Estrus in dogs:

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The female puppy sweetie quickly becomes a pretty, mature lady. There is something inevitable about a dog’s growing up that every owner should be aware of. A dog's estrus is a natural process, indicating that the female puppy has already become an adult and can take part in mating and bearing puppies herself. We invite you to learn more about what estrus is in dogs and what owners can do about it.

What is estrus

To understand how to behave with a dog during heat, you need to know more about its physiology. Estrus (estrus, mating, heat) is a natural process. This is only the specificity of the organism, indicating the possibility of having offspring. It is during this period that bitches clearly manifest their desire to communicate with male dogs, which, as a logical result, leads her to pregnancy.

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Stages of sexual hunting

Let us consider in detail what stages estrus consists of.

1. Proestrus (pre-temperature) lasts from 7 to 10 days. Blood flows to the genitals, causing the vulva to gradually swell. At this time, the owner notices the first bleeding. This is not the time for mating, but only the initial period of preparing the body for it.

Behavior changes: increased excitability, the dog either plays or begins to obey poorly. On the street he makes marks with urine. Flirting with males ends with her growling and jumping away.

2. Estrus (rutting). In the very first days from the beginning of this stage, ovulation occurs, but the bitch can also allow males in for several days after this.

The characteristics of discharge in different breeds of dogs at the third stage may differ. In any case, it is considered normal if the color of the discharge when ready for mating is light pink. The discharge may stop, but the vulva will be very swollen.

The female willingly allows the males to approach, “greeting” them by raising her pelvis and pulling up the loop with her tail retracting and typical freezing.

3. The duration of metaestrus is several days. At this time, the heat begins to stop. The reddish discharge ends, the loop becomes smaller, and males are no longer of interest.

If pregnancy does not occur, the body returns to its normal state. It is important to understand that during metaestrus, the “pregnancy hormone” (progesterone) remains elevated, and fertilization may not have occurred. This can lead to a false pregnancy.

4. Anestrus is called sexual dormancy. The period lasts from 100 to 150 days.

For the first time

The very first time the heat does not last long, subsequent times will be longer, but there is a risk of getting pregnant the first time. Veterinarians and breeders recommend breeding with male dogs no earlier than 3 times, as soon as the body has completed its formation by this time.

Dog's first heat

The first time a dog feels sexual desire is after it replaces its milk teeth with permanent ones. Depending on the breed and size, this occurs between 6 and 13 months .

Signs and symptoms

It is not difficult even for an inexperienced dog breeder to understand when a female dog begins to heat.

Dog behavior before heat

The typical behavior of your beloved four-legged girl changes after 6 months, and becomes characteristic before each heat:

A previously obedient dog stops responding to usual commands, looks irritated or overly affectionate;
Appetite often disappears, and an aggressive reaction to female dogs and a clear interest in male dogs are indicative.

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Dog behavior during heat

The appearance of physiological symptoms is very indicative of the onset of estrus:

The animal often begins to run to the toilet, and bloody discharge is noticeable in the urine;
Enlargement of the genital loop, its swelling and the release of mucus and blood from it;
If you touch the dog’s body, it will begin to move its tail to the side or may freeze, raising its pelvis;
Heavy shedding may begin.

Hemometra

Hemometra is a pathological condition in which a significant amount of blood accumulates in the uterine cavity and is then released into the external environment. This occurs as a result of blows, bruises or trauma to the abdominal and pelvic areas. This phenomenon can develop after a pathological birth or a fall from a height.

The dog quickly weakens, the inner surface of the ears and mucous membranes become anemic, and the animal may experience convulsions. Heavy bleeding with a hemometer poses a threat to the dog’s life and therefore requires immediate medical intervention.

Female's first heat

The difference between a dog’s first heat cycle and the others is that it is not as obvious as the others. If you don't look closely at the animal, you might miss it altogether.

The period from 6 to 12 months is considered the time of the first emptying. It’s rare, but it happens when a dog’s first period falls at 1.5-2 years.

In terms of time, the first estrus often lasts less than subsequent ones, even the discharge is not so abundant. The dog’s changed behavior should serve as a guide: this cannot be missed, even though pregnancy is undesirable, it can still occur.

Dog handlers recommend not putting protective panties on a girl during her first heat: the dog must learn to lick itself.

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Periodicity of estrus

We found out how many days dogs go into heat, now let’s talk about how many times a year estrus occurs.

Typically, sexual estrus in an adult female occurs twice a year. While the animal is growing, the frequency may vary. Living conditions also matter: a dog that lives on the street (yard, enclosure) may come into heat once a year.

