When a dog reaches adolescence, its first estrous (reproductive or heat) cycle will occur. Each cycle has multiple stages; the estrus stage is when a female is capable of becoming pregnant. A dog in the estrus stage is frequently described as being in heat or in season.
Puberty (or sexual maturity) usually occurs at around six months of age, but breed differences may apply. Smaller breeds typically experience their first estrous cycle at a younger age, but huge and giant breeds may not experience their first heat cycle until they are between the ages of 18 months and 2 years old.
How often does a female dog come into heat?
Although the frequency might vary between breeds and from dog to dog, the majority of dogs go into heat twice a year, or approximately every six months. Giant breed dogs may only cycle once every 12 months, however small breed dogs may cycle three times annually. It’s typical for young dogs’ cycles to be a little erratic when they first start reproducing. A female dog may take up to two years to establish regular cycles. With the exception of Basenjis and Tibetan Mastiffs, which normally cycle in the spring, (domesticated) dogs do not have a specific time of year when they procreate.
What are the signs of estrus?
The vulva will expand or engorge with the first symptom of estrus, though this swelling may not always be visible. A bloody vaginal discharge is frequently the first indication that a dog is going into heat for a pet owner. Sometimes the discharge won’t be noticeable until a few days after estrus has started. From dog to dog, the amount of discharge varies.
The first indicator of a dog going into heat for a pet owner is sometimes a bloody vaginal discharge.
As the cycle goes on, the color and appearance of the vaginal discharge will alter. The discharge starts off fairly crimson, but as the days go by, it thins down and turns pinkish-red and watery in hue. When a female dog is in heat, she may urinate more frequently than usual or exhibit marking behavior, when she urinates in small amounts on various items both inside the house and outside while on walks. Her urine at this time of the cycle contains pheromones and hormones that let other dogs know she is in a reproductive state. For this reason, male dogs in particular will be drawn to female dogs that are in heat.
Male dogs may start marking your property with their pee in an effort to reclaim their territory if they notice a female in heat from a distance.
How long does estrus last?
When a dog is in estrus, she has the potential to give birth. A dog will typically be in heat for 1 1/2 to 2 weeks, though this can vary depending on the individual and can be shorter or longer.
At what stage of the estrus cycle is the dog able to get pregnant?
The female dog typically ovulates around the time that the vaginal discharge turns watery; this is the point in her life when she is the most fertile and open to mating. She could become pregnant at any time while she is in estrus because sperm can remain viable in the reproductive system for up to a week and still be able to fertilize the eggs. Contrary to popular perception, tying with the male dog is not a need for a female to become pregnant (for further information see the handout “Estrus and Mating in Dogs”).
How can I prevent my dog from becoming pregnant?
Having your dog surgically sterilized (either by an ovariohysterectomy or a spay procedure) before her first estrous cycle is the best approach to keep her from getting pregnant. Most veterinarians advise conducting an ovariohysterectomy before the dog is six to seven months old because it can be challenging to estimate when this first cycle will take place.
Is there anything I can do if my dog has been mismated, or accidentally mates with another dog?
If this occurs, you must speak with your veterinarian right away. Within the first one to two days following mating, mismating injections can be employed, however there are hazards involved. Your veterinarian will go over your options and any potential dangers.
Should I let my dog have an estrus cycle or a litter of puppies before spaying her?
There are no justifiable justifications for allowing a dog to have a litter of puppies prior to spaying her. However, the general consensus at this time is that spaying will increase a dog’s lifespan. More recent research has shown that some larger dog breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, may benefit medically from delaying their spay surgery until after their first heat cycle. Dogs can become pregnant during their very first estrous cycle, which raises the possibility of an unintentional breeding. Dogs can breed with anyone; this includes siblings, parents, and even children; a son can breed with his mother.
It’s a frequent misconception that allowing female dogs to have a litter of puppies will make them friendlier and more outgoing. This is untrue and does nothing but exacerbate the critical issue of dog overpopulation.
