How long does estrus last in Alabai dogs

From the moment of acquiring a powerful dog, the owner of a female Central Asian Shepherd dog needs to know when the Alabai begins its first heat. Future breeders will need this information to correctly determine the optimal age of the dog for the upcoming mating. It is also very important for owners of bitches who do not plan to breed shepherd dogs not to miss periods of estrus in order to avoid unplanned pregnancy and childbirth of their pet.

What is estrus?

Estrus is a physiological state of an animal’s body, characterized by sexual arousal of a female individual and a positive reaction to males. The first dog “menstruation” indicates the onset of puberty and the bitch’s readiness for fertilization.

Estrus or estrus is one of the stages of the reproductive cycle in a female dog. Large breed dogs have 1-2 cycles per year. The reproductive cycle of Alabais consists of 4 consecutive stages. At this time, hormonal changes occur, which change the appearance of the dog’s genitals and its behavior.

At the beginning of heat, the Alabai bitch has no desire to communicate with males

Proestrus

Pre-estrus or the beginning of estrus lasts 9-12 days. During this period, the female’s body produces estrogens, which stimulate the maturation of the egg. Swelling of the vulva and the appearance of slight bleeding may be observed. Males are already beginning to show interest in females, but females react quite aggressively to males.

Estrus (estrus)

The duration of estrus in the Alabai is 10-15 days. At this time, ovulation occurs and the genitals produce a mucous secretion for better movement of sperm to the egg. Signs of estrus are:

softening of the vulva;
mucous light yellow discharge from the loop.

Males begin to actively react to the bitch.

Diestrus or metestrus

The period lasts 60 days. Regardless of whether mating has occurred or not, the hormonal levels in the animal’s body change. Females begin to be aggressive towards males. There is a decrease in swelling and a decrease in mucous discharge.

Anestrus

Anestrus lasts 200-250 days. The resting period of the ovary is characterized by a closed, dense vulva and a calm attitude of the bitch towards the opposite sex.

How does estrus work in dogs?

Estrus in female dogs is a natural process that occurs from the moment the animal reaches puberty.

Stages (stages)

The reproductive cycle in dogs consists of four stages.

Stages of estrus:

Proestrus is the first stage lasting up to 10 days. The dog becomes disobedient, excitable or too playful, and often makes urine marks. Characteristic signs are swelling of the vulva, slight bleeding from the animal’s genitals. At this stage there is no ovulation yet, so the dog is not yet ready for mating with a male.
Estrus is the stage of ovulation, which occurs on the 10th day from the moment the first discharge appears. At this stage, the following signs are observed: the dog raises its pelvis, moves its tail to the side, and allows male dogs to approach it. Readiness for mating is determined by scanty light pink bleeding and strong swelling of the vulva.
Metaestrus is the final stage of estrus lasting several days. The dog stops being in heat, she stops allowing male dogs to approach her, and the vulva decreases in size. The duration of metaestrus is up to 10 days.
Anestrus is sexual dormancy lasting up to 100-150 days. If pregnancy does not take place, the dog’s body returns to its normal state.

Timing of the canine cycle

Neither an experienced breeder nor a qualified veterinarian can determine the exact timing of a dog’s cycle. This process is purely individual. But there are still some physiological norms by which you can approximately determine the dog’s sexual maturity, when the first heat may already occur.

First heat and its features

As a rule, the first heat in dogs occurs after the loss of milk teeth, closer to 6-10 months of life.
The timing of the onset of the first heat largely depends on the breed of the animal. For example, in dogs of small decorative breeds, the process of puberty begins at 5-6 months, in representatives of medium breeds - closer to the first year of life, and in large dogs, the first estrus cycle can occur only at 1.5-2 years.

How many days does it last

The average duration of a dog's estrus is 21 days. In some animals, this process can last up to 4 weeks (no more than 1 month).

Periodicity

Dogs come into heat 1-2 times a year. It depends on the breed and living conditions. For example, domestic dogs come into heat twice a year, while among domestic dogs and those living in the northern regions, this process usually occurs once a year. If a dog is in heat more than twice a year or lasts more than a month, the owner needs to show the pet to a veterinarian, as these signs may indicate hormonal disorders in the animal’s body.

At what age does it stop?

Female dogs are ready to give birth to children even in old age. They go into heat until the end of the animal's life. This process can only be interrupted surgically, which involves sterilizing the animal. This solution to the problem of estrus in domestic dogs is relevant in cases where the owner does not plan to breed pedigree puppies and does not want to bother with the unplanned offspring of his animal.