In a service dog, this phenomenon also most often happens once a year: this frequency is influenced by training and a lot of physical activity.

In domestic girls, estrus occurs twice a year, more often in autumn or late winter; in dogs living in the north, the process starts once a year, in early spring.

Please note that for shepherd dogs and Rottweilers, emptying takes place once every 4 months.

If the period between the end and the beginning of menstruation lasts more than 8 months or less than four, you should consult a veterinarian, this is a deviation.

FAQ

On what day of heat should a dog be bred?

This indicator is individual for each individual. The optimal period is considered to be 9-13 days. Breeders keep a calendar and calculate the best day for mating empirically.

Is it possible to spay a dog during heat or should I wait until it is over?

There is no clear answer to this question. This should be answered by a veterinarian. The doctor must take into account the dog’s health status and the presence of medical contraindications.

Can a dog get pregnant without being in heat?

Of course not. A pregnancy that is unexpected for the animal’s owners is the result of an estrus that went unnoticed.

What should you do if your dog has swollen mammary glands after estrus?

Immediately show the animal to the doctor, he will be able to make a diagnosis. A symptom usually has two causes. The first is that fertilization has passed and pregnancy has occurred. The second is false pupishness.

How many times do dogs come into heat per year? What frequency is considered normal?

In veterinary medicine, a frequency of 1-2 times a year is considered conventionally normal. The indicator is individual.

Do spayed dogs go into heat?

If a sterilization operation is performed (without removing the reproductive organs), then the dog remains in estrus. If castration (ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy) was performed, there should be no heat. The presence of bloody discharge after castration is a bad sign.

Until what age do dogs go into heat? At what age does this process stop?

Dogs do not have menopause; the estrous cycle continues throughout their lives. But, veterinarians and professional breeders believe that all dogs over 7 years of age must be sterilized with complete removal of the uterus and ovaries. Pregnancy and childbirth in dogs older than 7 years is a big risk and burden on the animal’s body.

We have a Labrador Retriever. The girl is not sterilized. The last heat was a little over a year ago. Why hasn't my dog been in heat for a year?

You did not specify the age of the pet. In older pets (over 8 years old), estrus may occur less frequently and less intensely. A delay in young females indicates problems.

Is it possible to worm a dog during heat?

You can deworm and treat for external parasites without any restrictions. The only thing that cannot be done is vaccination.

Is it possible to wash a dog during heat?

There are two opinions on this matter. Some veterinarians believe that water procedures are completely contraindicated. The latter do not see the need to refuse the owners. They allow pets to be bathed. The only thing they are unanimous about is that you shouldn’t let your dog into open, cold water. There is a risk of infection and inflammation of the genitourinary system.

How to walk a bitch during heat?

The frequency of walking does not change. Where there are no or few other dogs. The leash is short. Excessive physical activity is not allowed. Before going outside, it is recommended to treat your dog with a spray that neutralizes the smell of a female dog in heat.

What to do if your dog doesn't eat after being in heat?

Lack of appetite after estrus may indicate serious problems with the reproductive system. Be sure to take your dog to the vet.

Does your dog have white discharge after being in heat? What to do?

White discharge, discharge of any other color (brown, green) is an indication for a visit to the veterinary clinic. Call a specialist immediately to your home if the discharge has a strong odor.

What time of year is it most common for dogs to go into heat?

Street pets usually go for walks with the arrival of spring. There is no such pattern for pets.

Duration of estrus in dogs

The average duration of estrus in dogs is about three weeks. This average is suitable for dogs of large and small breeds. It is best to keep a calendar yourself, in which the duration will be visible - this will allow you to accurately determine the onset of a dangerous phase.

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In small breeds

The onset of sexual maturity for small breed dogs can occur at 6-9 months with a menstrual period of 10-15 days. Pekings, Yorkies and Chihuahuas will have this duration.

Discharge in small breed dogs is more intense, so it makes sense to buy panties

In large and medium breeds

Owners of large-breed bitches should expect a longer duration of emptying, and its onset at an older age. In medium breeds it begins at 10-15 months with a duration of 21-22 days, in large breeds at 12-24 months with a duration of 22-30 days.

Caring for a dog during heat

During this period, the dog is more vulnerable to many infections: it should not be overcooled and should not be allowed to interact with other animals. Walks should become shorter, and it is better to walk only on a leash.

If the behavior is restless, there is lethargy, the dog is whining, you should carefully palpate the belly. If there is discomfort, the dog will yelp. You need to give an antispasmodic and consult a veterinarian.

