Estrus, or mating, in females is a special event experienced by the whole family. Daily battles with persistent four-legged suitors, washing away bloody prints and attempts to cope with an uncontrollable pet are a mandatory ritual in the life of an owner raising a female animal. During this period, the bitch needs careful care, since canine menstruation negatively affects the state of the immune system. For the safety of your pet, read the possible problems and care rules.
How is estrus going?
If the breeder has a good understanding of the basic physiological aspects of the process, then no special problems arise. If the owner has no idea what is happening in the dog’s body, then there is a high risk of unwanted pregnancy. For breeding bitches intended for breeding, this can cause subsequent culling. That is why it is important to understand how estrus occurs and what dangers await your pet during this period.
Estrus phases
The entire period of the cycle can be divided into four phases. Each of them has its own physiological nuances and behavioral signs.
1. Proestrus . This phase is also called the precursor phase. Duration ranges from 7 to 10 days . At this stage, the dog shows the first signs of impending estrus. The blood supply to the external genital organs increases, they increase in size and “swell”. A few days later the first spotting appears. For the most comfortable keeping in the house, you should purchase special underpants for your dog, which will allow you to avoid unpleasant surprises on the floor and interior items.
The pet's behavior also undergoes significant changes. The animal becomes less controllable, actively marks its territory, and shows interest in male dogs. She's flirting, but not ready for mating yet. When trying to mate, it shows aggression, moves to the side or sits on the ground.
2. Estrus . The second name of the phase is rut. The period of sexual hunting itself. During the first 2-3 days after the onset of estrus, ovulation occurs. Several eggs are released from the ovaries, ready for fertilization. This phase begins on average 11 days after the start of bleeding. The owner should remember that the dog allows male dogs in for several days, and not just at the time of ovulation. Consequently, the risk of unwanted pregnancy from outbred males persists for quite a long time.
The classic sign that demonstrates the female’s readiness for mating is the complete absence of discharge, as well as a change in bloody color to transparent or light pink. A heavily swollen loop is also a characteristic sign that the dog is ready to mate. When trying to stroke the base of the tail, the female moves it to the side, raises her pelvis and freezes in this position.
Pay attention to our article: Dog mating. From theory to practice
3. Metaestrus . Its duration is about 60-100 days . The discharge has stopped and the size of the vulva is gradually decreasing. The female shows aggression towards males who show interest in her. The attenuation of sexual activity gradually appears.
During this same phase, the animal experiences an increased amount of progesterone. The result is often a false pregnancy.
4. Anestrus. This name is given to the period between two heats. Its duration ranges from 4 to 8 months . The duration of the period varies depending on the breed, size and age of the pet, as well as the individual characteristics of the organism. Different cycle lengths can be observed even in one individual and this depends on its physiological and psychological state, as well as a number of other factors.
Signs and symptoms of estrus
For an experienced breeder, the first heat will never come as a surprise. But what if this is your first dog or until now you have only kept males? Veterinarians remind that there are a number of signs that will help an observant owner recognize an approaching heat and prepare for its onset.
The most characteristic signs indicating a dog’s puberty include:
- Swelling of the genital loop. At first it is slightly noticeable, but after a few days the swelling increases;
- Frequent urination;
- The appearance of bloody discharge in the urine;
- The appearance of bloody discharge;
- Behavior change. The animal becomes aggressive towards other females and becomes nervous;
- There may be a change in appetite. The dog may completely refuse food or begin to absorb it in larger quantities than usual;
- Flirts with male dogs;
- At the moment of touching the pelvic area, the dog freezes and moves its tail to the side;
Another sign of estrus is molting. It can cause additional troubles to the owner, in addition to the classic discharge during this period.
It is important to understand that during the first heat the signs may not be clearly expressed and it is quite easy to miss the start of the cycle. Males, at the same time, may not pay attention to the female. Or they may show increased attention to her. This is due to the hormonal background of the animal and it is practically impossible to predict the development of events.
