How to identify estrus in dogs? Start, end, duration

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

A pet in the house is a big responsibility. It must not only be loved, it must be looked after and taken care of. And if you start a bitch, you must understand what will happen to her as she develops and matures. One of the moments is the onset of the first estrus. We will talk about this and much more in our article.

How to tell if a dog is in heat?

Heating is a natural inevitable natural process. Therefore, think several times before taking a bitch. So how do you spot a dog in heat?

The first comes in six to twelve months, but for some reason it can start in two years. As a rule, after all milk teeth change. The first molt is also a harbinger of the onset of the empty. If it does not appear within the prescribed period, you need to contact the veterinarian, this may indicate a hormonal failure or signal another ailment. It takes place twice a year, if more often - an alarming sign. He althy bitches have a blankis twenty days, plus one or two days.

See how serious this is, so when a female puppy is unknowingly born, the first emptying causes panic and fear. We will talk about this in detail in our article.

Signs

The first thing you involuntarily notice is the swelling of the loop (vulva). And only then the following signs appear:

1. The dog starts to urinate more often.
2. Blood comes out of the noose, droplets of which are visible on the floor. And they are dark in color at the beginning.
3. When you go outside, you will notice an increased interest of males in your bitch.
4. Heating may be accompanied by molting.
5. The pet's appetite improves.
6. Sometimes there is anxiety.
7. Salivation appears.
8. Pupils may dilate.

With the first heat, the character of the dog changes. Large bitches become aggressive, stop following commands, bark a lot, while small bitches, on the contrary, become more cheerful and mobile. This applies, for example, to dachshunds.

Another sign when you notice your dog constantly licking her vagina is the onset of heat.

Very important point, in the first estrus, the dog must not become pregnant. Therefore, when walking a bitch, keep her on a leash. She will attract males in every possible way, take a certain pose, raise her tail. Only you can save her from unwanted conception. Now we know how to tell if a dog is in heat.

Signs of the first empty space and duration

The exact number of days cannot be determined. You can ask the owners of the pet's mother how long her first estrus lasted. As a rule, these physiological characteristics are inherited by puppies.

The first heat will be the fastest. Sometimes it can be accompanied by a very small amount of bloody discharge and the absolute indifference of males to the bitch's play. The process is also hidden. According to veterinarians, it can quickly start and also end. Ovulation does not occur in this case. But this concerns the first emptying, the next one needs to be carefully prepared.

Monitor your dog's physiological condition

When in heat, the bitch will curl her tail to facilitate mating, called "flagging". This standing can be provoked by intense scratching of the vulva. If the hind legs close and freeze, the tail moves away, a muscular wave-like contraction passes along the back, which means that the bitch is flagging.

Now it becomes more clear how to determine estrus in dogs. During this difficult period, you need to take special care and attention to your pet.

How to determine the day of estrus in a dog?

We already know that it takes place twice a year, six months apart. This will help determine the day of the next estrus. Do not worry if the time interval between estrus is 4-8 months, it is different for all dogs. It usually lasts three, four weeks.

How estrus happens in stages

Consider the stages:

1. Proestrus.(Forerunner from 7–10 days). The dog has already started bleeding. Special hygienic underpants are sold, for all breeds, for every taste, they will insure the pet from unwanted pregnancy and infections and help keep the house clean.
2. Estrus. (Hunting from 4–12 days). The discharge becomes pale, or disappears altogether. At this point, the bitch is ready to mate. If you plan to have offspring, it must be mated with a male on the second, third day from the beginning of the cycle, it turns out on the 10th, 11th day. This is ovulation - the egg is released from the ovary.
3. Metaestrus. From 17–22 days. Selections are downloaded. The swollen loop decreases, the dog comes to the usual state of sexual rest, drives away the males.
4. Anestrus. Animal recovery period.

Let's look at the example of a photo, how to determine the estrus in a dog.

Pre-flow period

How to determine the beginning of estrus in dogs, we figured out, let's talk about the initial stage. The bitch's behavior changes. She is easily excitable, restless. It stops for a long time in places where males leave marks, marking the territory with urine. It can jump on males, play with its tail, but at the same time, growls and bounces, and then returns again. Knitting is not yet the time. At the initial stage, the pet does not allow males, because the uterus is not yet ready for fertilization, and she does not see the point in mating. But when the blood stains turn into thick, beige-colored mucus, then it's time.

Ready to mate

We learned when and how to spot the first heat in dogs. Let's move on to the next step. So, the best time for mating is on the 9-17th day, and in some bitches on the 21st day. As soon as the discharge becomes transparent or disappears, you can start knitting. Some dogs hardly ever go into heat, so you can mix as soon as the loop swells.