Signs and symptoms of a dog going into heat

You can determine when a dog is in heat based on certain signs.

Signs of heat:

frequent urination;
bloody discharge from the animal’s genitals;
the dog often licks the area under its tail;
swelling of the vulva;
behavioral changes, interest in male dogs appears.

Shortly before estrus, dogs shed a lot of fur.

When does the Alabai start to come into heat?

Hormonal changes in bitches occur immediately after changing teeth. However, puberty of the Alabai occurs at the age of 8-9 months. At this age, females begin to actively become interested in the opposite sex and prepare for the process of procreation. At the same time, the physiological maturity of the female Central Asian Shepherd comes much later, at the age of 1.5 - 2 years.

The first heat of an Alabai can begin as early as 8 months.

Asians are herding dogs. They are forced to move from place to place for a long time. This feature determined the seasonality of the period of sexual arousal, which in Central Asian Shepherds often occurs between August and February.

The Alabai's first estrus occurs at the age of 8–9 months. Sometimes a bitch walks for the first time only at 15-18 months, which is also a physiological norm. The timing of puberty depends on the hormonal development of the individual. After the first heat, the active growth of the animal stops. Thanks to this, during late estrus, the girl has time to fully develop her bones and muscles. The second time, the period of sexual arousal occurs in the female after 5-8 months. The Alabai female can have one or two heats per year.

The first heat of an Alabai can be determined by its behavior

Often the first heat passes quite quickly without bloody or mucous discharge. You can understand that a girl has gone on a spree only by a change in the behavior of the bitch and increased interest in the males.

IMPORTANT!!! From 6-8 months of age, it is recommended to regularly examine the female genitals to monitor the onset of puberty. Mating during the first heat is fraught with a pathological course of pregnancy, childbirth and the death of puppies. This undermines the health of a woman. It is advisable to mate a female for the first time in her third heat at the age of 1.5-2 years.

How long does a dog's heat last?

Regardless of size and breed, estrus for all dogs lasts 20–30 days. It is divided into four phases, which differ in physiological signs and behavioral characteristics.

1. Proestrus. The first phase, which lasts 7 – 10 days. The dog's genital loop swells, it begins to actively mark its territory, and after 3–4 days the first spotting appears. The animal's behavior changes: the dog becomes agitated, does not obey commands well, during walks it shows a clear interest in male dogs, but when they try to enter into an intimate relationship with it, it becomes aggressive, runs away, and sits on its tail.

2. Estrus. The second phase is when the dog ovulates and is ready to become a mother. Lasts 7 – 9 days. The dog's pearl loop becomes soft, the discharge becomes transparent pink, she is actively interested in male dogs and is not aggressive during their advances. At this time, the dog is ready for mating.

3. Metaestrus. The third phase is when the heat ends. Lasts several days. The dog stops excreting, its hormones decrease, it loses interest in male dogs and stops letting them near it.

4. Aestrus. The fourth phase is a period of sexual rest, which lasts from 4 to 7 months between heats.

– Unfortunately, more and more often, estrus in dogs, especially purebred dogs, does not occur according to physiological norms. Inbreeding and other genetic problems are to blame for this, says veterinarian Svetlana Pilyugina. – If you notice that a dog’s heat lasts longer than the prescribed 20–30 days, this may indicate inflammatory processes in the animal’s body. If the heat ends and starts again too quickly, then there is a possibility of a serious hormonal disorder in the dog. Any temporary disruption of the cycle, excessive discharge or complete absence of it is a serious signal that not everything is in order with the animal’s health and it is necessary to contact a veterinary clinic.

How to determine the heat of an Alabai?

You can find out about the beginning of the next period of sexual arousal by characteristic signs: changes in the genitals and behavior of the bitch. The onset of estrus is signaled by the following symptoms:

swelling of the vulva followed by softening, the external genitalia become loose, soft and brightly colored;
swelling of the mammary glands;
change in the bitch's behavior.

The dog becomes overly affectionate towards members of the household, but very aggressive towards strangers. The girl stops following commands, breaks off the leash, and runs away. She can bite and attacks people and dogs. A bitch in heat can jump over a fence or dig a hole under it. All these tricks are caused by the female’s readiness and desire to procreate. It is during the period of estrus that dogs are mated.

Changes in loop size during estrus by day

On the street, during sexual arousal, the female wags her hindquarters and falls on her front paws. She raises her tail and retracts her vagina, preparing for the mating process. In proestrus, watery hemorrhagic discharge of a pale pink hue is observed. At the stage of sexual arousal they become:

mucous;
abundant;
light yellow color.