Physiological features
Estrus (estrus) is a physiological process that accompanies the puberty of a female dog.
The process is accompanied by hormonal changes. A lot of estrogen is produced, then progesterone. Under the influence of sex hormones, changes occur in the body, brain activity and nervous system.
A modification of the external organ occurs. The genital loop thickens. A discharge appears from it. If you apply a napkin, there will be a bloody trail. Gradually the discharge will become abundant. In representatives of small breeds they are insignificant. Small dogs constantly lick themselves, the discharge from the genital slit will not be noticeable.
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The mammary glands change. The nipples swell and secretion may appear from them. After the heat, the condition should return to normal.
The dog begins to shed. The appetite changes, the pet begins to eat a lot or refuses to eat. The bitch may be thirsty. An elevated temperature may be normal. May be a sign of an inflammatory process. If you have a fever or other suspicious symptoms, contact your veterinarian.
The duration of the cycle depends on the features. This is influenced by health status, breed, hormonal levels, nutrition, climatic conditions, and emotional state.
The normal duration of estrus is 21 days. The interval between them is 5 - 8 months. Significant deviations from the norm are a reason to contact a veterinarian.
Estrus can be hidden. The same processes will occur in the ovaries, only asymptomatically. The loop does not increase, no discharge is formed, the female does not flirt with the dogs. At the same time, there is increased attention from male dogs. A dog with a hidden waste can be bred and impregnated. Pregnancy can occur as during normal estrus. To rule out infertility, you can get tested at a veterinary clinic. Asymptomatic empty space often occurs due to the pathology of the thyroid gland. Thyroid disease is a reason to exclude a female from breeding offspring.
How does a dog's behavior change during heat?
During the period of estrus, the mood and behavior of the dog undergoes significant changes. The animal becomes less controllable. There may be difficulties with behavior during walks. A previously perfectly trained dog may refuse to follow basic commands, show dissatisfaction at the end of a walk, react aggressively to other bitches and show increased attention to males of any breed.
A negative reaction to individuals of the same sex continues throughout the entire period of sexual hunting. But the female begins to let males in from the second phase. That is why dog handlers and experienced breeders strive to teach a dog to wear special underpants and prefer to walk the animal only on a leash. This allows you to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy, as well as maintain control over your pet’s behavior.
Limiting your dog's walks in crowded places will help avoid the consequences of inappropriate behavior and reduce the risk of unpleasant situations.
Timing of the onset of the first estrus in dogs of different breeds
As a rule, females of miniature breeds enter puberty much earlier than their larger female friends.
Thus, in Yorkshire terriers, French lapdogs, Italian greyhounds and toy terriers, the first heat occurs at the age of 5-6 months.
For animals of medium breeds, this period shifts to 7-9 months. Bitches belonging to large breeds (shepherd dogs, Labradors, Rottweilers) enter puberty closer to one year.
And representatives of giant breeds (St. Bernards, Great Danes) mature after a year and their first heat appears much later than in other females.
Drops on the withers "Ovostop"
This drug has a unique three-component composition: megestrol, proroxan, melatonin.
- Megestrol acetate
. Promotes the transition of proestrus directly to the stage of sexual rest (anestrus) without estrus and the stage after it. - Proroksan.
Thanks to its effect on the receptors responsible for the behavioral manifestations of estrus, it blocks the unpleasant manifestations of estrus: excessive vocalization, search for a sexual partner, aggressive behavior, and the development of stress. This substance does not directly affect the reproductive system. - Melatonin
. The adaptogen hormone is responsible for the seasonal and daily rhythms of the body. Helps improve wool quality and normalize shedding. This active substance also helps slow down the aging process of the body and has a sedative effect.
The drug "Ovostop" - drops on the withers - is packaged in convenient plastic pipettes. Available in two types: for bitches weighing less than 5 kg (2 pipettes of 1 ml) and for bitches weighing from 5 to 15 kg (2 pipettes of 2 ml).
Advantages: single use with a duration of action of up to 6 months, convenient method of application to the skin in the withers area.
