Smart and brave guard – Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers, like other female dogs, become ready to reproduce several times a year. The fact that this period has arrived will be indicated by the bitch starting to come into heat. We learn about the peculiarities of its course, duration and cyclicity from the following article.

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How to understand that heat has begun

You don't need to be a veterinarian to notice the approach of heat, or mating.
Physiological signs and characteristic behavior serve as clues. If the pet was affectionate, calm and obedient, it will become irritable, lazy or aggressive. Clinginess and an excessive desire to be with the owner everywhere appear. Appetite increases or disappears. A bitch can react aggressively towards females and show increased interest in males. The physiological signs of estrus are clear. The animal begins to ask to go to the toilet more often. The urine shows signs of urine. At home, the dog licks itself more often, and if it does not do this enough, it leaves smears of blood on the floor. The genital loop enlarges and swells, mucus mixed with blood is released from it. When you touch the body, the animal moves its tail to the side and reflexively freezes. Estrus coincides with increased shedding.

During this time, the dog is handled carefully. Her mind is dominated by hormonal influence, and not by the rules of behavior learned during the training process. It is prohibited to let the bitch off the leash; this will cause mating, pregnancy, and escapes. During emptying, bitches have an increased craving for freedom.

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To prevent male dogs from showing such a strong interest in the dog, before a walk you can apply a spray to it to reduce the characteristic smell of pheromones. Another method of protection is dog panties. They will also help at home, getting rid of stains and dirt.

Activities for obtaining purebred babies

For the birth of purebred miniature schnauzer babies that meet all standards, owners register their pet with official canine organizations. The veterinarian of such a club will issue an opinion on the possibility of further participation of the bitch in the breeding selection. All that remains is to select a male dog and agree with its owner on organizational issues.

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The onset of the menstrual process or estrus in representatives of the species is accompanied by changes in behavior and general mental state. The process lasts until the embryos begin to develop.

Mating of dogs usually takes place in the territory of the male’s residence; the female is delivered to the event site by the owner’s efforts when the onset of estrus begins. The first mating is often carried out manually. Sexual intercourse occurs under the supervision of a specialist who monitors and recommends specific auxiliary actions to the animal owner to fully complete the process. A teenage dog may not complete the process of intercourse.

Cycle duration

Estrus in the Miniature Schnauzer breed lasts from 20 to thirty days. It consists of 4 stages, each differing in physiological and behavioral characteristics:

• Proestrus is the first stage, lasting from seven to 10 days. The genital loop swells, and on the third or fourth day, bleeding begins. The dog becomes excited, disobedient, during walks it shows interest in male dogs, but does not allow them to approach itself, it can show aggression and run away.
• Estrus is the second stage when the bitch ovulates. Lasts seven to nine days. The selections will be transparent. The aggression disappears. The animal allows males to approach it and may engage in mating.
• Metaestrus is the third stage, after which the void ends. Lasts 5-7 days. The discharge stops, the bitch's hormonal levels normalize, and interest in male dogs disappears. The dog stops allowing males to approach him and may become aggressive again.
• Anestrus is a pause between cycles, ranging from 4 to seven months. The animal's hormonal background and behavior are stable.

If all stages take more than a month, this is a sign of inflammation or diseases of the reproductive system. Cycle failures, lack of discharge or too much of them are serious signals that it is time to show the female to the veterinarian.

Training and education

In order for a puppy to grow into a smart service dog, it is important to start training from the moment he arrives in the house. It is necessary to clearly set the boundaries of what is permitted and not allow them to be violated even once.

After every disobedience there must be punishment. This attitude may seem strict, but miniature schnauzers, who have a desire in their blood to subjugate others to themselves, will quickly feel the owner’s lack of self-confidence. If you follow his whims once, you can forever lose authority in the eyes of your pet.

However, you can’t do without affection; in order to raise a miniature dog as a good-natured friend of all family members, it is important to surround him with love and care. Then the puppy will see from childhood the difference in attitude towards him when he is obedient/disobedient

The high learning ability of miniature dogs makes it possible to work with a dog handler immediately after memorizing basic commands.