Third stage

Now we will learn how to determine the end of estrus in dogs. At this stage, the natural processes in the uterus begin to recover. This period is from 60 to 105 days, the bitch will drive away the males. After the first estrus, there may be an increase in the sternum and loop. There is no blood in the third stage. The genital organs take on their former form, and the level of the pregnancy hormone (progesterone) in the body increases, which will be at the time of pregnancy and in its absence. At this time, a false pregnancy may occur. This is when fertilization after mating did not happen, but mental and physiological disorders occur.

The dog will behave like a pregnant dog. Look for a secluded place, raking up warm master's things. Place soft toys in the nest. Moreover, her nipples may swell, from which milk will even stand out. In this case, the owners need to take care of the end of lactation. To do this, you should limit drinking, portions of food, exclude dry food and spend more time in the fresh air, trying in every possible way to distract the pet from the “nest” and false motherhood.

Final fourthstage

We already know how to tell if a dog is out of heat, so let's move on to the last step. Stage of absolute sexual dormancy. Lasts 100-150 days. In a he althy pet, the test takes place twice a year, for example, at the end of summer and the middle of winter. In case of any deviations, it is necessary to seek the help of a specialist. So, we figured out how to determine estrus in dogs.

How to behave with a dog during estrus?

We learned how to determine the estrus in a dog, now let's recap what needs to be done during this difficult period. You must adhere to the following rules:

1. Keep your pet on a leash when going out.
2. Keep dogs away from her.
3. Avoid places with lots of dogs.
4. Make every effort so that the bitch does not catch an infection, does not get cold.
5. It is forbidden to swim in public waters.

For cleanliness in the house, use special hygienic underpants, which must be of high quality, not have rough seams. See that they do not squeeze the stomach and genitals. It is very important to check the rubber bands, which can rub and cut. If the dog has a tail, make sure that they have a special hole in them. The fabric should be waterproof. Cynologists say that it is better if the dog itself licks the blood during the test. It is beneficial for physical and mental he alth. If you go down this difficult path, then remove all the carpets in the house.

As the pet ages, the number of heats and theirduration will also be reduced. But it should be borne in mind that even in old age, when mating, there is a very high probability of becoming pregnant.

More tips to help ease your pet's discomfort

Despite the fact that during this period their appetite increases, it is strictly forbidden to overfeed the animal. It is also necessary to reduce physical activity, do not allow the pet to overcome high obstacles. When meeting a persistent male, it is better to take the female to a safe place. And in no case do not scold for frequent urination, this is nature against which nothing can be done. And yet, it is not necessary to teach the dog new commands during this period.

Can I get vaccinated during estrus?

Definitely not. The animal is vaccinated at a young age. Vaccination is given only to he althy dogs. Estrus is not a disease, but changes are definitely taking place in the body. If the vaccination period coincides with the emptying period, it is better to postpone this moment. You can vaccinate the bitch after estrus. And not immediately, but after a certain number of days. And it is better to vaccinate before estrus, in advance of its onset, otherwise it will be ineffective and can harm.

Can I deworm a dog in heat?

This procedure must be done twice a year, two weeks before the start of the test. Especially if you decide to knit a pet. The procedure will be effective and will not cause harm to he alth.

How to bathe an animal during estrus?

Of course hygieneit is simply necessary that the dog does not pick up an infection. But here you should be careful. You can not swim in open water, rivers and lakes. The animal can get an inflammatory process. Coming from a walk, it is not necessary to completely wash the dog, you can rinse the paws in the bath. After water procedures, make sure that the animal does not sit on the cold floor.

Can I spay while in heat?

Actually, this is a sensitive and delicate issue for every dog owner. This operation can be carried out during emptying, but is not desirable. It is carried out in two ways:

1. Through tubal ligation. Heat continues, it will be possible to knit, but fertilization will not occur.
2. Removal of the ovaries. This method not only eliminates the likelihood of pregnancy, but also the heat itself.

As a rule, this operation is resorted to in case of diseases of the genital organs of the pet, it is possible to stop the development of breast cancer and uterine tumors. Sterilization is also carried out during pregnancy, but at the earliest possible date, but with a false one, this cannot be done.

Thus, sterilization can save the life of the animal and, of course, relieve the owners of unnecessary trouble. But if the bitch is he althy and suitable for the reproduction of offspring, the right decision will be to find a suitable male and mate.

So, we have learned when the first estrus begins in dogs, how it proceeds, stages and signs. The main thing is not to panic. It is better to prepare in advance, read the necessary information and follow the rules for care and maintenance during this difficult period for both the bitch,as well as for the hosts. You need to be patient, not get angry, because the animal is not to blame that this natural process is irreversible in his life.