Problems during heat
One of the most common problems faced by dog owners is frequent urination immediately before the start of the emptying session. If the animal is not used to limiting itself, then it is recommended to increase the frequency of walks or transfer the pet to an enclosure where it will be alone.
The use of special panties and constant monitoring allows you to avoid unwanted pregnancy. If the dog stops obeying the owner and tries to escape during the walk, then the optimal solution would be to walk the animal on a leash during the off-leash period.
Some bitches may experience changes in the frequency of estrus, its intensity, or the appearance of uncharacteristic discharge. You should not try to figure out the problem yourself. You should seek help from a specialist who will identify the cause of this dog’s condition. It will also help correct the estrus cycle.
Duration of estrus
The average duration of estrus in female dogs is three weeks (21-23 days). In this case, you need to take into account the number, frequency of emptying, age, weight of the dog.
In young dogs, as a rule, the duration and frequency of estrus is unchanged. In older dogs, due to age-related changes, the rest period increases.
If the duration of a female dog’s estrus is 25-28 days, and the periods of rest are six to seven months, then this schedule should be constant. If vaginal discharge has become abundant, more pronounced, with frequent periods of estrus, or estrus does not occur on time, consult a veterinarian.
Important! Emptying may not occur within the designated period if the dog is sick, weakened, or exhausted. Latent estrus is noted during hormonal imbalances, after long-term use of hormonal drugs that prevent sexual desire.
Owners of bitches should monitor the dog's health during and after estrus for several days, regardless of whether the dog has been bred or not.
To have an idea of the duration of estrus, mark the days of its beginning and end in a notebook, and also describe the behavior of the bitch during certain periods.
Even old females, if left unchecked, attract males and can be mated. The bitch can be covered by a sick male or a larger male dog.
Undesirable consequences of estrus
Subsequent complications include the mating of a small female with a large male, which will lead to the formation of large fruits. In this case, independent delivery is difficult. And if the breeder missed the moment of mating, then the supervision of a veterinarian is necessary in order to monitor the condition of the bitch.
There is also a danger of unwanted pregnancy from outbred males in females intended for breeding. If this becomes known, the pet will forever lose the right to participate in improving the line and maintaining the purity of the breed.
Unwanted pregnancy
If the breeder suspects that the bitch has been bred, then the only reasonable solution would be to visit a veterinarian. The specialist examines the dog and, based on its physiological state, selects a drug to terminate the pregnancy.
It should be understood that such a decision will not be easy and may cause certain health problems for the bitch in the future. Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of medications that can be used both on the first day after mating and a few days later.
Abortion could be a radical solution. In this case, the dog is no longer suitable for breeding because its uterus has been completely removed. In any case, the decision should be made only after consultation with a veterinarian. The specialist will talk about possible complications and adverse consequences of any choice of the breeder.
Pay attention to our article: Pregnancy in dogs: main signs
False pupishness.
If the bitch has not been bred, then after a short time she may show signs of pregnancy. This condition is called “false pregnancy” and is associated with an increased level of progesterone in the animal’s body.
It is extremely rare for a dog to cope with the problem on its own and its hormonal levels gradually return to normal. In most cases, the help of a veterinarian is necessary, who selects a course of medications to normalize hormonal levels and stabilize the psychological state of the pet.
We have previously written about false pregnancy in dogs: False pregnancy in dogs - what to do and how to treat?
Additional methods
Some breeders also use more “extravagant” techniques:
- You can play clips, videos about dog training, etc. on your TV. Oddly enough, this actually calms many animals down and gives their owners an hour or two of relative peace.
- Calm, relaxing music has the same effect (but not in all cases). At the same time, the owner himself will be able to calm his frayed nerves.
- Swimming. Incredibly, even the most excitable animals are often completely calmed by swimming in cool water. The easiest thing for owners of miniature dogs is that swims can be done right in the bathroom.
