Estrus in dogs: how long does it last, how to care for it, signs and symptoms

Estrus in dogs (estrus, mating, heat) is a natural process, indicating that the female has matured physiologically. The onset of estrus is a signal that the bitch is ready for mating, and her reproductive system is fully formed. Owners of bitches must keep this process under control in order to promptly protect their dog from unwanted mating or organize a productive planned mating . What do all dog owners need to know about the estrus process? How does it go and how long does it take? How to help your pet? Why is my dog not in heat? What types of canine contraception exist? You will find answers to all these questions in our material.

When does a dog go into heat?

There is no exact time for the first estrous cycle (estrus) - each individual experiences the first estrus individually.

Average age – 6-24 months.
Small and miniature breeds – 6-9 months.
Large and giant breeds – 13-24 months.

Owners do not always notice this phenomenon. For the first time, many animals experience a “hidden emptying”. The heat passes quickly, unnoticed, with minor discharge from the loop, which does not have time to attract the attention of the opposite sex. However, you cannot relax and let the situation take its course - mating and pregnancy may occur .

False heat

“False estrus” is a phenomenon when a young female shows external signs of estrus, but does not ovulate. This is not dangerous to the pet's health. Usually, a few days after the “false” one, real estrus occurs (with ovulation).

Important!
Estrus is not permission to breed. Veterinarians allow dogs that have reached 15 months of age. In the first cycle, mating is not carried out. The most successful mating period is the third cycle.

How many days does a dog go into heat?

The period of active sexual hunting lasts on average from 12 to 21 days. During this period, males react to the female. The female is receptive to the opposite sex for about half of this time - 9-10 days.

The length of this period varies widely among different breeds of dogs. But it can also vary greatly within a breed. There are bitches who go into heat for several days, and there are those in whom this period reaches 4 weeks. Each dog has this meaning individually.

As often happens

The frequency of estrus depends on several factors:

dog breeds;
age;
conditions of its detention;
size.

Thus, dogs that are kept outside usually bleed once a year in early spring. This is laid down by nature so that the dog has time to bear and give birth to offspring in the warm season. Estrus also occurs in dogs of “northern” breeds: Siberian husky, husky, Samoyed, Alaskan malamute, etc.

Pets usually bleed once in the fall, and again at the very end of winter. Miniature and small dog breeds go into heat twice a year. The interval between cycles is 6 months. In older bitches, the intervals between heats lengthen, and the signs become blurred, almost imperceptible.

We have already said that it is important to keep an estrus diary, noting each heat, in order to control this process . If the interval between cycles becomes too short (less than 4 months) or there is a significant delay (more than 9-10 months), you need to take the dog to the veterinarian. Such deviations from the norm may indicate the presence of hormonal problems and require treatment.

Owner actions

Depending on the cause and accompanying symptoms, the owner’s behavior differs.

If your pet is still very young and just starting out on the path of reproduction, going through the estrus cycle for the first time, do not rush to sound the alarm. Watch for accompanying signs.

In a special journal, write down the start day, end date, manifestations, their intensity and the duration of the break. If by the age of 2 years or after mating the calendar does not reach acceptable standards, contact a veterinarian and undergo an ultrasound examination of the genital organs.

Owners of older animals whose number of empty nests has suddenly increased should not hesitate to investigate.

Signs and symptoms

The very first symptom that owners of bitches usually notice is bloody discharge from the vagina (loop). But, this discharge usually appears a few days after the start of estrus. The intensity of this discharge varies from dog to dog.

An attentive owner knows how to understand that his pet is going into heat before drops of blood appear. During this period, the dog’s hormonal levels change dramatically – this pushes the pet to behave more freely.

Signs that indicate your dog is in heat:

Changes in behavior. The dog becomes more playful, nervous, active and stops obeying the owner. May become aggressive.
The dog urinates more often. May urinate in inappropriate places. There is uncontrollable urination. Urine contains pheromones that attract male dogs.
Appetite decreases or increases.
Increase in body temperature by 0.5°C.
The dog constantly whines and asks to go for a walk.
A dog constantly sniffs while walking; it may seem like it is following a scent.
During a walk, males show more attention to the dog. Bitches flirt with them.
The vulva swells and produces blood. Characteristic bloody drops appear on the floor and bedding.
An unpleasant odor appears in the dog's genital area.
The dog constantly licks itself under its tail.
Some dogs shed before going into heat.