During a dog’s period, you should remove rugs from the carpet and you will have to teach your pet not to sit on textiles. You need to train it from the very beginning - during periods of heat the dog can be disobedient.

If the behavior is completely uncontrollable, then you should walk the animal more often. This approach will help reduce aggressive mood and improve your mood. If the season is cold, then you need to insulate your pet with overalls.

You can correct behavior by giving the dog a sedative that is safe for its body. It is best to consult a specialist for advice on choosing such a remedy - there are allergic reactions to incorrectly selected drugs or when the dosage is exceeded.

You should not walk your dog in heat without a leash; walking in places where males gather is especially not recommended.

Is it possible to bathe a dog during heat?

The question of whether it is worth washing a dog during heat comes to the mind of any responsible owner. It is worth knowing that the benefit of this at this time is doubtful.

You should also not allow your pet to splash in the river - the loop is not covered tightly, the infection gets inside without any problems.

Endometritis

The causes of endometritis (inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus) are:

hormonal imbalances;
false pregnancy;
penetration of pathogenic microflora from the vagina into the uterus;
pathological childbirth;
freezing of the fetus.

The wall of the uterus thickens, becomes inflamed, and begins to produce serous or purulent exudate. Bleeding occurs when the integrity of the blood vessels of the mucous membrane is disrupted as a result of the formation of erosions and cracks on it. Along with heavy bleeding with endometritis, the following is observed:

deterioration in the general condition of the animal;
increase in body temperature (with purulent form);
frequent urination;
difficulty breathing and palpitations;
vomit.

With chronic endometritis, the estrus period may increase.

Anti-estrus medications in dogs

There is such a solution as drug intervention. There are medications for dog estrus: hormonal ones disrupt the process, and non-hormonal ones reduce sexual arousal and desire.

Hormonal drugs against estrus

These products are designed to interrupt and prevent estrus. Uncontrolled use is unacceptable, as is constant use. Only a veterinarian prescribes such tablets according to a strict administration regimen.

After the cessation of action, the animal’s natural estrous cycle is restored. This approach cannot in any way be called an alternative to sterilization. The recommendations will definitely say about caution in the use of such medications, since there is always a risk of complications.

Hormonal medication is a reversible contraception, but this solution can only be used in certain cases. For example, the empty space occurs during a move or other unsuitable time for the owners. This is a convenient way of canine contraception when competitions or a long trip are coming up. The veterinarian also prescribes a hormonal drug for some medicinal purposes.

Attention, if estrus has already begun, then taking a hormonal drug is unacceptable

Now let's look at medications that prevent estrus:

Kovinar

(Netherlands). This is contraception in the form of injections, which is prescribed both to prevent pregnancy and to treat false pregnancy. It works due to the steroid hormone. The cost varies between 1850-2250 rubles.

Sex Control

(Russia). Tablets or drops act on the basis of the hormonal substance megestrol acetate. The remedy must be prescribed by a veterinarian, calculating the dosage and course of administration. Tablets cost about 130 rubles, and drops (5 ml) cost 100-120 rubles.

Sex Barrier

(Russia). Canine contraceptive in the form of drops or tablets to interrupt sexual heat and normalize the animal’s behavior. Tablets cost 160-175 rubles, and drops (3 ml) cost 240-255 rubles.

Stop Intimate
Api San
(Russia). Thanks to this drug in the form of tablets, the female's sexual desire is regulated. The medicine costs about 180-200 rubles.

CounterSex Neo

(Russia). The contraceptive is available in tablets and drops and is intended to suppress reproductive function and regulate sexual desire. Drops (2 ml) cost 130-140 rubles, tablets 75-85 rubles.

You should carefully read the instructions, especially the section with contraindications

Owners should understand that the hormonal drug can have a side effect: the mammary glands may swell, lethargy, apathy appear, appetite increases, obesity, and sexual pathologies occur.

Drugs that reduce sexual arousal

The drugs are not intended to stop estrus, but taking them significantly reduces the bitch's arousal. Thus, the empty space is transferred much easier and calmer.

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Hormone Balancer Flower Essence Drops

(Australia). A drug based on herbal ingredients costs about 2650-2720 rubles.

Da-ba Relax Plus

(Latvia). The product will calm the nervous system, preventing the dog from experiencing stress. The price is about 500 rubles per package.

Stop Stress Api San

(Russia). The drops reduce sexual arousal and cost 250-265 rubles.