- Good advice from experienced breeders. If the dog becomes completely “wild” and uncontrollable, it is locked in a separate room (preferably in an enclosure, if possible) and the daily ration is cut approximately in half. Hunger has a positive effect on overly active sexual function; the body at this moment (due to lack of nutrients) inhibits reproductive processes. Water, of course, should be given in unlimited quantities.
How to discourage male dogs during heat
It is not possible to completely discourage male dogs during the period of heat. But manufacturers offer a whole range of high-quality and effective sprays that will help partially eliminate the odor and reduce the number of males attracted.
The following products are available on the domestic market:
- Spray from ;
- “True Friend” - eliminates oestrus odor;
- Manufacturer Le Artis offers touch-me-not spray;
- From the domestic manufacturer Himol, you can find the drug “Antikobelin” on store shelves.
It’s worth noting right away that it will not be possible to completely remove the smell of a bitch and males will still pursue her when free-walking. But the aroma that attracts them will become significantly less and the likelihood of attracting animals from more distant territories will be much lower.
How to keep a bitch and a dog in the same room when the bitch is in heat
Safely keeping a dog and a bitch in the same room during the emptying period is a difficult and troublesome task. For a bitch, you need to stock up on a large number of special panties that are securely fixed on her body and prevent unscheduled mating. The use of sprays can reduce the intensity of the odor and partially alleviate the condition of the dog.
Manufacturers of veterinary drugs also offer sedatives that will help the pet survive the most dangerous period of emptying. How safe are these medications? Of course, they are not beneficial for the dog’s health. Should I use sedatives on my dog if the bitch is in heat? The answer to this question must be decided by the animal owner himself.
One of the most effective and efficient methods is to separate dogs during estrus. It is necessary to place the animals in different rooms to minimize the risk of unwanted mating. Also, some breeders practice "vacation". During the period of heat, the male is simply sent to close friends or relatives.
Hygiene rules
Dog owners often wonder: should their pet wear special underpants during estrus? There are pros and cons to wearing them.
Veterinarians do not recommend using such a hygienic device during estrus, since the dog must lick itself.
But sometimes such panties are simply necessary: for example, a pet is used to sleeping on a bed or she has to travel on public transport. In the second case, you should take care to protect the dog from infections.
When choosing hygiene panties for your dog, you should evaluate the material from which they are made. It must be natural. A hole is necessary for the tail, and seams are undesirable so that the animal's skin is not irritated. This item must be chosen in size so that the dog feels comfortable. There are options with Velcro and fasteners. There are even overalls.
Owners who want to save money make such products themselves from children's rompers or shorts.
Veterinarian advice
The correct behavior of the owner during the dog’s heat period is the key to its health and well-being in its subsequent life. Veterinarians remind that if the breeder does not currently plan to obtain offspring from the dog, then it should not be bred.
Every mating is a huge risk of getting an unwanted pregnancy. Before estrus, your veterinarian may prescribe a course of medications that prevent ovulation. After the end of estrus, you need to carefully monitor the condition of the animal. After 2 months, signs of a false pregnancy may appear. In this case, you will need to consult a specialist and possibly prescribe medications.
If the owner does not plan to breed a bitch, then sterilization will be a good solution, which will immediately solve the problem of unwanted pregnancy.
Hormonal drugs
It should be understood that the dog cannot constantly take hormonal drugs, and estrus will resume as soon as the pharmacological effect wears off. Therefore, contraceptives are given to the dog only if estrus should occur at an inopportune time, for example, during your vacation, when the dog is in foster care, the timing of estrus coincides with an exhibition or competition. Sometimes hormonal drugs are prescribed by a veterinarian to regulate the sexual cycle or for other purposes. Before using contraceptives, you should consult a specialist.
Hormonal contraceptives are available in three dosage forms: tablets, suspensions, and injectables. Recently, a new form has been developed - drops on the withers.
Pharmacological properties of the drugs:
- decreased sexual arousal and manifestations of aggression;
- decrease in the level of gonadotropic hormones, cessation of estrus;
- prolongation of the stage of anestrus (sexual rest) to 6 months.
