home Analyzes How long does estrus last in dogs: Useful tips for caring for your animal. Features of the process in different breeds. How long does a dog's heat last?

How long does estrus last in dogs: Useful tips for caring for your animal. Features of the process in different breeds. How long does a dog's heat last?

Estrus is a natural phenomenon that is better known as estrus in a dog. The first signs of this natural process indicate that the animal is ready to mate, since the main phase of puberty is completely completed at this point. Breeders of four-legged females need to know everything about what estrus is, when it first appears and whether there are any peculiarities in the behavior of the pet throughout of this period. The owner can do everything possible to ensure that unwanted fertilization of the female does not occur.

It is easy to determine that an animal has gone into heat for the first time if you know how everything happens. Typically, the first signs of estrus can be seen between 6 and 12 months of age. Estrus often begins in almost two-year-old pets. The owner of a pet should be alarmed if the pet’s heat does not make itself felt even after this age.

An indicator of an animal’s health is also the cyclicity and correct frequency process. In most cases, discharge from a female occurs no more than a couple of times a year. Otherwise, if estrus occurs more frequently, its frequency may warrant a visit to the veterinarian. Most likely, the four-legged pet has experienced serious hormonal disruptions in its body.

How long does heat last?

How long does estrus last in dogs? interesting point, which is important to know about at least general information. The duration of this biological process in animals depends on many factors:

at what age is the pet;
her breed;
general condition of the body;
living conditions, etc.

Often the duration of estrus in four-legged animals is about 20 days. Although it often takes up to 35 days. In any case, the duration of estrus for all pets may be different and determined by certain features.

Estrus phases in a pet

For breeders who would like to breed puppies, it is extremely important to know how this process generally works, how long it takes and when is the best time to breed. To do this, you need to understand each stage of estrus that takes place in the dog’s body:

Proestrus lasts on average from a week to 10 days. At this time, a significant change occurs in the reproductive system, although there is no ovulation as such yet. The first manifestations of the process in the form of bloody discharge and swelling of the external genitalia help determine that the pet will soon be ready for mating. During this period, the males’ interest in her becomes noticeable, but when attempting to mate, the animal does not make contact. This behavior is explained by the dog's excitability and uncharacteristic playfulness.
When ovulation begins, the female's tactics change dramatically. In the first couple of days from the moment when the pet becomes ready for mating, she is in constant excitement. She can allow males to approach her for mating for several days. The dog begins to do everything in order to attract the attention of males. If the discharge has not acquired a pale pink tint by this period, it is likely that ovulation has not yet occurred.
The fact that she is in heat is indicated by both the external symptoms of the genital organs and the behavior of the female. If she stops allowing males to approach her, then such a manifestation can only indicate the cessation of estrus discharge.

As already mentioned, dogs go into heat differently. Both the duration and frequency of cycles among representatives may differ different breeds. Typically, estrus often occurs twice a year in dogs: in the winter and in mid-autumn. But often, for example, northern breeds come into heat once a year, at the beginning of spring.

How does estrus manifest itself?

To understand what this phenomenon looks like, you need to have a clear idea of where it all begins. Signs that your dog is about to go into heat:

Frequent urge to urinate.
Bloody discharge from the vulva.
Aggression and behavior change.
Interest from males.
Shedding.

The first heat in dogs is an extremely important life stage. Often it goes away when the female has already completed the change of milk teeth to permanent ones. But it is almost impossible to determine for sure the period of its onset. Meanwhile, it is worth paying attention to some features of estrus in four-legged pets, due to breed differences. If your dog experiences significant deviations from the expected estrus dates, you should consult a doctor.

Features of estrus in animals of different breeds

Thus, in small animals, estrus begins at 6 months. Mostly, deadline to show signs of estrus small dogs is considered 10-12 months. By the age of one year, females usually have fully formed cyclicity, and the duration of discharge becomes the same. Signs of the process in dogs of small breeds can be called clearly expressed, regardless of whether this is the dog’s first heat or not.