A bitch in heat begins to urinate more often, mark her territory on the street and in the apartment, and lick her genitals.

How often does a dog go into heat?

Estrus in dogs usually occurs 2 times a year if it is an adult pet (during the growth period, the cycle time may not yet be clearly established). If a dog lives on the street (in the courtyard of a private house or in an enclosure), then it may go into heat less often - once a year. Service dogs that are constantly engaged in training and receive a lot of physical activity can also go into heat once a year.

To be sure that everything is in order with the dog’s health, the owner must keep a calendar of estrus, noting their duration and frequency, because they last an arbitrary number of days and the time of their next occurrence always shifts. With age, the duration of estrus decreases, and the time of sexual rest increases. But dogs do not have menopause, so they go into heat until they are very old.

“Etrus, especially one that does not end with pregnancy and the birth of puppies, is a serious burden on the dog’s endocrine and reproductive system,” explains veterinarian Svetlana Pilyugina. – If the animal is not a breeding animal, you do not plan to engage in breeding, then the most humane thing would be to sterilize the dog. This way you can avoid unplanned matings, and most importantly, save the dog from psychological torment and eliminate a lot of diseases of its reproductive system.

By the way, sterilization of dogs can now be carried out using laparoscopy (2) - the ovaries are removed through small punctures that heal quickly.

What to do during an Alabai's heat?

Estrus in Alabais lasts on average 21 days from the beginning of pink discharge to an aggressive attitude towards male dogs. The owner of a female Alabai puppy needs to mentally prepare in advance for the troublesome period when the girl begins to become sexually aroused. During the entire period of sexual arousal, it is recommended to keep a notebook. It is necessary to record:

age;
frequency of estrus;
signs and duration of estrus.

This information will be useful in the future for planning or eliminating mating.

For three weeks, the dog should only be taken out for walks wearing a muzzle and on a short leash. It is advisable to take walks in places where there are no children or dogs to avoid inappropriate behavior of the animal. You should not force your bitch to train or change her diet. Often during the period of proestrus and estrus, the female refuses to eat; you cannot force the animal to eat. Only raw meat and vegetables can be left in the diet.

During estrus, swimming in open water or in the bathroom is prohibited to prevent infection from entering the open genital tract of the bitch. It is prohibited to vaccinate females in heat.

On the street or in an apartment, it is recommended to wear special underwear that masks the smell and prevents contamination; the animal cannot be kept in it all the time due to the possible development of metritis. In the apartment, the dog must remain in its place and independently remove discharge from the genitals. The female's bedding must be changed frequently for hygienic reasons.

During estrus, Alabai should not be bathed in open waters.

It is unacceptable to take females in heat to trainings, exhibitions and competitions, so as not to provoke males. During estrus, the female does not perceive commands well due to hormonal changes. You can postpone the period of estrus so that your dog can participate in serious competitions with the help of contraceptive drugs, which, according to reviews from Alabai owners, successfully cope with their task. If the bitch will be used for breeding in the future, it is highly not recommended to use such means.

During walks, it is recommended to constantly closely monitor the female, excluding any contact with the opposite sex.

What to do if the Alabai is not in heat or the heat does not stop?

There are a huge number of factors leading to the pathological course of the reproductive cycle. Estrus can be short, hidden, long or protracted. The following estrus pathologies can be distinguished.

No heat

The pathology is observed both in young females who have reached reproductive age and in mature females. In the female body, the ovaries are constantly at rest, so ovulation and characteristic changes in the genital organs and behavior do not occur. You can induce estrus with the help of hormonal drugs, which should be prescribed by a veterinarian after examining the animal.

Prolonged proestrus

It is manifested by the presence of bloody discharge for longer than the 21st day, a bright red color of the vulva, the appearance of symmetrical alopecia, roughening of the skin of the external genitalia, refusal to feed and lethargy of the dog. Hormonal agents are used for treatment.

A failure in the estrus cycle of an Alabai is a reason to consult a doctor

Prolonged estrus

With a prolonged stage of estrus beyond the 21st day, bitches exhibit a characteristic positive reaction to males, constant secretion of pink-yellow mucus, swelling and sagging of the loop, increased thirst and temperature, lack of appetite, and lethargy. Matings do not lead to the long-awaited pregnancy. This condition is fraught with the development of pyometra and the death of the female individual. Treatment depends on the stage of the disease; the animal is prescribed a course of hormonal drugs or the uterus is removed.