Signs of heat

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

Among the main signs of estrus are:

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

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

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

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

Onset of pregnancy

After mating a Miniature Schnauzer, the release of secretory fluid from the pet occurs quite quickly. This indirect sign indicates that your pet has become pregnant. The fact of fruiting can be accurately determined a month after the “acquaintance”.

Signs of pregnancy are:

• Enlargement of the reproductive organs of a pet;
• Swollen nipples;
• Visual enlargement of the abdominal cavity.

Ovulation is determined by ultrasound examination. The procedure is carried out in a professional clinic one month after sexual intercourse.

The described breed is capable of producing up to 9 puppies in a litter. This fact is typical for adult representatives of the species. The average number of babies is up to 5, and after the first birth the pet can reproduce a smaller number of puppies.

The offspring are born approximately 60 days after intercourse. After childbirth, the reproductive system of bitches is gradually restored. Breeders who have this information prepare in advance a convenient place for their pets so that the birth is comfortable. Various playpens, boxes and other soft bedding with walls are excellent.

Step-by-step passage of heat

The entire animal cycle is divided into 4 stages:

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

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

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

Estrus

The next stage in the cycle is the period of sexual heat in dogs (estrus). At this time, the animal becomes ready for mating, and it begins to estrus. The girl begins to let the “gentlemen” approach her and tries in every possible way to demonstrate her readiness for mating. The possibility of mating is indicated by the presence of a characteristic pose: the dog freezes and moves its tail to the side.

Physiologically, this period is characterized by the presence of clear discharge from the dog’s vulva or its complete absence. The external genitalia at this time are in a swollen state. This period of ovulation (fertilization), depending on the individual characteristics of the dog, can last from several days to two weeks.

How to avoid mating

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

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

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

Mating rules, what are they?

Hello! I would like to talk and learn more about the rules of mating. I am interested in the question: when a male and a female are mated, a mating act is drawn up, which indicates the consent of the parties and the agreement on payment for the services of the male. Each breeder does this in his own way. Some provide the male immediately after mating takes the agreed amount in full, some do this after the birth of the puppies, and some simply take the puppy. What does this depend on? There is a clause in the international rules that describes if the bitch remains empty, then the male does a dressing or returns part of the amount (which part?), because some breeders do not return money when they take it. And I’m also interested in which litter is considered complete, how many puppies should be in it and what percentage goes to the dog if there are 1-2-3 in the litter, etc. .puppy?

KatKar wrote:

. Each breeder does this differently.

You yourself answered this question. The owner of the dog sets his own requirements. And the owners of the bitches themselves decide whether these conditions are suitable for them or not.

KatKar wrote:

In small breeds (miniatures are precisely in this category), it is usually considered from three puppies.

KatKar wrote:

. what percentage goes to a male dog if there are 1-2-3, etc., puppies in the litter?

The owners of the “groom” and “bride” should also discuss this before mating. Usually 2 puppies - 50%, 1 - 25% or nothing at all. But there may be options. If payment is made after the sale of puppies, then only activated puppies are considered. Those. if there were, for example, 4 puppies in the litter, but 2 of them have an undershot (undershot, cryptorchidism, etc. disqualification defects), then the payment is the same as for a litter of 2 puppies. It is in Russia. Other countries have completely different rules.

KOLYADNAYA Thanks for the detailed explanation.

CatCar, it all depends on the owners of the dog and how you negotiate with them. I haven’t heard that somewhere there were any general clear rules on this matter. They may take the entire amount at once and allow one bandaging if the bitch is empty, or they may offer to bandage the bitch again for free after a litter of 2 puppies (with full payment in advance).

The most important thing in the act of mating is to write down all the nuances that may arise, so that later there are no disagreements between the owners of the pair. Many people are too lazy to do this and, when they find themselves in an unpleasant situation, begin to quarrel. It is advisable to write down the conditions of the mating before committing it. and not after mating. The mating act must be in two copies - one remains with the bitch, and one with the dog. During my practice, I have repeatedly encountered corrections in the act or with additions (signed quietly). Therefore, now I take this very seriously, so that subsequently there were no problems. Still, the blanket is pulled to its edge and everyone can be understood. Even if the dogs of two well-known kennels cannot find a common language and begin to quarrel because the dog did not discuss specific conditions (sorry, but this is his problem) and says what he THOUGHT. To which I answer, you need to think in one place. and here everything needs to be written out. Therefore, I think that everything needs to be discussed in advance so that no one has problems or unnecessary headaches because of this. This applies to both the male and the female.