In the first days of the estrous period, females do not allow male dogs to approach them, show aggression towards them, and may bite them. Their body is not yet ready for mating. After 10-15 days, the color and structure of the discharge changes - they become mucous and yellowish-transparent. The dog's loop during this period is significantly enlarged. During this period, the female is ready for mating; she stands in a position convenient for mating and moves her tail.

This most suitable time for mating lasts on average 5-7 days . The owner must closely monitor the dog and note any changes in the diary. This is necessary to carry out mating if the owner is interested in this or to prevent unwanted mating.

What is canine estrus, or estrus?

Estrus, estrus or mating is a physiological process that occurs at a certain moment in the female body. The first menstruation indicates puberty and readiness to reproduce.

Sexual heat is accompanied by bleeding from the external genitalia and noticeable changes in the behavior of the bitch. Features depend on the breed, living conditions, hormone levels and age of the female.

How does estrus work in dogs?

Let's take a closer look at the entire estrous cycle of a dog; it consists of four phases (stages).

Stages of the estrous cycle:

Proestrus (precursor) . The duration of the period is 7-15 days. On average - 9. The first signs of estrus appear. The vulva swells and begins to bleed. The dog often urinates, flirts with male dogs, but does not allow them to approach him. The dog becomes nervous, active, and stops following commands. During this period, the follicles develop, estrogen levels rise to a maximum, but ovulation has not yet occurred. The bitch is not ready for mating.
Estrus (sexual hunting) . The egg matures and is released from the ovary. The female becomes favorable towards males. The period is ideal for mating. It lasts on average 9 days, but in different individuals it can last from 4 to 24 days. In the first days of estrus, the bitch may not allow male dogs to approach her. But, after a while, she herself looks for mating, lifts her tail, stands in a position convenient for mating, and waits for a male. The vulva is still enlarged, but softer. Discharge from the loop becomes less colored and mucous. The dog's hormonal background changes - estrogen levels drop, and progesterone increases.
Metaestrus (interestrus, diestrus) . Sexual hunting ends, the uterus returns to its natural state. In place of the burst follicle, the corpus luteum develops, the level of progesterone increases, and the uterus is waiting for the embryo. Females lose interest in the opposite sex. The duration of the period is from 60 to 90 days. Pregnancy or “false pregnancy” is possible.
Anestrus (rest) . Occurs in the absence of fertilization. Duration – 3-5 months. The bitch's body rests and recovers before a new cycle.

Important!
Owners of show-class pets should not allow dogs in heat to attend shows - this will distract other exhibitors.

Deviations from the norm

Estrus is the phase of the cycle when the female ovulates and begins to estrus. At this time, the female is ready to mate. In estrus, animals are mated; the male and female are brought together for mating.

The onset of estrus after 3 months indicates a disease of the reproductive system or a hormonal disorder.

The inflammatory process in the uterus is caused by pyometra disease. A purulent inflammation forms in the uterus, a bloody discharge begins, which is incorrectly taken as a sign of estrus. The disease is eliminated by surgery. Delay in surgery can cause intoxication, peritonitis and death of the dog.

There are diseases in which estrogen in the blood increases, which disrupts the cycle. Unscheduled estrus is caused by endometritis, polycystic ovary syndrome, hyperplasia of the vaginal mucosa, tumors on the uterus and ovaries. Diagnosis is carried out in a veterinary clinic using ultrasound and laboratory tests.

A disturbance in the hormonal system can be identified by an endocrinologist. To find the cause, you will need to donate blood for testing.

A veterinarian should be contacted if estrus lasts more than 30 days. A prolonged critical period is a sign of the same diseases.