Meanwhile, in larger animals, as well as representatives of medium breeds, they often appear only at 7-8 months. The occurrence of estrus closer to one year is also considered the norm. At 14 months, in the absence of pathology in all healthy dogs you can notice the main manifestations of estrus. However, it often happens that their first heat is sluggish. This is said insignificantly weakly severe symptoms. Due to the low intensity of secretions, males practically do not pay any attention to the female. But no matter how estrus proceeds, it is a full part of the dog’s reproductive cycle.

Postpartum heat: how soon does it happen?

Often the vigilance of owners is lulled by the birth of puppies. The birth of babies and feeding them with milk does not mean that the dog will not go into heat after giving birth. Estrus can definitely appear as early as a few months after giving birth. As a rule, the maximum time interval between the date of birth and the resumption of estrus is 6-7 months. You can judge your pet's new sexual activity by the same signs that occur during estrus in all dogs.

Meanwhile, if an animal goes into heat after giving birth, this does not mean that the dog is ready to mate. Many breeders try to do everything possible to prevent early unplanned mating, which can negatively affect the health of a female who has not yet recovered from a previous birth.

Estrus lasts as long in four-legged pets as in nulliparous females. In general, you can notice changes in the animal’s behavior and discharge from the vulva within 20-30 days. When the first bloody discharge appears in the female after giving birth, approximately 9 days should be counted from this moment. This period is the beginning of ovulation, which can last from 5 to 10 days.

After giving birth, the number of estruses per year in dogs should not exceed the number before the birth of puppies. As a rule, estrus in an animal that occurs 3-4 times a year indicates problems in the functioning of the reproductive system against the background of hormonal imbalance.

What should an owner do during a pet's heat?

In most cases, when a dog goes into heat after giving birth, this can result in considerable trouble for the owner. If the owner wants to avoid such problems, there is no need to do anything supernatural. You can prevent dirt throughout your home by using special underpants for dogs. They are sold at any pet store and veterinary pharmacy.

If it is extremely important for a dog owner to avoid new “consequences” of estrus after labor activity, it is advisable to walk your pet only on a leash. You can forget about precautions when estrus is completely completed. If the dog's next litter is not part of the owner's plans, it may be more advisable to consider sterilization, which can be done even during heat.

The duration of estrus (bloody discharge) in dogs is on average 10 days. Estrus in dogs is similar to menstrual cycle, except that it only happens twice a year. The first heat can occur as early as six months, so you need to carefully monitor its first signs.

Time and duration

A dog's first heat can occur any time between 6 and 24 months of age. In small breeds it occurs faster than in large breeds. Typically, estrus, or rut, occurs twice a year and lasts from 18 to 24 days. The first signs of a dog going into heat are changes in its behavior:

Affectionate and affectionate behavior
The tail is held high and the dog may begin to mark territory.
The dog raises its hindquarters when stroking its back
Changes in color and discharge on the vulva

The bitch may become clingy to you, become anxious, and have sudden outbursts of irritation towards other pets. She will also begin to lick her vulva frequently. Common estrus seasons are from January to March and from August to October.

Bloody discharge - estrus itself

The estrus cycle consists of four stages. The first stage is called proestrus and lasts about 10 days. During this time, the dog will experience bleeding from the vulva. During this period, the dog is preparing for the next stage, fertilization. During heat, the dog does not allow males to approach it.

As a pet owner, you have several options for dealing with waste and keeping your home clean. Your dog will lick himself, but you will still find blood stains in or around the house. If you live in a home with wood or marble floors, removing stains with a regular mop shouldn't be too difficult. You should also provide your dog with suitable bedding or towels, especially if he is likely to sit on furniture. Or you can also purchase dog diapers (pictured).

Mating stage

The next, second stage is called estrus, and lasts from 5 to 10 days. During this period, after estrus, the dog allows males to approach her and is ready to mate with any of them, and every male nearby will try to get to her. If you do not want her to breed, you must keep her safe in the house. If you let her go out or leave her alone outside, she will be able to mate at any time.

