to give the dog drugs to help terminate the pregnancy. This will cause significant health problems for the pet, which lead to infertility in the dog.

An important factor is keeping the dog during heat. If you do not plan to breed a dog and get puppies from her, at the first sign of estrus you need to start taking precautions:

• Keep a close eye on your dog while walking and avoid all contact with dogs of the opposite sex.
• Walk your dog on a short leash: even the most well-mannered and docile pet can run away during heat, not paying attention to any commands.
• Do not allow your dog to mate - it is impossible to separate the animals during intercourse.
• Do not take your dog while in heat to competitions or shows. This will cause anxiety among the male dogs present at the show. During heat, a dog does not respond well to commands and can be disobedient.

Laboratory diagnostics

During the period of estrus, the female’s entire body and her genitals prepare for coitus. The changes that occur can be recorded using laboratory tests.

Vaginal cytology

Examination of the vaginal epithelium is of diagnostic importance. During estrus, its thickness increases several times, and the surface cells become keratinized. This provides protection against infections and physical injury.

During proestrus, leukocytes, red blood cells and keratinized epithelial cells that have lost their nucleus will be visible in smears. At the time of estrus, red and white blood cells become single, and the keratinized epithelium predominates over all other cells.

For comparison, during the period between heats, a vaginal smear will contain cells from the middle layers of the epithelium: intermediate and parabasal. This is the so-called atrophic smear during a period of decreasing estrogen concentration in the body.

Determining the level of progesterone in the blood

When progesterone in the blood begins to prevail over estrogen, the dog ovulates. Blood donations for hormones begin 5 days after the start of estrus, every 2 days. Such analyzes help to find out the timing favorable for mating. Ovulation occurs when progesterone levels reach 5-10 ng/ml.

No heat

With good general health and the state of the reproductive and hormonal systems, the first estrus occurs at the established normal times and then repeats with a certain cyclical regularity. If the dog is older than 18 months, and the first heat has not come, you should consult a veterinarian to find out the reason for this delay.

Reasons for delay/absence of first heat:

• Poor living conditions, improper or insufficient feeding;
• Violation of hormonal regulation of the reproductive system;
• Congenital disorders in the development and structure of the genital organs;
• Ovarian dysfunction (hypofunction, lack of appropriate hormones during the appropriate period);
• Dysfunction of the pituitary gland and/or thyroid gland;
• Tumors and/or other neoplasms, cysts of the pelvic organs or on the ovaries;
• Endocrine pathologies;
• Chronic inflammatory processes in the uterus;
• Hermaphroditism (for example, when underdeveloped testes are found instead of ovaries).

How to avoid the difficulties of estrus

To cope with the symptoms of estrus in dogs, breeders and dog owners advise using drugs to regulate sexual heat.

Drugs from the CounterSex Neo brand are hormonal drugs for regulating sexual desire and preventing unwanted pregnancy in case of accidental mating.

Many breeders and dog owners use CounterSex Neo for the following reasons:

1. High efficiency. With the help of CounterSex Neo drugs, it is possible to effectively correct a dog’s behavior, solve problems of aggression, marks in dogs during heat; prevent unwanted pregnancy.
2. Safety. CounterSex Neo is a new generation bihormonal drug. The drug is safe due to the minimal content of 2 modern active ingredients.
3. Convenience. The drug CounterSex Neo is available in the form of drops and tablets. Each owner can choose the most comfortable form of the drug for his dog, in which it will be convenient for him to give the drug to the animal.

What should the owner of a bitch do during estrus?

The duration of estrus in a German Shepherd is about 3 weeks, but they can seem like an eternity to the owner. The level of training, upbringing and obedience of your beloved dog does not matter: when the heat begins, the German Shepherd goes crazy. The pet howls, whines, breaks from the leash, creatively sneaks out of the house, and flocks of “fans” are on duty at the entrance. Compliance with certain conditions helps to survive estrus without consequences.

Special panties

Heavy bleeding can be a big problem, especially if the dog climbs onto the sofa or bed. Wearing dog pants with a sanitary pad solves this problem. You can make them yourself, but industrial underpants fit better.

Walking mode

During sexual hunting, the dog is not allowed off the leash for even a minute, and for some individuals a muzzle will be needed in case of aggressive behavior towards other bitches. Avoid other dogs if possible. The pet should be walked by a person who is able to hold it by force if necessary.

Depending on how many times a day your shepherd is walked, a change in routine may be necessary during estrus. They walk more often than usual due to frequent urination.

Planning

The estrus period is an unfavorable time for transportation, exhibitions, and competitions. Such events will have to be cancelled. Vaccination is not advisable. Sterilization surgery is also not performed during estrus.

Use of medications

When there is a high concentration of stray dogs or visiting common walking areas, special sprays are used to attract less males:

• "Touchable" (Le Artis);
• “Flirting? No!" (BioVax);
• “True Friend” (Vergas Soft);
• Anticobelin (Himola);
• "No Love" (Beaphar);
• "Dog Stop Spray" (Canina).

The choice of such drugs is very wide. None of them are 100% effective, but according to reviews from owners, such a spray can be useful. It is often necessary to use natural sedatives for the bitch herself if she loses her appetite, constantly howls and is very nervous:

• Da-ba Relax Plus (Gi-Gi);
• Fitex (AVZ);
• Cat Bayun (Veda).

But the use of hormonal drugs in shepherds is best avoided, since they have significant side effects.

Observation by a veterinarian

The owner should know how long his dog's normal heat lasts. Any deviations from usual behavior during this period, or changes in the nature of discharge, are a cause for concern. If your shepherd doesn't go into heat, it could be a sign of uterine inflammation, an ovarian cyst, or another reproductive organ disorder. Then you need to contact a veterinary center, where it is possible to do an ultrasound and undergo tests.