Do female dogs bleed during each cycle?
Due of the increased urination that may occur when your dog is in heat, keep a leash close at reach. Her vulva may also be big, red, or swollen, with some bleeding or discharge that has a bloody hue.
Only about half of the entire cycle—usually 7 to 10 days—will be experienced by your dog. Although it varies amongst dogs, bigger dogs typically bleed more than smaller dogs. Some dogs bleed only a tiny bit. You probably won’t notice a lot of blood spots if your dog takes pride in their appearance and brushes themselves frequently.
Do female dogs frequently bleed?
Around nine or ten months old, female dogs often reach puberty or sexual maturity. Large and enormous breeds can take up to two years to enter estrus, although smaller breeds can do so as early as four months of age in some females. Many dogs’ first heats are “silent” or lack the estrus-related clinical indications. The typical strategy is to wait until the second or third heat cycle before breeding because many dogs’ first estrus cycle is unlikely to allow effective mating.
How often do female dogs come into estrus?
Estrus often happens twice a year, though this might vary from dog to dog. Compared to larger breeds, little breeds tend to cycle more frequently. The average time between heat cycles is seven months, ranging from four to twelve months. The Basenji and other sled dog breeds are an anomaly since they typically go into heat just once a year, usually in the spring.
What are the signs of estrus in dogs?
The first physical sign of an upcoming estrus cycle is vulvar enlargement. However, vaginal bleeding is the most blatantly noticeable symptom. This might not be noticeable for a few days after the female enters estrus. When a female dog is in estrus, some of them bleed profusely while others barely bleed at all. Consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about your dog.
Male dogs will find a female appealing when her estrus phase starts, but she won’t typically be receptive or agree to mate until seven to ten days into her cycle. The discharge’s color and appearance alter as the cycle goes on. It typically starts off looking extremely crimson and thick before gradually turning into a watery, blood-tinged discharge. This shift in the discharge’s appearance typically correlates to the receptive time for mating.
Additionally, you could notice that your female dog is urinating in small amounts more frequently. Pheromones and hormones found in the urine alert potential suitors that she will become responsive shortly.
How long does an estrus cycle last?
For most dogs, the cycle lasts an average of two to three weeks. The earliest indications of vulvar enlargement or vaginal discharge signal the start of the cycle. When all discharge stops and the vulva reaches its regular size, the process is complete.
How do I determine the best time to mate my dog?
This can be challenging. Around the eleventh day of estrus, the majority of dogs ovulate and become fertile. The female will be actively hunting for a male, and the discharge is typically less bloody (commonly characterized as salmon in color). The female can either stand with her hind end out in front for the male to mount her, or she can tuck it to the side. Ovulation, on the other hand, can take place at any time during the heat cycle.
Are there any tests to determine when to mate my dog?
Yes. Your veterinarian can conduct the following two straightforward tests:
Vaginal cytology or smears are the first step. Vaginal cells can be examined under a microscope to find changes in their appearance and number. This method has been around for a while and is dependable enough. It is not invasive, and the female is not bothered by it. The majority of vaginal smears are conducted over a few days to check for changes in the cells that indicate ovulation and the ideal period for mating.
2. A test for serum progesterone. The blood progesterone level is measured by this test. Due to its precision and high level of sensitivity, it has gained popularity. To determine ovulation, many tests performed over a number of days may be necessary for some dogs. Instead of serum progesterone, some vets recommend the daily blood test for LH (luteinizing hormone). The various testing choices and which is best for your dog will be covered by your vet.
The serum progesterone test provides a reliable indication of the best times for mating.
Although submitting samples to a lab yields more precise results, your veterinarian may be able to perform both tests in-house. The serum progesterone test is a reliable predictor of the best times for mating. It is helpful for females who have had trouble mating in the past or for females who will have to go a long way to the male dog.
What can I do to ensure mating is successful?