Prolonged diestrus

With pathology, there are no characteristic changes in the vulva and the behavior of the female, the bitch continues to allow males to approach, and a small amount of mucus is periodically released from the swollen loop. Sexual dysfunction is treated with hormonal medications.

All changes in the sexual cycle are caused by hormonal imbalance, which can be caused by oncology, diseases of the thyroid gland and pituitary gland, cystic neoplasms, pyometra, and metritis. If the Alabai does not end in heat, or there is no period of sexual arousal after the age of 1.5 years, it is recommended to urgently consult a specialist.

Estrus is a very important process in the life of the Alabai bitch and her owner. While an Asian woman, under the influence of hormones, dreams of love with a male dog she likes, the owner needs to maintain hygiene in the dog’s area and prevent unwanted pregnancy. Studying the physiology and manifestations of estrus will be useful for successful mating and obtaining charming fluffy Central Asian Shepherd puppies.

Estrus is a natural process that indicates the bitch’s puberty. Like most herding breeds, in Alabais it occurs every 7-8 months. At this time you need to be especially attentive to the dog.

How do the first and subsequent heats of Alabais go?

From the moment of acquiring a powerful dog, the owner of a female Central Asian Shepherd dog needs to know when the Alabai begins its first heat.

Future breeders will need this information to correctly determine the optimal age of the dog for the upcoming mating.

It is also very important for owners of bitches who do not plan to breed shepherd dogs not to miss periods of estrus in order to avoid unplanned pregnancy and childbirth of their pet.

Proestrus

Estrus (estrus)

The duration of estrus in the Alabai is 10-15 days. At this time, ovulation occurs and the genitals produce a mucous secretion for better movement of sperm to the egg. Signs of estrus are:

softening of the vulva;
mucous light yellow discharge from the loop.

Males begin to actively react to the bitch.

Diestrus or metestrus

Anestrus

Anestrus lasts 200-250 days. The resting period of the ovary is characterized by a closed, dense vulva and a calm attitude of the bitch towards the opposite sex.

No heat

The pathology is observed both in young females who have reached reproductive age and in mature females.

In the female body, the ovaries are constantly at rest, so ovulation and characteristic changes in the genital organs and behavior do not occur.

You can induce estrus with the help of hormonal drugs, which should be prescribed by a veterinarian after examining the animal.

Prolonged proestrus

A failure in the estrus cycle of an Alabai is a reason to consult a doctor

Prolonged estrus

Prolonged diestrus

With pathology, there are no characteristic changes in the vulva and the behavior of the female, the bitch continues to allow males to approach, and a small amount of mucus is periodically released from the swollen loop. Sexual dysfunction is treated with hormonal medications.

Source: https://ProAlabaev.ru/zdorovie/techka

Signs and stages

There are several phases of estrus.

Proestrus (pre-gesture) lasts approximately 7-10 days. During this period, the loop swells, but remains quite rigid, and discharge appears. The dog is in heat, but does not yet allow male dogs, although he flirts with them.

Estrus lasts from 9 to 10 days. The alabai loop becomes softer, the discharge becomes more liquid, ovulation occurs on the third or fourth day from the beginning of the period, the secretion of the hormone estrogen is at its peak.

The beginning of metestrus is considered the day when the dog refuses mating. It lasts about two months, during which the swelling of the vulva subsides, the discharge gradually stops, and sexual arousal subsides.

Anaestrus is the period between estrus. Stops with the onset of proestrus.

The stability of the intervals between the Alabai's estrus remains for 6-7 years. Then the duration of the rest period gradually increases.

In older bitches, anaestrus lengthens greatly, signs of estrus blur or become completely invisible. However, we must understand that even very old animals can become pregnant.

After buying a puppy, ask the owner of the mother bitch how her heat goes, what the signs are, how long it lasts, behavior, features. Most likely, this period will proceed in a similar way for your girl.

Changes in dog behavior

During estrus, even a well-trained female Alabai shows disobedience. The dog may become unusually affectionate or, conversely, overly aggressive, excitable or apathetic. A sudden change in appetite is possible. The pet becomes disobedient and does not respond to commands.

Physiological signs include:

in the first days the loop is stiff, but there is a small amount of discharge;
frequent urination (this is how the Alabaya bitch puts marks, luring males);
by the time of ovulation, the loop becomes swollen and soft, the discharge becomes pinkish and more intense;
frequent licking of the loop;
with the onset of estrus, the dog is ready for mating and, seeing a male dog, takes a characteristic position, moving its tail (it takes the same position when pressing the palm of the hand on the croup).

