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.
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.
Problems during and after heat
Estrus in dogs is always quite problematic for their owners: behavior, moods, discharge, consequences of mating, which may be unplanned. At this time, your beloved dog can ruin textiles with its secretions, so some people limit the pet’s ability to move around the house or put special panties on it.
It is not recommended to carry out routine vaccination during estrus; it is recommended to wait until it ends.
Unwanted pregnancy
Purity of the breed is always important for breeding. Unwanted pregnancy, which occurs due to the inattention of the owners during estrus, is eliminated with abortive drugs or surgery. If there are indications for surgery, the matter is serious. In this not very rosy option, the uterus has to be removed, so the dog will be unsuitable for breeding.
False pupishness
It happens that the pet was not bred, but all the signs of pregnancy are obvious. The veterinarian will tell you that all such changes were caused by an excess of progesterone. Treatment requires a competent approach; it rarely goes away on its own. Without treatment, mastitis or pyometra may develop.
Excessive attention from male dogs
It is not always in the owner's plans to breed a bitch. Therefore, extreme caution is needed when your dog is in heat. You definitely can’t let an animal off a leash, even if your pet seems calm and obedient. In an instant, at such a difficult time, she can stop obeying and is able to run away from the owner towards a flock of males.
In general, it is advisable to choose streets for walking where there are no concentrations of males. The possibility of a cage cannot be ruled out, and after that it will be impossible to separate the couple. The situation is serious, because it happens that if a bitch is small, a large dog can cause her serious harm.
Exhibitions and festivals are always full of dogs of both sexes. There is also the possibility of an unplanned mating. It’s not worth mentioning that it’s even strange to take a dog with such outbursts of mood in heat to a show.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely exclude interest in a female dog in heat. A number of manufacturers have responded to this problem and are offering products to partially eliminate the odor. The consequence will be a decrease in male interest in the bitch.
The domestic ones (BioVax), “True Friend”, “Antikobelin” (Himola) and the “Touch-me-not” spray from Le Artis are worthy of attention.
It is naive to believe that the smell will disappear completely and without a trace. The female's natural scent is still so strong that free range will attract males, although to a lesser extent. For example, a male from a distant territory simply will not smell it.
It is not safe to keep a male and female dog in the same room or enclosure during all stages of heat. If there are no other options, then during this troublesome time you will need to prepare more special panties. They must be properly fixed on the female’s body - this will prevent prohibited mating from happening. Be sure to spray the girl with spray. This way the smell will become less intense, and it will ease the boy’s agitated state.
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For males, a sedative is also provided to help them survive such a period with their female neighbor. The feasibility of such funds is discussed with a specialist.
It is best to separate the animals during the emptying period by placing them in different rooms or enclosures. If there is an option for fostering a dog, you should not refuse this method of separating pets of different sexes.
An unplanned pregnancy is fraught with serious harm to the animal’s life. With a large father and a small mother, she simply will not be able to give birth to puppies herself. A caesarean section is unlikely to be included in the owners’ plans, but they will have to resort to it.
Unplanned mating can lead to inflammation of the uterus - endometritis and pyometra, and a number of sexually transmitted infections. The result is often infertility.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Estrus
The period of peak activity, when the bitch is ready for mating. She not only shows interest in male dogs, but is also ready to let them approach her. The estrus phase lasts 6–9 days, depending on the breed (as we remember, the duration of estrus in large, medium and small breeds of dogs can vary, which also affects the phases). And at this time, the discharge takes on a translucent appearance with a pink tint. This is the best period for mating. The dog often whines, squats, constantly lies on its stomach, and moves its tail to the side.
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.
Proestrus
This is the initial stage, during which the first signs of the dog’s readiness for contact with the opposite sex are just emerging. At this time, the bitch begins to be interested in males, but when they try to establish intimacy, she shows aggression or runs away. The dog often tries to sit on its tail, obeys its owner poorly, and is reluctant to follow commands. Proestrus lasts from 1 to 7–10 days, depending on the characteristics of the breed, age and hormonal levels. On the 3rd–4th day of this stage of estrus, bloody discharge begins to appear.
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.
Periodicity of estrus
Seasonality does not in any way affect hormonal surges in a dog’s body, but each individual has certain months and even times of year for estrus. Since each bitch walks twice a year (in rare cases, perhaps 3 times a year, due to hormonal imbalances and inflammatory processes), the frequency between the first and second heat is usually 4-6 months. The exception is older dogs and representatives of certain breeds: for example, huskies, huskies, basenjis. Their interval between each cycle can be one year.
In addition, estrus occurs once a year in some service dogs that are subject to increased physical stress. Many animals kept in enclosures also come into estrus once a year.
Estrus ends at the age of 10–14 years, but this figure is approximate and depends on what breed the bitch is, how often she had cycles throughout her life, and how many times she was whelped. In general, estrus occurs for as many years as physiology allows for bearing offspring. Therefore, it is impossible to give a definite answer to the question at what age estrus stops.
Next, we'll look at the heat phases and how long they last.