How to avoid mating

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

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

Choosing a dad

It’s worth thinking about your partner in advance. If you have a female dog, make a schedule and mark her heats, starting with the first one, so you can understand how the cycle progresses. Responsibility for all activities will fall on your shoulders - from selecting a future father to selling puppies.

When choosing a male sire, you need to take into account not only the exterior and the quality of his previous litters (these parameters should be excellent by default). It is also worth paying attention to individual compatibility.

• If the bitch is miniature or, on the contrary, larger than the average miniature schnauzer, you should not choose a large male: in the first case, the birth will be complicated by the size of the puppies, in the second, babies may be born that do not meet the breed standard. An exception to this rule is a male dog, which, despite its size, consistently produces medium-sized offspring.
• Breeding miniature schnauzers of different colors is prohibited by the RKF (Russian Cynological Federation). You can give up this principle, but such offspring will not be registered, they will not be able to participate in exhibitions and breeding.

For an untied miniature, a more experienced one will be suitable as a first partner, otherwise difficulties may arise, including complete failure. If the owners have also not encountered the practice of mating, the best option would be to contact a specialist who will control the mating and teach you how to do it.

Castration of miniatures

For miniature schnauzers that do not participate in breeding, castration is indicated. It is especially relevant for individuals who have already been untied and feel the need to mate - unsatisfied sexual instinct leads to discomfort. There are obvious advantages for bitches: a neutered dog will not get endometritis, and it will not develop cancer of the reproductive organs. However, there is evidence suggesting the possible harm of castration compared to untying:

• increased risk of mast cell malignant tumors in all three types of schnauzers;
• the incidence of endocrine system disorders: hypothyroidism, pancreatitis, diabetes - all these diseases are typical problems of miniature schnauzers;
• the need to carefully monitor the dog’s weight - castrated animals need a special diet.

Whether to neuter your pet is a more difficult choice than it seems at first glance. Despite the availability of statistics, the development of a particular disease is influenced by many factors. It is impossible to take into account (and sometimes even identify) everything at once. Even a competent approach only reduces the risk of complications, so you should consult a veterinarian before making a final decision. A doctor who observes your native nursery and is familiar with the general medical history will be the best option in this case. It is important to evaluate the balance of benefits and risks - however, this also applies to dog breeding in general.

Care features

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

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

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

During the period of heat, the dog requires care:

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

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

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

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

Standard

This standard was first published on April 18, 2007:

• General information. The dog is small in size, stocky, but without signs of dwarfism. The coat is short and harsh.
• Head. The skull is strong, somewhat elongated in length. The head is proportional to the size of the animal. Its length is half the length of the back (from the withers to the beginning of the tail). The forehead is moderately wide and flat. There is a clearly defined transition from the forehead to the muzzle. The shape of the muzzle resembles a blunt wedge. The eyebrows are bushy. The nose is quite large, always black, and the nostrils are well opened. The jaw is wide and strong. The ears are set high. Uncropped ears are of medium length, erect on cartilage. The eyes are oval-shaped, dark in color, set low and wide. The skin of the eyelids is dark and tight-fitting.

Miniature Schnauzer Standard

• Frame. The chest is moderately wide, the ribs are flat, and have an oval shape in cross section. In relation to the shoulder-scapular joints, the chest protrudes forward, somewhat convex. There is a rise in the lower part of the chest towards the abdomen. The belly is tucked in. The dog looks compact, stocky, somewhat cuboid (the length is almost equal to the height at the withers). The back is sloping and short. The topline forms a slight curve.
• Limbs. When viewing the animal from the front, they are straight and set wide apart. They have strong bones and lean, prominent muscles. Elbows and shoulders fit well to the body. The forearms are straight and well developed. The paws are arched, straight, reminiscent of a cat. The claws are strong and dark in color. The pads are dense.
• Coat. The undercoat is soft, dense, and short. The outer coat is hard and does not fit tightly. A characteristic feature of the breed is bushy eyebrows that shade the eyes, as well as thick outgrowths of fur that resemble a mustache and beard. The natural coat covering the limbs is longer than that covering the body. Shedding is not pronounced.
• The height at the withers of the pet should be 30-36 cm. For males it is preferable at the upper border, for females at the lower border. Even slight deviations in growth are a defect for this breed.