Deviations from the norm include:

weakness;
complete refusal to eat for several days;
presence of discharge for more than one month;
extreme thirst;
change in color of urine and stool.

Features of care

Considering the unbalanced behavior of the bitch during heat, the Alabai should be walked with a muzzle and only on a leash. The Central Asian Shepherd is a strong, robust animal. During this period, choose places for walking that are deserted and where there are no other dogs. If your pet is kept in the yard, lock it in a strong, secure enclosure. Males go to all sorts of tricks to get to a hot beauty.

The dog must be protected from stress, providing calm living conditions. Alabai's estrus is a time when it is impossible to participate in exhibitions or make changes to the composition and nutritional norm.

To exclude problems with the genitourinary system, you should not take long walks in cold weather, allow the animal to lie on the ground or snow, or swim in open water.

In veterinary pharmacies or pet stores you can buy sanitary panties that do not allow odor to pass through, do not allow marking, and protect against infections. However, they cannot be worn for a long time. They create a greenhouse effect, which can lead to changes in microflora, the growth of pathogenic bacteria and various fungi. The Alabai bitch must lick her vulva herself.

Period after

If mating occurs during estrus, pregnancy will most likely occur. If there were several matings with different males, the litter will contain puppies from different fathers. Therefore, it is important to protect the Alabai bitch from the encroachments of foreign males after the planned mating has been carried out.

If there was an unplanned mating of a purebred Alabai female with a yard dog and you do not want your pet to bear unwanted offspring, use the biohormonal drug Sex Barrier, which prevents fertilization of the egg. Sex Barrier should be given no later than 24 hours after mating over the next two days.

Often, in the fifth to eighth week after estrus, a false pregnancy occurs. The exact reasons for its occurrence are unknown. It is assumed that this is a reaction to changes in hormonal levels due to increased production of lactohormone.

During estrus (after ovulation), the female's body produces corpus luteum, which produces the pregnancy hormone. If mating does not take place, the corpus luteum slowly dissolves and the body returns to normal.

The higher the level of pregnancy hormone in the body, the stronger the symptoms of false pregnancy.

If mating has taken place, the cause of pseudopregnancy may be resorption (up to four weeks after fertilization) or death of puppies as a result of poor living conditions, incompatibility of male and female, etc.

Symptoms of false pregnancy:

the mammary glands swell, their pigmentation changes, and milk production begins;
the bitch whines, builds a den for herself, puts small toys with her, licks them;
decreased appetite;
refusal to go for walks.

This condition does not require treatment. It is recommended to take away from your pet all toys and objects that she might mistake for puppies. This way you will eliminate the cause of lactation and the symptoms of false pregnancy will quickly disappear.

In particularly severe cases (for example, if the dog is limping on its hind legs), hormone therapy may be needed. In such cases, be sure to visit a veterinarian. The consequences of uncontrolled use of drugs can be baldness at the injection site, resumption of lactation after the end of the course, change in coat color, etc. Hormone therapy cannot be administered to Alabai females after the first heat, since they have not yet reached puberty.

To weaken the manifestation or prevent false pregnancy altogether, a number of simple measures are taken. On the twelfth day after estrus, 9 weeks are counted and marked on the calendar. A few days before the last day of the term, the dog’s food volume is reduced by 2-3 times, and fluid intake is reduced to a minimum. At the same time, physical activity increases. This regimen is maintained for three to five days until the swelling of the nipples subsides.

Features of estrus in the Central Asian Shepherd (Alabai)

Estrus is a natural process that indicates the bitch’s puberty. Like most herding breeds, in Alabais it occurs every 7-8 months. At this time you need to be especially attentive to the dog.

When does the first heat start?

The Alabai's first estrus occurs at the age of 6 to 13 months, usually it is shorter than subsequent ones. Its onset does not mean that the dog is ready to bear and give birth to healthy offspring. Postpone the first mating until the second or third heat, when the pet is over two years old.

As breeders note, many Alabai females shed before their first heat.

Signs and stages

There are several phases of estrus.

Anaestrus is the period between estrus. Stops with the onset of proestrus.

The stability of the intervals between the Alabai's estrus remains for 6-7 years. Then the duration of the rest period gradually increases.

In older bitches, anaestrus lengthens greatly, signs of estrus blur or become completely invisible. However, we must understand that even very old animals can become pregnant.