If the pet has not reached 2 years of age, then a split empty space is possible. The first stage of emptying begins, is interrupted, and resumes after a few days. With physiological maturity, this problem resolves itself.

The owner should not try to correct the pet's cycle with hormonal drugs without the participation of a veterinarian. Do not overuse chemicals to block estrus symptoms. Drugs for regulating sexual heat contain a synthetic hormone that causes surges in estrogen. This leads to inflammation of the uterus and ovaries and the development of cancer.

How to help a dog in heat

The owner of a bitch should know what he can do for his dog during this difficult period for her. Be able to protect her from unwanted activity of male dogs, know methods of contraception, and help with mating.

The owner should devote more time and attention to the dog during this period . You need to talk to her more, show tenderness, and comb her. It is important to spend more time with your pet, initiate active games, and take more walks in places where there are no crowds of dogs. Run with it, throw away a stick or Frisbee - this will help you release pent-up energy and relax. For the same purpose, you can use sedatives from a veterinary pharmacy.

Anti-estrus medications

There are two types of drugs used in veterinary medicine:

hormonal, disrupting estrus;
non-hormonal, reducing the pet’s libido and arousal.

Hormonal drugs to stop estrus

Drugs in this group interrupt and prevent estrus. But, they cannot be used uncontrollably and constantly, like contraceptives. Only a veterinarian should prescribe hormonal medications. They are introduced according to the scheme. Once the drugs wear off, dogs go through a natural estrous cycle. These products are not an alternative to sterilization. They are used with caution due to the high risk of complications .

This method of reversible contraception is recommended for use in isolated cases when the estrous cycle falls at an inconvenient time for the owners. Most often it is done to dogs during foster care, before exhibitions, competitions or while traveling. Sometimes hormonal drugs are prescribed for medicinal purposes. Hormonal drugs are not used if estrus has already occurred.

Drugs that stop estrus:

Kovinar (Netherlands). Injectable contraceptive to prevent estrus and treat false pregnancy. The active ingredient of the drug (prolygestone) is a steroid hormone. This substance suppresses the production of sex hormones in the bitch. Price: 20 ml. – from 1800 to 2200 rub.
Sex Control (Russia). Domestic contraceptive in tablets and drops. The active ingredient of the drug is the hormonal substance megestrol acetate. Prescribed to female dogs to delay and interrupt estrus. Prescribed by a veterinarian. Dosage is calculated by weight. Course admission required. Price: pack of 10 tablets. – 120 rub.; drops 5 ml. – 115 rub.
Sex Barrier (Russia). A drug with a contraceptive effect. Available in drops and tablet form. Interrupts sexual heat and normalizes the dog's behavior. Price: pack of 10 tablets. – 170 rub.; drops 3 ml. – 245 rub.
Stop Intimate Api San (Russia). Hormonal agent for regulating sexual desire. Available in tablet form. It is given orally to female dogs to delay or interrupt estrus. Price: pack of 12 tablets. – 190 rub.
CounterSex Neo (Russia). Veterinary contraceptive pills and drops. Inhibits reproductive function, regulates sexual desire. Use orally as prescribed by a veterinarian. Price: bottle 2 ml. – 128 rub., pack of 10 tablets. – 77 rub.
EKS-5 and EKS-7.5 (Russia). An effective remedy for suppressing ovulation, correcting behavior and suppressing sexual desire. The composition of the drugs is identical, differing only in the dosage of the active substance (megestrol acetate). Price: 5 ml bottle. – 280 rub., pack of 10 tablets. – 105 rub.
Pillkan 5 (France). A drug with an antiovulation effect is prescribed for a one-time cessation of estrus or its delay. Has a hormonal basis. Available in the form of sugar cubes, which are dissolved in food or water or given by hand. Price: pack 8 cu. – 550 rub.
Ovostop (Russia). The new generation contraceptive is available in the form of drops on the withers in pipettes. Suppresses the onset of ovulation, corrects behavior. Price: pack 2 pip. – 315 rub.

