Estrus in dogs is the period when a female dog is able to conceive. This can happen on certain days, from the 7th to the 21st day of estrus, but the dog must be monitored from the first to the last day. She stops listening a few days after the start of estrus, and if she runs away, she will return with puppies. Therefore, if you do not want kids, you need to keep the dog on a leash and keep the males away.
What is estrus
The female reproductive system consists of:
- Two ovaries - located in the lower back, near the kidneys. Follicles are formed in them, inside which eggs mature. Also, estrogens (hormones that control the animal’s sex life) are synthesized in the ovaries.
- Two oviducts - connect the ovary to the uterus. Here the egg is fertilized, after which it moves to the uterus.
- Uterus – located in the abdominal cavity. Fertilized eggs attach to its walls and mature.
- The vagina is an organ of copulation (sperm enters here) and the birth canal.
- External genitalia (vulva, loops).
Most bitches mature several eggs at the same time, on average from 5 to 11. The number of puppies that will appear in the litter directly depends on their number. A bitch can become pregnant from several males, so after mating she must be monitored.
When a dog’s egg matures, it reaches the surface of the follicle and begins to stretch its membrane. It bursts and fluid flows out along with the egg - ovulation occurs. This is the name of the period when a bitch can become pregnant.
In place of the burst follicle, a hole appears, which is filled with blood and cells, which subsequently deposit the yellow pigment (body) - lutein. It synthesizes the hormone progesterone, which inhibits the development of eggs in the follicles to ensure a normal pregnancy. If conception does not occur, the corpus luteum dissolves and a new cycle begins.
Until what age does sexual estrus last in females?
The female's estrous cycle does not stop throughout her life. In older bitches, signs of heat may be less pronounced and occur less frequently. However, the dog retains reproductive capacity. Therefore, the owner needs to keep an eye on the animal: walk the pet on a leash, keep male dogs away, and use means of protection against unwanted mating.
The complete cessation of estrus in an “aged” female indicates the presence of pathologies of the thyroid gland or genitourinary system.
Symptoms of estrus in a dog
How can you tell if your dog is approaching heat? This can be recognized by the behavior of male dogs. They begin to sniff the bitch 2-3 weeks before the first symptoms appear. Gradually, the bitch's loop swells. She becomes affectionate and hangs around her owner.
Signs of heat in a dog: how to recognize its appearance
The onset of heat in a dog can be determined by the appearance of blood in the loop. The first drops on the floor may not fall immediately, but after a few days, depending on the characteristics of the dog. It very rarely happens that there is no blood at all. In this case, the onset of estrus is determined by the swollen loop and the behavior of the males, who begin to pester the bitch more actively.
The dog's behavior changes 1-2 days after the blood appears. She often stops, sniffs the dogs' marks for a long time, and begins to reach out to them. She follows commands worse, does not follow the first call, but after a while. Poorly trained dogs may not be suitable at all.
If you stroke the animal, especially in the pelvic area, it takes a characteristic stance, freezes, and moves its tail to the side. Many people become aggressive towards other females and can fight. Even a very aggressive dog's attitude towards males improves.
Some dogs have an increased need to be walked due to increased urine production. The appetite of some dogs improves, in others it decreases, and in others it remains unchanged. However, all bitches begin to gain weight after estrus - the body is preparing for childbirth.
Duration of estrus
The duration of the process has a direct connection with the breed characteristics and dimensions of the ward. Small dog varieties first come into heat at about six months of age (this is an approximate estimate). At the same time, some breeds, for example, the Yorkshire Terrier, will experience their first heat only around the age of one year.
In general, you need to be especially careful with small breeds of dogs during heat. In principle, it makes no difference to males what size your pet is. The powerful sexual instinct erases all dimensional boundaries. But for your baby this can become a big threat, because there is a likely risk of injury. Even if, by a happy coincidence, spontaneous mating takes place without consequences for the bitch, then the offspring from a large male simply cannot fit in the small uterus of the animal, and this can be fatal.
Estrus in dogs, regardless of breed, lasts at least 20-22 days, twice a year in young dogs and once in old dogs.
In large canine varieties, puberty occurs a little later, at approximately 12-18 months. The duration of estrus is individual for each individual, but it is believed that the optimal time for a successful mating is 12-14 days from its beginning, after which the bitch becomes more and more inert to the encroachments of males and by the 23rd day finally stops responding to them.
What signs can you use to determine if a dog is in heat?
Drops of blood on the sofa and floor, frequent urination, strange behavior uncharacteristic of a dog - all these symptoms indicate that the female has gone into heat.
