The female puppy sweetie quickly becomes a pretty mature lady. There is something inevitable about a dog’s growing up that every owner should be aware of. A dog's estrus is a natural process, indicating that the female puppy has already become an adult and can take part in mating and bearing puppies herself. We invite you to learn more about what estrus is in dogs and what owners can do about it.
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.
Estrus and health
Owners of unsterilized female dogs need to be aware of several health-related issues. This will help you make decisions about surgery if necessary.
Recovery of the cycle after childbirth
The cycle normalizes 4-6 months after birth. The delay time depends on the duration of lactation and the size of the litter. To fully restore the body, it is recommended to wait until mating until the next menstruation.
False heat
This kind of estrus occurs in young bitches. It is accompanied by all the listed signs, but excludes ovulation. Because of this, any attempt at mating is doomed to failure. This phenomenon is not dangerous to health and is characterized by a sudden disappearance of the symptoms that have arisen.
Hidden heat
This menstruation is the opposite of false menstruation, that is, it is accompanied by ovulation without obvious symptoms. In rare cases, the situation is explained by a pathology of the thyroid gland, so play it safe and undergo a full examination at the veterinary clinic.
Dog sterilization
Due to the high likelihood of developing cancer in unsterilized and uncrossed dogs, veterinarians recommend sterilizing all animals not involved in breeding. The operation is carried out 14-20 days after the end of emptying.
Is it possible to vaccinate a bitch in heat?
Veterinarians have not reached a consensus on this issue. In the presence of chronic diseases and severe pain, it is recommended to wait until the end of menstruation. Vaccination of healthy individuals is acceptable.
Regular monitoring of your menstrual cycle will help you avoid possible problems. With it you can easily identify abnormalities that require a visit to the veterinarian. Avoid using hormonal medications and consider sterilization. Remember that the earlier the operation is performed, the lower the likelihood of developing cancer and other dangerous diseases.
The article is for informational purposes only. Contact your veterinarian!
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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.
On what day of heat can a dog be bred?
First of all, it is important to know that you can breed a female no earlier than her third heat. It is then that the formation of the body ends, the girl is ready to bear and give birth to strong, healthy offspring. Experienced females themselves know when to let a male in. It works on an instinctive level. The most favorable days are considered to be 11-13 , when the loop softens and the discharge acquires a transparent whitish color. Although a girl can accept a male at 14-17 days .
We recommend that you read the article: “Features of caring for a pregnant dog: what you need to know about it.”
After giving birth, it is advised to skip 1 heat before the next mating, although if the dog is in heat once a year, then you can breed each time. It is believed that during this period the girl has time to recover. Sometimes breeders breed animals 2 times without skipping, and on the 3rd they allow the female to rest. The best period for giving birth is the autumn-winter period, then the puppies appear strong and strong.
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.
Behavioral manners
Appetite changes. The pet may refuse to eat or beg for additional portions. Feed the animal as usual. If the food is not touched, remove the portion until next time.
The dog develops a discharge that may leave a bloody trail. Some four-legged young ladies are clean and clean. Others stain the floor, furniture, and carpets. The wards wear panties.
The animal may suffer from nagging pain. The dog begins to whine, become restless and irritable. Dog owners have to take their pet to the veterinarian.
During the emptying period, females show disobedience, cunning and intelligence. A pet may refuse to relieve itself on the street until the leash is removed from it. As soon as this is done, she will immediately run off to look for a partner. During walks, the female does not obey commands, often stops, whines, calling the males. There were cases when pets chewed the leash, dug under the fence, and ran away as soon as they were released from the leash.
It is necessary to give up training, competitions, and trips over long distances. The bitch is capable of showing aggression towards people and other animals.
In addition to hormones, behavior is influenced by upbringing, breed, and environment.
During the critical period, the owner needs to be vigilant. A dog may run away during heat. Will return fertilized by different males. A puppy from such a mating will be born weak.
As soon as the signs of estrus pass, the animal will calm down and return to its previous lifestyle.
If pregnancy is not desired, it is better to spay or neuter the dog. You cannot constantly suppress the symptoms of estrus with hormonal drugs.
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.
How many days are there?
The duration of the cycle depends on several factors: nutrition, conditions of detention, age, size, breed. A specific value can only be determined through observation and recording of data. On average, the period lasts 20-25 days . Although the first heat is often short-lived, it can last 3-5 days . Stability of the cycle appears only by 2-3 years.
How long does it last for representatives of small breeds?
Puberty occurs earlier in small dogs; as a rule, the first heat appears at 6-12 months . It lasts no longer than 10 days . The next phase comes after 6-8 months and lasts about 18-20 days .
In large breeds
Large dogs mature later, at 12-18 months . Due to their size, the volume of secretions is greater than that of small females. The duration of the first cycle lasts up to 15 days , and subsequent phases take place in 25-30 days.
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.
Preparation for mating and its implementation
Mating is carried out on the 11-15th day of the third emptying in the territory of the dog. 1.5 months before mating, animals are dewormed and checked by a veterinarian.