There are products that neutralize the odor, which leads to a decrease in interest from male dogs. This is Canina Dog-Stop Spray (Germany), Anticobelin. (Russia), DOG STOP FORTE (Germany).

A folk remedy - a concentrated decoction of bay leaves - also neutralizes the smell of heat.

Until what age does sexual estrus last in females?

The female's estrous cycle does not stop throughout her life. In older bitches, signs of heat may be less pronounced and occur less frequently. However, the dog retains reproductive capacity. Therefore, the owner needs to keep an eye on the animal: walk the pet on a leash, keep male dogs away, and use means of protection against unwanted mating.

The complete cessation of estrus in an “aged” female indicates the presence of pathologies of the thyroid gland or genitourinary system.

Problems during and after heat

Estrus in dogs is always quite problematic for their owners: behavior, moods, discharge, consequences of mating, which may be unplanned. At this time, your beloved dog can ruin textiles with its secretions, so some people limit the pet’s ability to move around the house or put special panties on it.

It is not recommended to carry out routine vaccination during estrus; it is recommended to wait until it ends.

Unwanted pregnancy

Purity of the breed is always important for breeding. Unwanted pregnancy, which occurs due to the inattention of the owners during estrus, is eliminated with abortive drugs or surgery. If there are indications for surgery, the matter is serious. In this not very rosy option, the uterus has to be removed, so the dog will be unsuitable for breeding.

False pupishness

It happens that the pet was not bred, but all the signs of pregnancy are obvious. The veterinarian will tell you that all such changes were caused by an excess of progesterone. Treatment requires a competent approach; it rarely goes away on its own. Without treatment, mastitis or pyometra may develop.

Excessive attention from male dogs

It is not always in the owner's plans to breed a bitch. Therefore, extreme caution is needed when your dog is in heat. You definitely can’t let an animal off a leash, even if your pet seems calm and obedient. In an instant, at such a difficult time, she can stop obeying and is able to run away from the owner towards a flock of males.

In general, it is advisable to choose streets for walking where there are no concentrations of males. The possibility of a cage cannot be ruled out, and after that it will be impossible to separate the couple. The situation is serious, because it happens that if a bitch is small, a large dog can cause her serious harm.

Exhibitions and festivals are always full of dogs of both sexes. There is also the possibility of an unplanned mating. It’s not worth mentioning that it’s even strange to take a dog with such outbursts of mood in heat to a show.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely exclude interest in a female dog in heat. A number of manufacturers have responded to this problem and are offering products to partially eliminate the odor. The consequence will be a decrease in male interest in the bitch.

The domestic ones (BioVax), “True Friend”, “Antikobelin” (Himola) and the “Touch-me-not” spray from Le Artis are worthy of attention.

It is naive to believe that the smell will disappear completely and without a trace. The female's natural scent is still so strong that free range will attract males, although to a lesser extent. For example, a male from a distant territory simply will not smell it.

It is not safe to keep a male and female dog in the same room or enclosure during all stages of heat. If there are no other options, then during this troublesome time you will need to prepare more special panties. They must be properly fixed on the female’s body - this will prevent prohibited mating from happening. Be sure to spray the girl with spray. This way the smell will become less intense, and it will ease the boy’s agitated state.

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For males, a sedative is also provided to help them survive such a period with their female neighbor. The feasibility of such funds is discussed with a specialist.

It is best to separate the animals during the emptying period by placing them in different rooms or enclosures. If there is an option for fostering a dog, you should not refuse this method of separating pets of different sexes.

An unplanned pregnancy is fraught with serious harm to the animal’s life. With a large father and a small mother, she simply will not be able to give birth to puppies herself. A caesarean section is unlikely to be included in the owners’ plans, but they will have to resort to it.

Unplanned mating can lead to inflammation of the uterus - endometritis and pyometra, and a number of sexually transmitted infections. The result is often infertility.

Treatment

Menstrual irregularities in dogs are a very alarming sign, especially when it comes to prolonged sexual activity. This is always an indicator of hormonal imbalance.

If you have time to notice that something is wrong and contact you immediately, then treatment will consist only of taking hormonal drugs to level out the background. However, in most cases, during a failure, an infection manages to develop. If it is not very serious, then an antibacterial will be added to the hormonal course.

Throughout the entire treatment period, the blood condition is constantly monitored. If the test results show a low level of leukocytes or CO, then a decision is made on emergency surgery.

In most cases, veterinarians insist on complete castration, removing both the ovaries and the uterus. However, if the process is not too advanced, then you can get by with only one ovary and maintain fertility.