The next, third stage is diestrus, which lasts from 6 to 10 weeks. During this period, it becomes clear whether the dog has become pregnant or not. During this time, the walls of the uterus thicken, and some dogs may experience false pregnancy. One of the signs of this is enlarged mammary glands, in which milk may even appear.

Fourth, final stage called anestrus and lasts on average 15 weeks (100-150 days). During this time the dog will have no interest in mating and will not show any signs of hormonal changes until the next proestrus.

Periodicity of estrus

The dog's sexual cycle and estrus will repeat throughout its life. There is no such thing as menopause in dogs, and as they age, the duration of their sexual cycle simply increases. Spaying a female dog will prevent her from developing a natural sexual cycle and estrus.

It is believed that there is no health reason to allow a dog to survive its first heat or first pregnancy. There are also numerous health benefits confirmed if the female dog is spayed before her first heat, such as preventing mammary cancer and uterine infections. In addition, the decreased desire to mate stops her from engaging in risky behavior on the street or running away.

FAQ

What is proestrus?

Proestrus is the first stage of the reproductive cycle in dogs. During this stage, estrogen levels first rise and then fall sharply, and mature eggs are released from the ovaries. Ideally, a dog should be spayed before she goes into her first heat.

When does a dog go into heat for the first time?

The first heat in dogs occurs between 5 and 24 months of age. The first heat in small breeds of dogs usually occurs earlier than in large breeds.

How often does estrus occur in dogs and how long does it last?

The frequency of estrus varies between breeds and individual dogs, but usually it occurs twice a year and lasts about 10 days. If estrus occurs more often or significantly less than twice a year, then the dog should be taken to the veterinarian, as it may have a hormonal imbalance.

How do you know if a dog is in heat?

During heat, the bitch becomes more nervous and alert than usual. She may begin to urinate more often. You will most likely notice changes in her behavior that are caused by her changing hormonal balance. During estrus, the dog's vulva swells and bloody issues.

How to prevent estrus?

At what age can a dog be sterilized?

Bitches can usually be spayed between two and four months of age. However, it is best to consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations.

The answer to the question of how many days estrus lasts in dogs depends on various factors. Usually this is 3-4 weeks, but a lot depends on the breed, age, maintenance and feeding regime. How to correctly determine the beginning of the process and avoid unpleasant complications - about this right now.

Owners of young dogs are wondering when to expect estrus (also known as estrus) for the first time. At the same time, it is impossible to specifically answer the question of when it begins.

The first heat in dogs of any breed begins only after 6 months of life.

You should focus on such approximate dates:

approximately 6 to 10 months;
and from 6 to 14 months.

It is important to simply observe the behavior of your pet and other dogs.

Most often, you can determine that the time has come by the following signs:

During walks, the interest of male dogs increases greatly - communication, sniffing, and flirting occur.
The behavior of the dog itself also changes - it becomes either more playful or more apathetic.
If there is a slight discharge with blood, this is a sure sign that the process will begin soon.
Sometimes the dog begins to shed.
Finally, the bitch also begins to urinate much more often.

Important. During walks, male dogs should not be allowed to interact too actively - in particular, you need to be careful that they do not lick the loop. In some cases, this can lead to infection.

Duration and stages of estrus

The normal duration of estrus is 21 to 28 days. The cycle continues with a frequency of 3 times in 14 months, i.e. at least twice a year. Wherein the cycle levels off only at 2 years of age, and before that the duration and interval may differ significantly from the norm. It is also important to know that knitting can only be done after He's in heat the third time.

On average, dogs go into heat twice a year.