Signs of heat:
- My pet asks to go outside to the toilet more often than usual. In this case, the female can mark every bush and every tree with her urine. In rare cases, the dog begins to pee in the house, trying to mark all corners and pieces of furniture with its scent.
- Bloody discharge with a specific odor oozes from the female’s genitals. In all places where the pet sat or lay, bloody drops remain, indicating that she has begun to go into heat.
- Sometimes animals begin to shed intensively during this period, leaving tufts of fur all over the house.
- When a dog is taken for a walk, it shows an active interest in all the male dogs running past. In this case, the pet may try to break off the leash and run away from the owner.
- During the period of estrus, the character of the animal also changes. Sometimes the pet becomes overly excited and playful or behaves disobediently, not responding to the owner’s comments and commands. Some females, on the contrary, become lethargic and sad, do not want to play and even lose their appetite.
- A sign of estrus can also be the fact that the dog often licks its genitals, in particular after each trip to the toilet.
- Representatives of large breeds can behave viciously and aggressively even towards the owner. Therefore, it is advisable to limit walking with the dog, especially in places where children walk.
If the period of estrus coincides with the training and education of the dog, then classes must be postponed, since at this time the animal is not able to perceive and remember commands.
When do dogs come into heat?
The first estrus begins at the age of 6-14 months. Repeated estrus occurs after 5-8 months, if you count from the first day the drops appear.
First heat
When dogs go into their first heat, there is no exact answer. Many bitches have their first blood when they are between 7 and 9 months old. The dog is still a teenager, so changes in behavior are mild. You cannot knit at this age, since the bitch’s body is not yet formed. Pregnancy can have a negative impact on both her and the puppies' health.
Owners often wonder what time dogs come into heat if they don’t bleed until they are a year old. Sometimes estrus can begin at 1.2 years. If it is not present before 2 years of age, consult a doctor. The dog may have a problem.
Until what age do dogs go into heat?
The bitch will go into heat until the end of her life, even if she lives to a very old age (14-16 years). The interval between cycles can either increase or decrease; the estrus itself lasts less. It is not recommended to breed a bitch after 7 years. Pregnancy will undermine the strength of an old dog, shorten its life, and puppies may be born dead or defective.
Features among different breeds
The duration of emptying, considered in the context of rocks, is 10-30 days. There are also other differences between representatives of different breeds, including the intensity of discharge and the time of the onset of the first menstruation.
In small breeds
Estrus in small breed bitches begins at 6-9 months, and its average duration is 10-15 days. Representatives with this cycle include Pekingese, Yorkies and Chihuahuas.
Owners of small dogs should take care when purchasing panties. The fact is that the discharge of small-breed animals is more intense, which negatively affects the cleanliness of the floor and furniture.
In large breeds
The larger the animal, the longer the average duration and age of onset of the first emptying. In representatives of medium breeds (English bulldogs, cocker spaniels, Akita Inu) it begins at 10-15 months and lasts 20-22 days, and in representatives of large breeds (Great Danes, Alabai, Mastiffs) - at 13-24 months and lasts 22 -30 days respectively.
Despite the lower intensity of discharge, do not forget about body size. Given its parameters, a Great Dane can easily ruin your favorite sofa, so get him accustomed to the seat from an early age.
Stages of estrus in dogs
How long a dog goes into heat depends on its physiology. There are 4 stages of estrus in bitches:
- proestrus – preparatory;
- estrus - estrus;
- metaestrus - end of estrus;
- Anestrus is the period between estrus.
Proestrus
Proestrus begins long before the first symptoms, when the hypothalamus, one of the parts of the brain, gives the order to the follicles to grow. As they mature, they begin to synthesize the hormone estrogen, which prepares the uterus for conception.
During preparation, the vulva swells, the bitches develop a faint odor, which warns the males of an imminent heat. Particularly sensitive dogs may even pursue the bitch for a while, but most do not bother her.
Estrus
Estrus begins when the first drops of blood appear. The dog's body begins to actively produce pheromones to attract the attention of males. They are excreted in urine, blood, and mucus.
Estrus can be divided into 2 stages:
- initial phase;
- period of sexual hunting.
Initial phase
How many days does the initial phase of estrus last in dogs? No more than ten, average 7.
When blood appears, the bitch's behavior changes and she flirts with male dogs. On days 2-4 of estrus, the female begins to take a characteristic pose, which indicates readiness to mate. She still doesn’t allow male dogs and avoids mating. However, the owner should not let his guard down and let her off the leash. If the bitch runs away, she may disappear; in the best case, she will return pregnant after estrus.