The height at the withers of the pet should be 30-36 cm

No heat

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

Reasons for delay/absence of first heat:

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

Schnauzer diseases

These pets have excellent health, which is why they are considered long-livers.

But even strong individuals may experience some ailments. The most common diseases of the breed include:

• hip dysplasia;
• allergies;
• dermatitis;
• hypothyroidism;
• pancreatitis;
• epilepsy;
• cataract;
• bloating;
• urolithiasis;
• oncology.

Characteristics of the schnauzer in the table

Schnauzer video

Schnauzers are three varieties of the same breed. Pets are distinguished by size.

All dogs have similar personalities. All three species are trackers and good defenders. They are loyal and friendly to all members of their family. These pets really need an active life. Just sitting at home and waiting for an evening walk is not for them. Large breeds can live in enclosures on the property near the house, but miniatures (small pets) can only live in apartments.

How to avoid the difficulties of estrus

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

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

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

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

Answers on questions

We answer questions from our readers.

On what day of heat should a dog be bred?

To determine the best time for mating, you need to make the right calculation. Count 10-12 days from the first day of estrus. On the 13th day is the optimal period.

It is also worth remembering that in small breeds the estrus period is slightly shorter than in large-pedigree dogs. Therefore, it is better to spend the day of mating with a male dog 8-9 days from the start of estrus.

Is it possible to sterilize dogs during heat?

You can sterilize a dog during a period of heat if it is absolutely necessary to save the animal. As a rule, veterinarians suggest waiting until the end of the menstrual cycle and only then sterilizing.

We wrote more about this here.

Dog's mammary glands become swollen after estrus

This phenomenon is normal for dogs after estrus. If a bitch has swollen mammary glands, this indicates several factors:

1. After mating with a male dog. A clear sign of pregnancy. The dog's body is preparing to feed its offspring.
2. If there was no mating with a male. A sign of a false pregnancy, the appearance of a tumor in the body. In any case, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Is a spayed dog in heat?

The presence or absence of estrus in a sterilized dog depends on the castration method chosen earlier:

1. Complete castration of the internal reproductive system - there will never be any more estrus.
2. Tubal ligation without removal of the uterus and ovaries - the menstrual cycle will continue throughout the dog's life, but without the possibility of becoming pregnant.

Can a dog get pregnant without being in heat?

No, without the natural process of egg maturation, a dog cannot become pregnant. This is a natural process of the menstrual cycle necessary for procreation, just like in humans. Moreover, during the rest period she will not allow a male dog to be mated to her.

Why the dog is not in heat - reasons

A dog may not be in heat for several reasons. The main ones:

• young age up to six months;
• exhaustion or obesity;
• use of hormonal drugs that prevent ovulation;
• severe or prolonged stress experienced previously.

If estrus does not occur during the annual cycle, then this may indicate diseases of the internal organs: cyst, oncology, endometritis, pyometra, vaginitis and other hormonal pathologies.

Why is my dog ​​always in heat?

It is normal for a dog to go into heat twice a year. If the menstrual cycle is shortened and estrus occurs more often or longer, then this indicates a violation of the hormonal system. The causes may be stress, illness, hormonal drugs, inflammatory processes in the ovaries or uterus. To establish an accurate diagnosis and correct the cycle, you need to consult a doctor and give the dog special medications.

Why does a dog in heat get a fever?

It is normal if, during the period of estrus, the dog’s temperature rises by no more than 0.5 C. This indicates the natural process of maturation of the egg and its release from the ovaries.

If during this period you observe lethargy in the animal, the temperature rises higher, the dog refuses to eat, and discharge with a strong odor is clearly visible, then you should consult a doctor. Such symptoms indicate an infectious disease that requires surgical intervention.

Can a dog go into unscheduled heat?

Maybe. The reason for this is hormonal imbalance, diseases of the reproductive system, and inflammation in the uterus.

