Around six months of age, female dogs normally reach sexual maturity and go through their first “heat or estrus cycle.” Her ovaries produce eggs after a significant drop in estrogen levels followed by a surge throughout this stage. While usually lasting three weeks, their estrus cycles can span anywhere between two and four.
While a dog’s first heat cycle typically occurs at six months of age, this might vary from dog to dog. Some dogs begin their cycle at four months, while larger dogs can wait up to two years before they begin. It’s recommended that you wait until your dog has had her third heat before mating her. However, genetic testing can be done by your vet, who can also let you know when your dog is prepared.
Dogs normally go into heat every six months, however this might vary, especially at first. Some canines may need 18 to 24 months to establish a regular cycle. Small dogs typically go into heat three to four times per year or more. Large breeds like Great Danes and St. Bernards may only experience ovulation once a year.
Dogs will still go through cycles, but as they age, the intervals between estrus are longer.
When your dog starts her period, what should you do?
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 do you tell when a dog’s period is about to begin?
Your dog will go through four phases of her heat cycle, each of which will be marked by distinct physical and behavioral changes. The canine heat cycle has four stages, which are as follows:
- Proestrus: The beginning of the heat cycle, when your dog’s body is getting ready to mate A swollen vulva, blood-tinged discharge, excessive vaginal licking, clinging behavior, and hostility toward male canines are symptoms of this stage. Additionally, your dog might tuck her tail close to her body.
- Estrus: Your female dog will be receptive to men during the estrus phase, which is the mating phase. Your dog may seem to be urinating more frequently than usual because she is leaving birthmarks on her body to show that she is ready to procreate. Even though she might be leaving urine stains in some places, her vaginal discharge will likely slow down and possibly turn straw-colored. Your dog will approach males with her tail held to the side when she is ready to mate, but she can act aggressively toward other females.
- Diestrus: This stage follows the “in heat stage and gives your dog’s body the chance to either revert to normal or go into pregnancy. Her vulva will enlarge once again, and the flow from her vagina will stop.
- Anestrus: Anestrus is a dormant phase during which no noticeable changes in hormone levels or sexual behavior occur.
How long do dog periods last?
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.
How long before the dog period begins?
The female’s cycle of heat lasts between 18 and 21 days. The proestrus is the initial phase. It starts with a bloody discharge and a slight enlargement of the vulva. Although it could vary by 2 or 3 days, this lasts for about 9 days. The bitch may draw attention from males during this stage, but she is not ready to breed and will turn down any advances. The estrus is the subsequent stage. The discharge typically lessens and lightens until it is practically pink in color. The vulva enlarges dramatically and softens, making the bitch more amenable to the male. This phase could persist for 3 or 4 days or for 7 to 11 days. A day or two after the time when she would still be fertile, the female may still be receptive. A veterinarian can do vaginal smears and blood tests starting before estrus and continuing through the estral phase to ensure that breeding is occurring at the best time.
The last part of the cycle, the luteal stage, also known as diestrus, starts around the 14th day or whenever estrus stops. The vulva shrinks back to its original size, the discharge turns redder, and the bitch no longer accepts the male for mating. The heat is finished when there are no longer any discharge or swelling indicators. If no pregnancy has taken place, the diestrus stage lasts 60 to 90 days, or until the b*tch gives birth. She then enters anestrus, the interval between the conclusion of the previous cycle and the start of the subsequent proestrus.
Should I cover my dog in heat with a diaper?
Dog diapers for heat are needed when there is bleeding. As previously indicated, a female dog in heat will bleed, and blood stains may contaminate items in your home. Thus, your couch, carpet, floor, and furniture could all become stained with blood, which is a formula for catastrophe! Your pet will bleed for a few days as well, so use Pet Parents Washable Dog Diapers instead of disposable ones, which will just increase the amount of waste in your home.
It’s also advised to put a dog diaper on your pet as soon as you see the warning signs, rather than waiting until you find the first drips to realize it’s time for the diaper. Dog period pads are also used as dog diapers for heat. If your dog is not accustomed to wearing a diaper, you should keep an eye on them while they do so. Before they actually need one, we advise putting the diaper on your dog multiple times while using positive reinforcement. Your dog may attempt to rip off the diaper or attempt to eat period dog diapers, but supervision and positive reinforcement can stop this. Protecting your home with Pawtect Pads, washable and reusable pet pads, might also be beneficial.
Dog diapers can help with frequent peeing while in heat. Keep track of how frequently your dog urinates. Female dogs will urinate more frequently than usual when they are almost in heat. Therefore, another indication that she is coming closer is if your dog is pleading to go outside more frequently or is frequently having accidents within the home (when she didn’t before).
When this occurs, it can be a very frightening period since you will feel powerless to stop the catastrophe from occurring within your home at any time. You may relax knowing that any mess won’t occur in your home thanks to Pet Parents Washable Dog Diapers for heat.
These adjustable, hook-and-loop dog underwear for heat help support the body type of your pet while giving her a leak-proof fit. In addition, unlike competing products on the market, Pet Parents Washable Dog Diapers are comprised of a soft, non-abrasive WickQuick patented fabric. Dog diapers for female dogs keep your pet comfortable by assisting in the prevention of diaper rash and pee burns.
You can use pads for dogs in heat in addition to dog period diapers. With your furbaby’s frequent mishaps and bloody discharge, you can use Pet Parents Pawtect Pads for additional leakage protection to ensure that nothing ever gets dirty. These high-quality washable pads for dogs in heat are manufactured with a robust binding and a wide, roomy zigzag thread in addition to the firm, straight stitching. You won’t need to be concerned about your puppy pads failing to stop a mess without falling apart thanks to the strong, triple-stitched binding. Pawtect Pads are designed to be useful in all aspects of your life. The possibilities are endless: on the couch, in the car, or in your dog’s crate!
Dog diapers can prevent male dogs from skulking. As Hillspet noted, your female dog will eventually start to emit a distinctive odor that will indicate non-neutered males. It is likely that your female dog is in heat and ready to reproduce if you start to notice male dogs in your yard or if they approach you while you are walking her. Avoid walking your dog off the lead or leaving her unattended in your yard during this period. Keep her secure and near by.
Your female dog can wear dog diapers to protect her private areas. It can prevent penetration and can’t be readily ripped into bits, making it an effective pregnancy prevention even if there are male dogs lurking nearby. A woman in heat should never be left unattended if a male could get access to her, even if diapers are typically efficient at preventing pregnancy.
Do dogs in heat need to wear diapers then? Absolutely! It should be a lovely experience to assist control your furbaby’s heat cycle by putting dog diapers on her. Watch your dog carefully, keep an eye out for these symptoms, and show her more affection.
It’s also advised to put on a diaper right away rather than waiting until the first drips appear to realize it’s time for a diaper so they are captured in the diaper.
The largest selection of dog heat pads is provided by Pet Parents. These are the ideal female dog pads for heat, and you can get them online to keep your home tidy during “that time.” Dogs of all sizes can wear dog diapers, from exceptionally little to extra huge. Keep in mind that during her heat cycle, your dog may act and feel slightly differently. Use dog heat diapers to keep her cozy during her entire heat cycle in all of her favorite places.
Can I walk my dog when she is menstruating?
Both you and your dog may experience stress when your dog is in season. Here are our best recommendations for walking during those weeks of raging hormones. The short answer is that walking your dog during the season is safe.
What is the duration of a puppy’s first heat?
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.