Contraindications

Like all hormonal drugs, contraceptives for dogs have contraindications:

Lactation period.
Pregnancy.
Neoplasms (benign and malignant).
Diabetes.
Pathologies of the genitourinary system.
Urolithiasis disease.
First heat.
Diseases of the mammary glands and genital organs.
Concomitant use with corticosteroids is prohibited.

Side effect of hormonal drugs

You need to take hormonal contraceptives according to the regimen prescribed by your veterinarian. During treatment, the dog must be shown to a doctor in order to determine therapeutic effectiveness and timely detection of side effects.

Swelling of the mammary glands.
Lethargy and apathy.
Increased appetite.
Obesity.
Development of pathologies of the genital area.
Decreased immunity to sexually transmitted infections.

Important!
It is unacceptable to give dogs drugs of this group, based on reviews from owners and data from free sources. Hormonal medications should be prescribed by a veterinarian.

Drops, tablets and suspensions to reduce sexual arousal

Drugs in this group do not stop estrus. They reduce the dog’s emotional arousal and help the animal survive this period more easily and calmly.

Means to reduce sexual arousal:

Hormone Balancer Flower Essence Drops (Australia). The best herbal preparation for eliminating behavioral disorders of a hormonal nature: estrus, false pregnancy, postpartum condition. Price: bottle 25 ml. – 2700 rub.
Da-ba Relax Plus (Latvia). A sedative improves the functioning of the nervous system. Helps the dog survive stress during estrus. Price: pack of 30 tablets. – 450 rub.
Stop Stress Api San (Russia). Drops to reduce sexual arousal and correct dog behavior. Price: bottle 15 ml. – 260 rub.

How to discourage male dogs from the current female

To reduce the interest of male dogs in a walking bitch, you can use veterinary agents to neutralize the odor.

Remedies to reduce the interest of male dogs during heat:

Canina Dog-Stop Spray (Germany). The spray is sprayed onto the dog's backside, tail and thighs. Repeat the treatment twice a day: morning and evening. The spray effectively stops the odor emanating from a female dog in heat. Stops unwanted advances from male dogs. Price: bottle 100 ml. – 1050 rub.
Antikobelin. (Russia). Deodorizing spray that removes the smell of bitches in heat. Twice a day you need to treat the dog's tail, hind legs, and perineum. Price: bottle 150 ml. – 180 rub.
DOG STOP FORTE (Germany). Dragee to reduce the specific odor of a bitch during heat. Herbal preparation. During estrus, daily intake is necessary. Price: pack of 60 tablets – 1200 rub.

Important!
If you do not have the opportunity to buy drugs to neutralize the smell of the bitch, use a proven folk remedy - a concentrated decoction of bay leaves. You can use any eau de parfum for the same purpose.

How to discourage male dogs

It will not be possible to completely get rid of male dogs’ interest in a bitch. However, you can significantly reduce the risk of “suitors” appearing from afar and reduce the number of harassment using special effective means.

How to get rid of the smell of heat in a dog:

spray “Flirting? No!" from BioVax;
spray "Antikobelin" (manufacturer Himol Russia);
“Touchable” from Le Artis;
"True friend";
Canina Dog-Stop (made in Germany);
Dog Stop Forte (Germany) – plant-based pills to reduce the unpleasant odor emitted.

Sprays are sprayed on the dog's rear area, tail, paws, crotch, and lower abdomen. The product is completely safe for the animal if it begins to lick the fur and genitals. Number of treatments – 2 times a day, morning and evening.

On a note! A concentrated decoction of bay leaves, which you can prepare at home yourself, eliminates the smell of a dog's heat.

Features of caring for a bitch in heat

During their first heat, dogs may not be careful and leave bloody spots everywhere. If the dog does not lick itself thoroughly, you can put on special hygiene panties for the first time. They resemble baby panties and are sold in pet stores. But you shouldn’t abuse wearing panties - it’s important that the dog immediately gets used to licking itself. For the same purpose, it is recommended to remove carpets in the house.