When can a dog be spayed after being in heat?

Surgical intervention to sterilize a dog can be performed immediately after the end of the estrus period (on the 3rd day after) or before its onset. The best time is between 7 and 9 months of age, unless you plan to have offspring from a female in the future.

Is it possible to wash a dog during heat?

Bathing a dog in a bath, washing its genitals, or allowing it to swim in open water during estrus is strictly prohibited. This can lead to viruses and infections in the genitals. The female licks herself independently, performing hygiene procedures.

If you notice dirt on the hinge after a street walk, carefully wipe it with a damp cloth. Make sure that dirt does not get inside.

Estrus in dogs is a difficult period for both the animal and the owner.

At this time, it is necessary to take precautions, cleanliness, and help the female to calmly survive ovulation. The advice from veterinarians given in the article will help you get good offspring for breeding dogs or prevent unwanted pregnancy

One of the indicators is the condition of the teeth

You should examine the animal's teeth and decide whether they are baby or permanent. By 8 weeks, the puppy already has a complete set of all milk teeth, and by six or seven months they are completely replaced by permanent ones. Specifically, by 6 months of age, dogs have permanent canines (the longest of all teeth).

If all the animal’s teeth are permanent and they are white and clean, then we can confidently say that he is 1.5-2 years old. At the age of 1-2 years, the dog's molars begin to turn yellow. Tartar forms on them. Between 3-5 years, wear of the incisors begins. After 5 years, gum disease and significant deposits of tartar can be detected on the animal’s teeth. If a dog is missing some teeth, it means that it is already quite old and its teeth need special care.

How long does a dog's heat last - norms and individual characteristics

Estrus or estrus is a physiological process indicating the female's sexual maturity. Sexual activity leads to the onset of estrus and readiness for fertilization.

How long does a dog's heat last? The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as the size and breed of the dog. In a standard framework, a dog’s estrus lasts 2–3 weeks, but this period may vary depending on individual factors.

Quite often, the first heat begins with a heavy discharge of blood, and after that everything happens “according to the textbook.” According to the standard, the first sign of estrus is swelling and swelling of the genitals. Bloody discharge may not appear for several days, even though the dog is already in heat.

Dog pants

Special products help to maintain order in the apartment - underpants for dogs. Among the positive aspects of these devices, not only the absence of “tags” is noted, but also the prevention of infection in the bitch’s genital tract. The negative side is the fact that most animals do not like to wear “underwear”: in an attempt to remove them, the dog can chew or swallow them. In addition, during licking (which occurs instinctively), the panties will quickly become wet, which will require frequent changes.

Pants for dogs vary in models, fabrics, and designs. For example, there may be products with a hole for a tail, with pockets for pads, cotton, synthetic or nylon. Before purchasing a dog, you need to take several measurements: hips, tail circumference and others. It’s great if the product can be tried on. When purchasing, you need to carefully inspect the panties to exclude tight elastic bands and straps, thick seams and other nuances.

Answers on questions

We answer questions from our readers.

On what day of heat should a dog be bred?

To determine the best time for mating, you need to make the right calculation. Count 10-12 days from the first day of estrus. On the 13th day is the optimal period.

It is also worth remembering that in small breeds the estrus period is slightly shorter than in large-pedigree dogs. Therefore, it is better to spend the day of mating with a male dog 8-9 days from the start of estrus.

Is it possible to sterilize dogs during heat?

You can sterilize a dog during a period of heat if it is absolutely necessary to save the animal. As a rule, veterinarians suggest waiting until the end of the menstrual cycle and only then sterilizing.

We wrote more about this here.

Dog's mammary glands become swollen after estrus

This phenomenon is normal for dogs after estrus. If a bitch has swollen mammary glands, this indicates several factors:

1. After mating with a male dog. A clear sign of pregnancy. The dog's body is preparing to feed its offspring.
2. If there was no mating with a male. A sign of a false pregnancy, the appearance of a tumor in the body. In any case, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Is a spayed dog in heat?

The presence or absence of estrus in a sterilized dog depends on the castration method chosen earlier:

1. Complete castration of the internal reproductive system - there will never be any more estrus.
2. Tubal ligation without removal of the uterus and ovaries - the menstrual cycle will continue throughout the dog's life, but without the possibility of becoming pregnant.