Changes in dog behavior

Physiological signs include:

in the first days the loop is stiff, but there is a small amount of discharge;
frequent urination (this is how the Alabaya bitch puts marks, luring males);
by the time of ovulation, the loop becomes swollen and soft, the discharge becomes pinkish and more intense;
frequent licking of the loop;
with the onset of estrus, the dog is ready for mating and, seeing a male dog, takes a characteristic position, moving its tail (it takes the same position when pressing the palm of the hand on the croup).

Deviations from the norm include:

weakness;
complete refusal to eat for several days;
presence of discharge for more than one month;
extreme thirst;
change in color of urine and stool.

Features of care

The dog must be protected from stress, providing calm living conditions. Alabai's estrus is a time when it is impossible to participate in exhibitions or make changes to the composition and nutritional norm.

To exclude problems with the genitourinary system, you should not take long walks in cold weather, allow the animal to lie on the ground or snow, or swim in open water.

Period after

The higher the level of pregnancy hormone in the body, the stronger the symptoms of false pregnancy.

Symptoms of false pregnancy:

the mammary glands swell, their pigmentation changes, and milk production begins;
the bitch whines, builds a den for herself, puts small toys with her, licks them;
decreased appetite;
refusal to go for walks.

In particularly severe cases (for example, if the dog is limping on its hind legs), hormone therapy may be needed. In such cases, be sure to visit a veterinarian.

The consequences of uncontrolled use of drugs can be baldness at the injection site, resumption of lactation after the end of the course, change in coat color, etc.

Hormone therapy cannot be administered to Alabai females after their first heat, as they have not yet reached puberty.

To weaken the manifestation or prevent false pregnancy altogether, a number of simple measures are taken. On the twelfth day after estrus, 9 weeks are counted and marked on the calendar.

A few days before the last day of the term, the dog’s food volume is reduced by 2-3 times, and fluid intake is reduced to a minimum. At the same time, physical activity increases.

This regimen is maintained for three to five days until the swelling of the nipples subsides.

Preparation for mating alabai

From the third heat the Alabai can be bred. In order not to miss the most favorable moment for mating, it is recommended to keep a diary in which to record the dog’s behavioral characteristics, intensity of discharge, duration of estrus, and reaction to male dogs.

With the help of laboratory tests, you can accurately determine whether a bitch can be bred. To do this, you need to take a smear to a veterinary clinic.

Mating carried out a few days before the optimal period can still result in pregnancy. However, the offspring may be small.

With the help of such a diary, you can calculate the onset of estrus. If mating is planned, approximately 2-3 months before estrus, the bitch is examined by a veterinarian, given anthelmintic drugs, and treated for fleas and ticks.

The candidacy of the father for the future offspring is determined in advance. In addition to the exterior, it is important to pay attention to psychological characteristics. It is better not to involve aggressive comrades in mating. If the dog is a member of a club, an experienced dog handler will help with the choice.

On the first day of estrus, it is necessary to call the male dog’s owners and warn about the possible time of mating. The process always takes place on the territory of the future father.

If estrus occurs during scheduled vaccination or hidden infections are discovered that can cause the death of the litter, mating is not carried out that year. With the help of medications, you can delay the time of ovulation. However, this can negatively affect the health of the dog and puppies.

Source: https://VeterinarGid.ru/dogs/razvedenie-sobak/techka-u-alabaja.html

Preparation for mating alabai

With the help of laboratory tests, you can accurately determine whether a bitch can be bred. To do this, you need to take a smear to a veterinary clinic.

Mating carried out a few days before the optimal period can still result in pregnancy. However, the offspring may be small.

On the first day of estrus, it is necessary to call the male dog’s owners and warn about the possible time of mating. The process always takes place on the territory of the future father.

Estrus is a biological process that signifies the achievement of puberty in a dog. During this period, the bitch is ready for mating for procreation. In Alabai, the interval between ovulations is 7-8 months.

Such a long period is typical for all herding breeds. Endless marches in search of new pastures pushed back the time of mating to autumn, increasing the duration of anestrus.

Features of feeding

It is better to feed a pregnant Alabai with special food enriched with vitamins and beneficial elements; the food should be balanced. Make sure that the female does not overeat - this will negatively affect her health and the health of the puppies.

Pregnant bitch

Obesity can threaten a dog in the second period of pregnancy, when it is actively gaining weight. If this happens, she should be put on a diet - give less cereals and more greens.

A pregnant bitch's diet should include::

Raw meat and offal (for example, boiled liver).
Cottage cheese and porridge with milk.
Finely chopped greens and vegetables (except cabbage).

You can also give her artificial food, but it must be of high quality. Don't forget vitamin and mineral supplements.