The entire cycle is divided into 4 stages, the duration and description of which are given in the table:

Name	Duration	External symptoms	Physiological processes
Proestrus	5-12 days	This stage immediately precedes estrus, so it is important for owners to pay attention to the symptoms: Slight vaginal discharge; changes in the dog's behavior; frequent urination; active communication with male dogs (but the bitch does not let them near).	The uterine mucosa enlarges and swells, follicles grow rapidly, in which eggs mature.
Estrus (actually estrus)	5-9 days	The discharge does not appear as often, and its volume decreases, while it becomes thick and changes color from white to pale yellow and light pink. The dog's behavior is restless, the desire to mate appears, so it is better to walk on short leash.	The follicles burst, and the mature eggs move towards the uterus - at this moment they are completely ready for fertilization.
Metestrus	60-75 days	The bitch categorically resists mating and any form of communication with males, and the volume of discharge decreases significantly, after which it completely ends. The labia also lose volume and return to their normal state.	Hormones are produced that ensure the normal course of pregnancy, which sometimes leads to signs of false pregnancy.
Anestrus	90-150 days	This is the phase of sexual rest, there are no special differences in behavior - the dog behaves as usual. However, if there is a dog in heat nearby, this can provoke even a calmed bitch to begin mating.	The resting phase of the ovaries - the physiological activity of the glands decreases, fertilization is impossible.

Attention. The dog owner should be sure to note all dates when estrus occurs, regardless of whether there was a mating or not. Usually they keep a special diary, indicate the start and end date, as well as the features of the process, if any.

Postpartum heat

After estrus should be expected at the same time as usual. Since in most cases estrus occurs twice a year, if birth occurred, for example, in April, then you can expect discharge approximately in October-November. Thus, childbirth itself does not reduce or increase the timing of estrus.

In dogs of medium and small breeds Estrus after childbirth occurs at different intervals.

However, you need to keep in mind that there are differences between individual breeds:

in small breeds, estrus will occur approximately 4 months after birth;
for large ones - after 6-7 months.

In addition, these deadlines may shift by 2-3 weeks, which is normal. If the discharge began before 4 months, this is already a deviation, which does not necessarily indicate the development of pathology. But it’s still better to consult a veterinarian, especially if this happened for the first time. Usually they do a pelvic ultrasound immediately after the end of the cycle, as well as tests. If they show normal condition, which means there is no reason to worry.

Features of the process in different breeds

The main factor that determines both the duration of the entire process and the timing of each phase is the dog’s weight parameters and dimensions. Conventionally, all pets can be grouped into three groups - small breeds, medium and large.

In small dogs

It is important for owners of small breed dogs to keep in mind that heat can pass without obvious signs, so it is better to pay special attention to the appearance of bloody discharge. Most often, the dog sleeps with the owner, so small pink spots may remain on the white linen. And during a walk, the pet can sit down more often and leave marks for the males. When estrus occurs for the second time, these spots have a richer color and smell.

In small dogs, estrus may last less - up to 15 days.

Along with this, you should keep in mind the following features:

The first cycle occurs between 6 and 12 months from birth.
The duration is very short - about 10-15 days.
The amount of discharge is almost always small and barely noticeable.

In medium breeds

In medium breed dogs (cocker spaniel, fox terriers,) the beginning of the first cycle may be significantly delayed - in the range from 6 to 15 months.

In large dogs

Representatives of large, oversized breeds have the following estrus characteristics:

It can occur in a fairly large interval - from 6 months to 18 (from six months to one and a half years).
Achieving maximum arousal and readiness for mating occurs approximately 2 weeks after the start of estrus. It is during this period that mating needs to be organized.

During the onset of the cycle and after it, the dog may experience various complications. The main danger is that during estrus the body becomes more susceptible to infections, since internal channels open through which the pathogen can penetrate the tissues.

During the period of heat, a dog can catch an infection from another animal during interaction.

There are different sources of danger, and it’s not just the street:

bathing;
communication with any other animals;
walking outside;
games on fresh air, contact with grass and earth.

What to pay attention to

In general, the owner needs to pay attention to the following features:

Consistency of discharge.
Features of color and possible color changes over time.
Amount, frequency and total volume of discharge.
The smell is sharp, strong.