Can a dog get pregnant without being in heat?

No, without the natural process of egg maturation, a dog cannot become pregnant. This is a natural process of the menstrual cycle necessary for procreation, just like in humans. Moreover, during the rest period she will not allow a male dog to be mated to her.

Why the dog is not in heat - reasons

A dog may not be in heat for several reasons. The main ones:

• young age up to six months;
• exhaustion or obesity;
• use of hormonal drugs that prevent ovulation;
• severe or prolonged stress experienced previously.

If estrus does not occur during the annual cycle, then this may indicate diseases of the internal organs: cyst, oncology, endometritis, pyometra, vaginitis and other hormonal pathologies.

Why is my dog ​​always in heat?

It is normal for a dog to go into heat twice a year. If the menstrual cycle is shortened and estrus occurs more often or longer, then this indicates a violation of the hormonal system. The causes may be stress, illness, hormonal drugs, inflammatory processes in the ovaries or uterus. To establish an accurate diagnosis and correct the cycle, you need to consult a doctor and give the dog special medications.

Why does a dog in heat get a fever?

It is normal if, during the period of estrus, the dog’s temperature rises by no more than 0.5 C. This indicates the natural process of maturation of the egg and its release from the ovaries.

If during this period you observe lethargy in the animal, the temperature rises higher, the dog refuses to eat, and discharge with a strong odor is clearly visible, then you should consult a doctor. Such symptoms indicate an infectious disease that requires surgical intervention.

Can a dog go into unscheduled heat?

Maybe. The reason for this is hormonal imbalance, diseases of the reproductive system, and inflammation in the uterus.

When can a dog be spayed after being in heat?

Surgical intervention to sterilize a dog can be performed immediately after the end of the estrus period (on the 3rd day after) or before its onset. The best time is between 7 and 9 months of age, unless you plan to have offspring from a female in the future.

Is it possible to wash a dog during heat?

Bathing a dog in a bath, washing its genitals, or allowing it to swim in open water during estrus is strictly prohibited. This can lead to viruses and infections in the genitals. The female licks herself independently, performing hygiene procedures.

If you notice dirt on the hinge after a street walk, carefully wipe it with a damp cloth. Make sure that dirt does not get inside.

Estrus in dogs is a difficult period for both the animal and the owner.

At this time, it is necessary to take precautions, cleanliness, and help the female to calmly survive ovulation. The advice from veterinarians given in the article will help you get good offspring for breeding dogs or prevent unwanted pregnancy

History of the origin of the species

The origin of schnauzers is still a mystery; there is a version that they originated from turf dogs, but it has not been confirmed. The closest to the breed are genetically wire-haired dogs from Southern Germany.

Miniature Schnauzers are a miniature copy of their “older” brothers – the Miniature Schnauzers. Breeders wanted to reduce the breed while maintaining its working qualities. The smallest individuals were crossed with Afferpinschers, Pinschers, and Poodles. The new breed did not lose the required proportions, but acquired different colors that did not correspond to the wishes of the breeders. Therefore, the “colored” puppies were discarded, leaving only black, white and “pepper” ones.

At the end of the 19th century, namely in 1888, the first Miniature Schnauzer was registered. The name comes from two German words: “gnome” and “muzzle” . An exhibition was held in 1889, after which a standard was immediately written.

The breed was brought to Russia in 1974. They began to be bred in Moscow only in the 1980s.

Puberty

Dogs, like humans, begin puberty sooner or later. Of course, these processes cannot be compared, since they are characterized by their own specifics. In dogs, puberty is accompanied by a natural process, estrus. During puberty, the “girl” prepares to mate and bear puppies. As a rule, this mechanism is activated every six months or a year. In some cases, a dog's heat begins at a later age. However, if this does not happen by the age of two years, then the dog must be shown to a veterinarian.

In animals such as dogs, the normal period of sexual activity is considered to be 14-21 days. However, this process is influenced by the age and other characteristics of the girl. If the process is painful and accompanies the animal for more than 30 days, the dog must be immediately taken to the veterinarian. Some individuals experience pain during this period.