From the fourth week, the number of feedings and food increases, and in the second half of pregnancy the dog should eat 30-40% more food than before , and the increase comes from protein foods. From the 8th week, meat is replaced with sea fish, by the 9th week the amount of food is reduced by 20-25%, the dog is fed 4-6 times a day.

A few days before giving birth, fish and meat are completely excluded from the menu.

Nutrition for a nursing shepherd

Immediately after birth, the dog can be given only water . On days 2-3, it is allowed to give only liquid and nutritious, but not fatty foods. Gradually begin to introduce the bitch's usual food. To improve lactation, give weak tea with milk.

It must be remembered that fresh meat is a natural source of proteins that are necessary for a nursing mother and puppies. You need to feed her at least 3 times a day.

Breeding dogs is not easy, but your efforts will pay off in any case. The main thing is to calculate your moral and material strength. This hard work will bring you not only joy in the future, but also additional income, because each of the puppies born will have to find a new owner.

Features of the stages

The complete estrus cycle consists of four stages. Each of them can be determined by the dog’s behavior.

Proestrus – 6-12 days

During this period, the reproductive system of the Alabai is preparing for fertilization. The egg matures, and the inside of the uterus is enveloped in a thick layer of mucus. Bitches at this time are extremely aggressive towards males.

Estrus – 5-15 days

During ovulation, a mature egg travels to the uterus through the fallopian tube. The dog shows interest in the opposite sex and is ready to mate to produce offspring.

Metestrus – 50-60 days

If the mating is successful, the dog’s body begins to produce hormones to preserve the fetus. There is a general restructuring for pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation. The bitch's behavior becomes aggressive again.

Anestrus –200-250 days

At this time, the reproductive system is at rest. The dog shows indifference or friendliness towards the opposite sex.

First heat

Alabai females develop faster than males. Immediately after changing teeth, hormonal changes begin. However, early interest in the opposite sex does not mean the dog is ready to mate. This is how her maturation manifests itself, the awakening of the instinct to procreate.

The first time the Alabai comes into heat is at the age of 9-12 months. However, at this time the bitch’s body cannot yet withstand mating. Early pregnancy and childbirth often lead to pathologies of the reproductive system. Readiness for procreation occurs after the third heat.

Characteristic symptoms

The onset of heat is always accompanied by a change in the bitch's behavior. Depending on the stage, she becomes aggressive, excitable, playful or lazy, slow, drowsy. The dog urinates more frequently and there is an increase in appetite. She stops obeying her owner and does not follow his commands.

There are also physiological symptoms. So, in the first days of proestrus, the loop remains rigid, but scanty bleeding appears. The closer the period of ovulation approaches, the more voluminous and soft the vulva becomes, the mucus is secreted more intensely, and acquires a yellow tint. During estrus, the bitch shows readiness to mate; when in contact with males, she takes a certain position and moves her tail.

Warning symptoms include:

state of weakness;
refusal to walk and eat;
constant thirst;
change in the color of urine and feces.

After examination, the veterinarian can identify pathology of the genital organs, genitourinary infection, helminth infection, and severe stress.

Symptoms of estrus in dogs

You can understand that your dog is in heat not only by physiological symptoms, but also by the uncharacteristic behavior of a girl who is already 6 months old. If your previously obedient girl does not respond to usual commands, has become irritable, or, on the contrary, is overly affectionate and clingy, has lost her appetite, if she reacts aggressively to individuals of the same sex, and shows increased interest in male dogs, then it is time to go into heat. Physiological symptoms also indicate estrus in dogs: the dog goes to the toilet much more often, and bloody discharge can be seen in the urine. The genital loop has become enlarged and swollen, mucus mixed with blood is released from it. When you touch the dog’s body, it moves its tail to the side and freezes with its pelvis raised. And, if, in addition, the dog begins to shed profusely, then all the symptoms of estrus are confirmed.

During this period, you need to be especially careful with the dog - it is controlled by hormones (1), and not by reason and rules of behavior learned during training. During walks, the dog should not be let off the leash, and places for walking should be chosen secluded, away from other four-legged animals, places where you can control your girl. To reduce the interest of males in your dog in heat, before a walk, the back of its body can be sprayed with a special spray that reduces the characteristic odor. Another means of protection is special elastic panties, which are sold in pet stores. By the way, they will not be superfluous in the house - this way the dog will not stain the furniture and floor with its secretions. If the animal refuses to wear panties, then it is best to remove carpets from the floors and cover upholstered furniture with sheets or blankets so that the dog does not stain them.