Unexpectedly, male canines during mating appear to be more susceptible to stress than females. The likelihood of a successful mating increases when the male dog is in his natural habitat. For breeding purposes, females are typically brought to the male dog’s house.
The ideal days for breeding should be determined by testing your female, as the moment of mating is quite important. The ideal period for breeding for the majority of females is between the tenth and fourteenth day of estrus. Females can ovulate as early as the third or fourth day or as late as the eighteenth day, though.
It is typical to schedule two matings (also known as stud services) for your dog, typically separated by 24 to 48 hours. When making first queries, verify these information with the male’s owner. Ask what will happen if the stud service does not result in your female dog becoming pregnant. The owner of the male dog frequently offers a complimentary service the next time.
I was told that my female had tied well with the dog. What does this mean?
Bulbis glandis, a portion of the dog’s penis, enlarges and swells during coitus. The penis cannot be retracted because the female’s vaginal muscles contract against the bulbis glandis. This “tie” is the element that successful mating is said to require. It’s crucial to remember that there’s no requirement for a knot for pregnancy. Once tied, the male dog frequently steps over the female or is maneuvered into a position where the dogs are back-to-back by the handlers. Typically, the tie will last between five and ten minutes.
What should I do if I find my dog tied to another during a mismating?
Animals bound together in this manner cannot be separated, hence there is little use in attempting to do so. Cold water buckets, water cannons, cap guns, and similar items are ineffective at hastening the separation procedure and instead upset or even hurt the dogs. In reality, forcing a separation can cause the female considerable harm and should be avoided. Consult your veterinarian as soon as possible if a mismating occurs so that your choices can be discussed.
Do female dogs get monthly periods?
A female dog in heat (also known as estrus) has a bloody discharge from her vulva that resembles a period or menstruation in humans. But the similarities stop there. Dogs have estrous cycles that last six months or longer than those of humans, who on average have a menstrual cycle every 28 days.
A dog goes through four stages of heat. The first three can last up to 30 days and encompass the following periods:
- bleeding (710 days)
- openness to breeding (710 days)
- reestablishing normalcy (710 days)
The time between one estrous cycle and the next’s beginning is considered the fourth stage.
A puppy can experience her first heat as early as 6 months old, though the exact date depends on the breed and size of the dog. She will continue to go into heat around every six months well into her senior years if she is not spayed.
How do I handle my dogs in general?
Your girl could find it strange to be in heat for the first time. She’s going to demand more affection and care.
- Set aside some additional time to give your pup lots of cuddles because they tend to get pretty snuggly during this period. Maybe think about getting a lap desk so you can work and cuddle at the same time.
- Give her a toy that she can push up against that is secure and chew-resistant. This will also give people a feeling of security.
- Never chastise your dog if she makes a bloody mess; instead, soothe her quietly as you clean it up.
- Make sure she is eating well and getting enough water to drink.
- Give her additional opportunities to use the restroom because there is a lot going on down there and she might feel the urge more frequently.
How many days do female dogs get their periods?
When a dog is in heat, which is a natural component of the estrous cycle, they may go through a sort of “period.” Dog “periods” normally last between two and four weeks, though the exact length can vary depending on your dog. Your dog might try to attract male dogs and mate during this period. Consider seeing your veterinarian about whether you should get your dog spayed if you’re unsure of what to do when your dog is in heat.
Female dogs experience periods, albeit the timing is slightly different from that in humans. Dog periods typically last between two and four weeks, though they might differ from dog to dog. The estrous cycle is another name for a dog’s “period,” and you may hear people refer to this as a dog “being in heat.” The material in this page applies to all of these terms because they are all interchangeable.
What should you do if your dog has begun their estrous cycle and how long do dog periods last? We’ll go into more detail about your dog’s estrous cycle in this post, including how long it lasts, how frequently it happens, how to spot a dog in heat, and what to do if your dog is in heat.