The period of sexual hunting
The level of pheromones reaches its maximum concentration, but there is less blood, and the color of the discharge becomes lighter. Many females begin to let males in on the 7th day of estrus, but the optimal time for conception is 10-14 days. However, if mating occurs 17-18 days after the start of estrus, she can also become pregnant.
The sperm of a male dog after mating remains active for a week, so for a healthy female to conceive, one mating is enough. This means that if you are not planning on having puppies, the dog should not be allowed in at all. Also, do not relax after mating, as a dog can become pregnant from different males within a few days of each other.
Metaestrus
The duration of estrus in dogs depends on many reasons. Most owners have no fear of pregnancy on the 22nd day after the appearance of blood. The loop decreases in size and the amount of discharge decreases. The bitch stops letting males in. The estrus itself ends at this stage.
If mating has occurred, the embryos are fixed in the uterus and begin to develop. If there is no conception, the bitch often develops a false pregnancy. 2 months after estrus, her breasts may sag and milk may appear. Within a month everything will be back to normal. During this period, dogs behave differently. Some have no health or mental problems, others suffer from pain and are looking for puppies.
Anestrus
Anestrus is the period between real/false labor and before the onset of proestrus. If the bitch does not feed the puppies, she behaves normally and has no behavioral problems.
Changes in behavior
During sexual heat, behavioral changes are observed in females and males. They cease to obey the owner, even if they were raised perfectly. The female can break out in search of a mate and the male can do the same because he smells the “lady of his heart.”
Already in proestrus, the bitch's urge to urinate becomes more frequent. She marks her territory, attracting a potential partner. In the estrus phase, the female herself flirts with the opposite sex and offers mating.
The behavior of the male half also changes. Seeing their “friend”, they practically go crazy - they try to make cages and start mating. Walking around the territory marked with “passion” also affects the pet: it can become aggressive or lethargic, pulling on the leash. The more temperamental ones stop eating and are only busy looking for their beloved.
How to walk during heat
During estrus, never let your bitch walk on her own. Walk her only on a leash. If you live in a village where uncastrated male dogs roam unattended, so as not to take risks, take the bitch out for a short time during heat, don’t let her go outside, let her sit at home.
If you live in a city, to ensure normal physical activity during estrus, you can walk your dog for 2-3 hours. In this case, you need to walk long distances, and not under the house. Even if you come across an unattended male, he conventionally sticks to one territory and usually does not go into someone else’s. But you shouldn’t relax, and there are exceptions.
If a male dog appears nearby, you must drive him away. Unfortunately, few women listen to them, so it is advisable for a man to walk the dog. They respond better to his orders. If the woman is alone, and the male dog is pestering and does not lag behind, you need to hide in the entrance and return home. If he is too active and the size of the dog allows it, pick him up and return to the apartment. He won't leave on his own.
There are products on sale that mask the smell of a female dog in heat. They do not completely cope with the task, but the intensity of the aroma decreases. Therefore, if the male dog obeys the owner, the estrus spray will help. However, if a male dog has a good sense of smell and does not pay attention to the owner’s commands, they will not help.
Caring for your pet during estrus
The main problem owners of bitches face during heat is blood on the floor. During this period, it is better to remove all carpets and buy a cleaning product for animals. If the dog lives in an apartment and often jumps on the sofa or bed, dog handlers recommend buying special underpants.
There is no need to bathe your dog every day, but it is better to wash the genitals regularly during heat, especially if the dog has long, light hair. Otherwise she will walk around in blood. This not only looks unaesthetic, but will also attract male dogs.
Briefs for dogs
Opinions about underpants for dogs are mixed. Bitches are used to taking care of themselves during heat, but panties do not give them this opportunity. That's why they pick them, chew them, eat them. At the same time, you have to wash your panties often; you won’t be able to limit yourself to just a few models.
And yet, you can’t do without panties during estrus if the pet sleeps on the sofa, chair, or bed. The model must be selected taking into account the size of the dog and the strength of the material. It is advisable to take natural fabric. Short products will slide down, and high-waisted ones will form folds. Also, panties should not be tight or interfere with walking, otherwise the bitch will get rid of them.
Underpants can be replaced with dog diapers, but they will have to be changed frequently. In addition, diapers can float, disturb the bitch, and she will take them off.
If you want to walk your dog in shorts on the street, you need to buy special shorts. The simple option will not work - the bitch will either not be able to do her job, or she will wet the fabric. There is no need to rely on panties as protection from male dogs. If you don't drive the dog away, panties won't help.