According to the method of knitting, it can be free and manual. In the first case, the animals do everything on their own, and in the second, their owners help them. Hand knitting is typical for small breeds and untied animals. During this process, the owners help to mount and wait for mating - 5 minutes of mating after ejaculation. To consolidate the result, it is recommended to knit again.
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?
Possible problems and consequences
Possible problems include variations in timing. Contact your veterinarian if:
- the appearance of a delay of 9-10 months;
- menstruation lasting less than 10 or more than 30 days;
- any deviations in the cycle after 2 years, including a delay in the first emptying;
- increased frequency of menstruation;
- abundance or intense color of discharge.
The animal may also experience a false or unwanted pregnancy. The first can be eliminated with medication, and the second can be eliminated by competent avoidance of male dogs or surgical intervention.
How to discourage male dogs
In addition to walking on a short leash, it is possible to use sprays that fight off the smell of a bitch in heat. They are applied to the back of the body before each walk. Domestic products are also represented by BioVax.
Unwanted pregnancy
Unwanted pregnancies are treated with abortifacients or surgery. In the latter case, the surgeon cuts out the uterus, which excludes the dog from further breeding.
False pregnancy
If you notice signs of pregnancy in an unmated pet, contact your veterinarian. Physiological changes occur due to an excess of progesterone and rarely disappear on their own. In most cases, the problem can only be solved with drug treatment. Without the help of a veterinarian, there is a high chance of developing mastitis or pyometra.
“ More about false pregnancy in dogs
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.
Drugs to reduce or stop estrus
Many owners do not want their dog to produce offspring every year. This is especially true for those who do not have purebred animals, mongrels, or who do not plan to sell puppies later. In this case, veterinarians advise the use of special medications, divided into two types:
- hormonal-based drugs that stop estrus;
- drugs that reduce sexual desire, on a non-hormonal basis.
Important! Hormonal medications should not be given to a dog without the supervision of a veterinarian. They must be given to the female according to the schedule, as they interrupt ovulation, which can lead to complications in the body.
Table of hormonal medications to stop estrus:
| Name, manufacturer | Action | Price |
| Kovinar, (Netherlands) | Available in the form of injections, it prevents estrus and provokes termination of false pregnancy. | From 1800 rub. up to 2200 rub. |
| Sex Barrier (Russia) | Available in the form of drops or tablets. Intended for contraception. | 10 tablets – 170 rub. Bottle of drops (3 m) – 245 rub. |
| Stop Intimate Api Sun Russia | Tablets to delay or interrupt ovulation. | Pack of 12 tablets – 190 rub. |
Drugs to reduce sexual desire on a non-hormonal basis do not stop estrus, but significantly reduce the female’s arousal and make it easier to endure this period.
Anti-estrus tablets for dogs:
| Name, manufacturer | Action | Price |
| Hormone Balancer (Australia) | Plant-based product. Improves dog behavior and has a calming effect. Used during estrus, after childbirth, during false pregnancy. | The bottle contains 25 ml of liquid - price 2,700 rubles. |
| Da-ba Relax Plus (Latvia) | Calming tablets. Helps the female survive estrus without stress for herself and her body. | Pack of 30 pcs. tablets. Price – 450 Russian rubles. |
| Api San Stop Stress (Russia) | Drops for internal use. They reduce libido and have a calming effect on the nervous system. | 15 ml in a bottle – price 260 rubles. |
Important! Before using any medications, consultation with a veterinarian is required!
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.
Features of caring for a bitch in heat
During their first heat, dogs may not be careful and leave bloody spots everywhere. If the dog does not lick itself thoroughly, you can put on special hygiene panties for the first time. They resemble baby panties and are sold in pet stores. But you shouldn’t abuse wearing panties - it’s important that the dog immediately gets used to licking itself. For the same purpose, it is recommended to remove carpets in the house.
Features of caring for a dog during heat:
- Walk your dog on a leash throughout the entire period of heat. It is advisable to abandon the roulette leash at this time and switch to a short leash.
- Walk in places where there are no males or other females. Females become aggressive and may behave inappropriately towards dogs of both sexes.
- Limit walking outside in cold weather. The current bitch's body is susceptible to hypothermia and infections.
- Do not allow your dog to swim in ponds. During the period of estrus, the animal's vulnerability to the genitourinary system increases.
- You cannot approach male dogs even on a leash. Mating can happen in a matter of seconds.
How to ensure cleanliness
The issue of hygiene is one of the most important during the estrous cycle. A walking female will leave blood stains on the floor, furniture, and carpets. What should owners do to ensure cleanliness?
- Remove all fabric and carpeting from the floor.
- Cover all the upholstered furniture on which the dog is used to lying and sleeping with old towels or blankets. There is no need to drive the dog away from these places - this will negatively affect its psyche.
- Carry out daily wet cleaning. It is advisable to remove stains as they arise.
- Use special underpants for dogs.
Briefs for heat
The pet industry offers many models of pet panties of varying quality and size. Panties help keep the house clean and protect the animal from bacteria and infections. The product is convenient because it can be worn at home, on a walk, or while traveling on public transport. Wearing underpants during emptying is especially important for pets sleeping in the owner's bed.