Features of caring for a dog during heat:

Walk your dog on a leash throughout the entire period of heat. It is advisable to abandon the roulette leash at this time and switch to a short leash.
Walk in places where there are no males or other females. Females become aggressive and may behave inappropriately towards dogs of both sexes.
Limit walking outside in cold weather. The current bitch's body is susceptible to hypothermia and infections.
Do not allow your dog to swim in ponds. During the period of estrus, the animal's vulnerability to the genitourinary system increases.
You cannot approach male dogs even on a leash. Mating can happen in a matter of seconds.

How to ensure cleanliness

The issue of hygiene is one of the most important during the estrous cycle. A walking female will leave blood stains on the floor, furniture, and carpets. What should owners do to ensure cleanliness?

Remove all fabric and carpeting from the floor.
Cover all the upholstered furniture on which the dog is used to lying and sleeping with old towels or blankets. There is no need to drive the dog away from these places - this will negatively affect its psyche.
Carry out daily wet cleaning. It is advisable to remove stains as they arise.
Use special underpants for dogs.

Briefs for heat

The pet industry offers many models of pet panties of varying quality and size. Panties help keep the house clean and protect the animal from bacteria and infections. The product is convenient because it can be worn at home, on a walk, or while traveling on public transport. Wearing underpants during emptying is especially important for pets sleeping in the owner's bed.

Types of panties:

disposable (diapers);
reusable fabric (with a pocket for padding).

pros:

protect furniture and floor surfaces from stains;
interfere with random mating;
protect against infections and bacteria.

Minuses:

cannot be worn constantly;
not all pets can relieve themselves in them;
dogs may experience discomfort.

Mechanism of prolonged estrus

If we consider prolonged estrus from a medical point of view, this process is associated with an excess of estrogen hormones. Such a violation negatively affects the functions of the reproductive organs, provokes the development of chronic endometritis, cystic endometrial hyperplasia, vaginal mucosa, and can also significantly increase the emptying period.

Excessively prolonged estrus is considered an endocrine functional disorder that is associated with changes in the morphology of the organs of the reproductive system.

What to do if your dog doesn't want to mate

If your plans include breeding, find out what to do if the dog does not want to mate.

The first piece of advice is to contact a kennel club or professional breeders. There are knitting instructors there. The specialist will explain how you can help the dog or do everything himself.

The owner can independently help his girl like this:

Choose the right day for mating.
Put a muzzle on your dog or tie a scarf over its muzzle.
Place your thigh under the bitch's belly and turn her towards the dog. Hold your dog by the collar.
Secure the dog and tuck its muzzle under your armpit.
Help the male dog during boarding. You can lift the loop by placing your hand under the dog's belly.

The main signs of excessively prolonged estrus

Most often, the owner himself begins to notice that something is wrong with his dog:

sexual desire lasts longer than usual;
lesions appear on the skin;
pseudolactation develops;
Discharge is oozing from the loop, although all the normal periods of estrus have passed.

Boxer and small poodle breeds are considered to be the most prone to prolonged estrus. When undergoing diagnostics in the clinic, specialists identify any pathological changes in the reproductive organs: sclerosis of the ovaries, less often - cystic formations.

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.

What should the owner do?

Inexperienced dog owners may not be able to distinguish a natural process from a disease. Therefore, it is important to carefully monitor the timing and regularity of your pet’s cycle.

Contacting a veterinarian

Frequent estrus is a symptom of diseases that only a veterinarian can cope with after examining the patient. The same applies to prolonged bleeding lasting over 30 days.

Particular concern should be caused by your pet's lethargy, decreased appetite, elevated body temperature, and the presence of yellow or green spots in the vaginal discharge.

The owner’s task is to report all suspicious symptoms accompanying the empty nest. This will help eliminate errors in diagnosis.

You can’t try to correct your pet’s cycle on your own. The use of any hormonal drugs without a doctor’s prescription is dangerous for the animal’s condition and even its life.

Abuse of drugs to eliminate estrus leads to surges in estrogen. As a result, there is a danger of the formation of foci of inflammation in the uterus, ovaries and the development of malignant tumors.

To preserve the health of an animal not intended to reproduce, it is better to sterilize it. The operation will help exclude pregnancy and prevent problems with the reproductive organs.