Dog care

If the owner does not plan to arrange a mating, he must show special attention to the bitch when she is in heat. She should only be taken out for walks wearing a muzzle and on a short leash. Moreover, during the period of proestrus and estrus, it is better to walk in places where there are no dogs and children. The most obedient alabai at this time becomes uncontrollable. Therefore, you cannot let go of the leash even for a minute.

Estrus without mating is stress for the body. The owner must provide calm living conditions for the dog. It is prohibited to travel, participate in exhibitions, or change your diet. Due to the vulnerability of the reproductive system, you should not walk for a long time in inclement weather or lie on cold ground or snow. During estrus, the cervical canal remains open. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid swimming in open water, in the bath, or under the shower.

The pet store sells special underwear. It hides odor, prevents the delivery of marks, and protects against infections. But veterinarians do not recommend putting such panties on your dog for a long time. The bitch must do her own hygiene. In addition, the greenhouse effect can cause changes in microflora and cause the growth of pathogenic fungi and bacteria.

First heat in dogs

The first heat in dogs is not as obvious as all subsequent ones, so owners are able to miss it if they do not closely monitor the animal. The first heat may last much less time and the discharge during it may not be at all abundant. Here it is important to focus on the dog’s behavior, because the first heat is still a full-fledged one, but the dog’s pregnancy during it is undesirable, since experts recommend starting mating no earlier than the third heat. Therefore, owners need to be alert, not to miss the moment of the first heat and take all precautions during walks.

During this period, dogs are especially susceptible to various infections, so it is necessary to stop their attempts to swim in open water or roll around in dirt and dust. Bathing at home, on the contrary, is not prohibited. During the first heat, veterinarians and dog handlers do not recommend putting protective panties on the dog so that the girl learns to lick herself.

Preparation for mating

Mating of Alabai occurs at 3-4 heats. Mating a younger dog can lead to pathologies of internal organs and death of the puppies. Up to two or three years, the owner should keep a diary and write down in it how long the stages last, what is the intensity of the discharge, the condition of the loop, reaction to male dogs, and the peculiarities of the bitch’s domestic behavior during estrus.

Based on these records, you can calculate the days of the next heat. Three months before mating, you must take the dog to a veterinarian for examination. At this time, an analysis is carried out for infectious agents that do not cause concern to the bitch, but often cause early mortality in puppies.

At the same time, deworming and flea and tick prevention are carried out. If estrus coincides with scheduled vaccinations, or a hidden infection is found in the bitch’s body, it is necessary to skip this year. Remember that delaying the time of ovulation with the help of hormonal drugs has a negative impact on the health of the dog and its offspring.

What is estrus?

Proestrus

Estrus (estrus)

Diestrus or metestrus

Anestrus

How does estrus work in dogs?

Stages (stages)

Stages of estrus:

Timing of the canine cycle

First heat and its features

How many days does it last

Periodicity

At what age does it stop?

Signs and symptoms of a dog going into heat

Signs of heat:

When does the Alabai start to come into heat?

How long does a dog's heat last?

How to determine the heat of an Alabai?

How often does a dog go into heat?

What to do during an Alabai's heat?

What to do if the Alabai is not in heat or the heat does not stop?

No heat

Prolonged proestrus

Prolonged estrus

Prolonged diestrus

How do the first and subsequent heats of Alabais go?

Proestrus

Estrus (estrus)

Diestrus or metestrus

Anestrus

No heat

Prolonged proestrus

Prolonged estrus

Prolonged diestrus

Signs and stages

Changes in dog behavior

Features of care

Period after

Features of estrus in the Central Asian Shepherd (Alabai)

When does the first heat start?

Signs and stages

Changes in dog behavior

Features of care

Period after

Preparation for mating alabai

Preparation for mating alabai

Features of feeding

Pregnant bitch

Nutrition for a nursing shepherd

Features of the stages

Proestrus – 6-12 days

Estrus – 5-15 days

Metestrus – 50-60 days

Anestrus –200-250 days

First heat

Popular questions and answers

On what day of heat can a dog be bred?

Can a dog be spayed while in heat?

Can a dog be vaccinated while in heat?

Can a spayed dog go into heat?

Are there any characteristics of estrus in different dog breeds?

Are there any peculiarities of estrus in small breed dogs?

Are there any peculiarities of estrus in medium breed dogs?

Are there any peculiarities of estrus in large breed dogs?

Characteristic symptoms

Symptoms of estrus in dogs

Dog care

First heat in dogs

Preparation for mating