Miscarriage
A healthy bitch will not have a miscarriage. But there are plenty of reasons for spontaneous abortion. These may be uterine pathologies, fetal developmental abnormalities, parasites, poor nutrition and infections. In addition, miscarriage can occur in young females or, conversely, in older female dogs. Abdominal injuries or poor lifestyle choices also affect the fetus.
In order for the bearing of offspring to proceed calmly and without the possibility of abortion, it is necessary to first consult with a doctor or breeder. The optimal time for mating depends on the age, breed and size of the pet. Uncontrolled breeding significantly affects the likelihood of miscarriage.
False and hidden estrus
Sometimes dogs experience atypical types of heat. For example, false estrus is a rare pathology in which all the symptoms of estrus are present, but ovulation is absent. Take your dog to the doctor. Serious health problems can provoke false estrus.
Another option is hidden estrus. It proceeds as usual, but without symptoms - no blood, no discharge. The only sign is that male dogs are showing interest in the dog, and if she is actually in heat, the female dog may become pregnant. Therefore, if your dog is not bleeding, but the male dog is hanging around, take him to the veterinarian, who will determine his condition.
Hidden heat is not dangerous for a dog. It is believed that it is inherited and an attentive owner will identify it in the first year of the bitch’s life. If you plan to breed a dog, the time of estrus and ovulation will have to be determined in the laboratory.
Sterilization
If you do not plan to breed a dog, let it out on its own, or cannot monitor it during heat, veterinarians recommend sterilization. There are several options:
- Tubal ligation is not the best solution. She will continue to be in heat, but she will not be able to get pregnant.
- Removal of the uterus or ovaries. In this case, there will be no estrus and associated problems at all.
Sterilization carried out before 1 heat, but not earlier than 6 months, can prevent mammary cancer in the future. And, of course, if the dog does not have a uterus and ovaries, or pyometra, it will also not develop genital cancer.
Are dogs spayed while in heat?
A dog cannot be spayed during heat unless there are medical indications. For example, if a dog goes into heat every month and for a long time. It is possible that she has pyometra (inflammation of the uterus), and surgery should be performed immediately.
When are dogs spayed after being in heat?
If you did not have time to sterilize your dog before the heat, the procedure must be done 2 months after its end.
Complications after sterilization
The main problem that owners of bitches face after sterilization is the leakage of urine in drops during sleep or rest (20% of cases). The problem develops within 3 years after surgery.
The exact reasons are unknown. Scientists point to a complex interaction mechanism:
- low estrogen levels;
- deterioration of urethral sensitivity;
- displacement of the bladder from the abdominal to the pelvic region.
At risk are bitches whose weight exceeds 20 kg. Also, purebred dogs and their mestizos are more likely to encounter the problem than mongrels - Doberman, Labrador, Boxer, Rottweiler, etc.
The problem can be solved with medication. The prognosis is favorable.
Hormonal drugs and estrus
There are hormonal medications on sale that help:
- control the onset of estrus;
- stop the development of follicles;
- interrupt ovulation;
- calm the animal.
Any medications can be given to a bitch only on the recommendation of a doctor if there are medical indications. They cannot be given uncontrolled and on an ongoing basis, since various complications are possible that will shorten the dog’s life. If you do not plan to breed your dog, it is better to sterilize it.
Veterinarian advice
Estrus is a normal physiological process, so there is no need to panic. How the dog will go into heat depends on the correct behavior of the owner, the absence of panic and nervousness.
Veterinarians recommend adhering to the following rules:
- The standard frequency of estrus in dogs is 1-2 times a year. If it happens more often, consult a doctor.
- Do not let your dog walk on its own.
- Walk with a bitch on a leash.
- Do not leave your dog alone with males, unattended.
- If the bitch is a breeding dog, after mating, keep an eye on her so that she doesn’t get carried away by other dogs.
- If possible, do not wear panties on your dog so that he can groom himself naturally.
- Hormonal medications and behavior correction agents should be given only after a doctor’s recommendation.
Buy medicines and panties for estrus only in veterinary pharmacies and pet stores that have quality certificates and store products correctly. Avoid bazaars and second hand purchases. If you give your dog a fake, you could seriously harm the animal.
The main sign of readiness for motherhood
Estrus is the main sign that a dog’s body is ready to bear puppies.
The physiological mechanism of this phenomenon is exactly the same as the mechanism for the appearance of menstruation in women.
A dog's first heat appears at different times, depending on its breed:
If we are talking about mating a bitch and subsequent pregnancy, then you should not expect that this will happen during the first heat.
Only a veterinarian will tell you the exact period of the onset of estrus after examining the dog.