Types of panties:
- disposable (diapers);
- reusable fabric (with a pocket for padding).
Pros:
- protect furniture and floor surfaces from stains;
- interfere with random mating;
- protect against infections and bacteria.
Minuses:
- cannot be worn constantly;
- not all pets can relieve themselves in them;
- dogs may experience discomfort.
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.
Popular questions and answers
We asked our experts – practicing veterinarians – our current questions about dog estrus.
On what day of heat can a dog be bred?
“Usually dogs are bred on the 9th – 13th day of estrus, but it’s better to look at their behavior or do a vaginal smear (there are other methods for determining the optimal day),” says veterinarian Anastasia Kalinina. – Control mating – after 1 – 2 days. In older dogs, estrus may be prolonged and fertilization is possible even after the 20th day.
Can a dog be spayed while in heat?
“Sometimes dogs have to be sterilized during estrus due to uterine pathology and inflammatory processes,” explains veterinarian Alexander Alekseenkov. – But surgery during estrus can lead to mastitis and dysfunction of the pituitary-hypotolamic system. But fortunately, this is all being corrected.
Can a dog be vaccinated while in heat?
- Yes, you can. Neither in the instructions for vaccines, nor in modern recommendations for vaccination of cats and dogs, is estrus a reason for refusing vaccination, explains veterinarian Elena Timofeeva.
Can a spayed dog go into heat?
“If the dog’s sterilization was carried out correctly, then the answer is clear – it can’t,” says veterinarian Elena Timofeeva. – Symptoms of estrus in dogs that have been spayed may occur if the organs of the reproductive system are not completely removed. This can lead to inflammatory processes. If your neutered dog is showing signs of being in heat, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Are there any characteristics of estrus in different dog breeds?
– Estrus in dogs of different breeds and sizes is mostly the same – once every 6 months. However, in dogs of northern breeds they can only occur once every 10–12 months. This is due to the short warm period in the North, explains veterinarian Alexey Prokopyev.
Are there any peculiarities of estrus in small breed dogs?
“Small dogs have “silent” estrus,” says veterinarian Alexander Alekseenkov, “not noticeable at all, and only an owner who knows the habits of his dog can understand from his behavior that estrus has occurred.
Are there any peculiarities of estrus in medium breed dogs?
“The frequency of estrus is not a dogma at all,” says Natalya Gridchina, a specialist in veterinary medicines, food and cosmetics for animals. – There are small dogs that rarely flow, or large ones that flow 3 times a year. To understand whether this is normal or pathological, you need to contact a veterinarian for an in-person appointment.
Are there any peculiarities of estrus in large breed dogs?
– Some veterinarians note the dependence of the frequency of estrus on the size of the dog and believe that small breeds usually have estrus 2 times a year, and large and medium breeds estrus once a year. But this is absolutely not true. “Everything is individual,” says Natalya Gridchina.
Sources
- Fedotov S.V., Kolyadina N.I. Borunova S.M. Improving the diagnosis of the condition of the ovaries in bitches at various stages of the reproductive cycle // Bulletin of the Altai State Agrarian University, 2014 https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sovershenstvovanie-diagnostiki-sostoyaniya-yaichnikov-u-suk-pri-razlichnyh-stadiyah- polovogo-tsikla
- Ohlund M., Hoglund O., Olsson U., Lagerstedt A.-S. Laparoscopic oophorectomy in dogs: comparison of LigaSureTM and SonoSurgTM systems // Journal of Small Animal Practice. Russian edition, 2011 https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/laparoskopicheskaya-ovarioektomiya-u-sobak-sravnenie-sistem-ligasuretm-i-sonosurgtm
ovulation begins
The egg leaving the follicle matures for fertilization in 2 days, so the optimal time for mating is 1-2 days after the follicle ruptures. In most cases, it is customary to breed dogs on the 12-14th day of estrus, however, ovulation in different dogs and even in the same dog in different cycles can occur from the 3rd to the 23rd day of estrus.
To determine the moment of ovulation, there are quite a few methods of varying degrees of complexity, both home and medical. An indirect sign of ovulation can be an increase in the bitch's libido, an increase in her attractiveness to males, and a lighter color of discharge from the loop. Many breeders use measurement of glucose levels in vaginal mucus, as well as special devices for determining the electrical conductivity of this mucus.
What to do if your dog doesn't want to mate
If your plans include breeding, find out what to do if the dog does not want to mate.
The first piece of advice is to contact a kennel club or professional breeders. There are knitting instructors there. The specialist will explain how you can help the dog or do everything himself.
The owner can independently help his girl like this:
- Choose the right day for mating.
- Put a muzzle on your dog or tie a scarf over its muzzle.
- Place your thigh under the bitch's belly and turn her towards the dog. Hold your dog by the collar.
- Secure the dog and tuck its muzzle under your armpit.
- Help the male dog during boarding. You can lift the loop by placing your hand under the dog's belly.