It is also worth paying attention Special attention, if the bitch is in estrus:

occurs 3 or more times a year;
lasts significantly less or significantly longer than the designated period (namely less than a week and more than 1 month);
if over the years the cycle began to change greatly in one direction or another;
does not occur for 8 consecutive months or more.

Finally, it is important not to lose sight of those suspicious states of the dog when it behaves and feels differently than usual:

decreased appetite;
changes in behavior;
unexplained fever.

During heat, you can put special panties on your dog.

The duration of walks should be reduced to 40 minutes per day.
If the bitch is behaving especially aggressively, rushing about, it is better to try to exclude walking or at least keep her on a short leash to prevent communication with male dogs.
It is best to remove the carpets in the house in advance, or at least prevent traces from appearing throughout the apartment. It is also necessary to frequently change the dog's bedding and pillow - you can cover it with disposable diapers, which are changed once a day or more often, as needed.
When visiting an apartment with strangers to the dog, it is better to exclude their communication, because the animal becomes quite aggressive, and no one can fully predict its behavior.

What to do in case of complications

If there is any complication, unexplained delay in the process, disturbances in behavior, nutrition and other obvious signs of deviation, it is better to contact a veterinarian. Cycle disturbances do not always indicate a disease, but it is better to undergo an additional examination and make sure that the animal is not in danger.

It is especially important to keep in mind that deviations in diet (increased appetite or sudden loss), as well as large volumes of water consumption or a significant decrease often indicate the development of unwanted complications. If these processes are accompanied bad sleep, severe fatigue, too much or too little discharge and trembling, you should immediately visit a veterinary clinic.

This video will help you understand what estrus is in dogs, how to identify it and how long it lasts.

Thus, each dog’s estrus is an individual process, both in duration and in its course. Experienced owners carefully study and compare different cycles and determine general patterns specifically for their pet. Subsequently, it is the deviation from the individual norm that makes one think about possible complications and the need for diagnostics.

Estrus in dogs is a natural process that indicates the female’s puberty. The first estrus appears at 6-12 months, less often - up to 2 years.

If the dog has not passed its first heat at 2 years of age, a veterinarian’s consultation is necessary. Frequency – 1-2 times a year. If estrus occurs more frequently, the risk of hormonal imbalances remains.

Dogs in heat

Estrus lasts for dogs for 3 weeks, in some cases up to a month.

The occurrence of estrus in dogs depends on the breed of the animal. Take a closer look at the pet to understand the characteristics and ease the dog's estrus period.

How does the estrus process work in dogs?

Determining the onset of estrus in a dog is not difficult. Symptoms of the onset of estrus in dogs - the animal begins to urinate more often, spotting appears, behavior changes, and interest in the female increases. Before estrus, shedding begins.

The first heat in dogs is an important stage. It goes away after changing teeth, but the exact time is impossible to predict. Estrus in small breed dogs usually begins at 6-10 months, the signs are clearly visible. The timing shows a greater range - from 6 to 13 months. The first heat is inactive: the discharge of blood is small, the males practically do not pay attention. But there is no need to let your guard down.

If the owner intends to breed a dog in the future, it is important to accurately track the time of the start of the first and subsequent heats: mating usually begins on the third cycle!

The dog's reproductive cycle consists of 4 cycles:

First cycle. Proestrus, or pre-gesture, lasts approximately 7-10 days.

The first signs of estrus in a dog appear - blood flow to the genitals increases, the vulva swells, the first bloody discharge(in a small volume). It is advisable to purchase special underpants for your pet.

Ovulation does not occur: the dog is not ready for mating. The dog's behavior changes noticeably during heat - sometimes excitable, sometimes playful, sometimes disobedient. During walks, he actively explores the territory, constantly making marks with urine. Flirts with male dogs.

Second cycle. Estrus, or rut, directly sexual hunting.

Ovulation occurs (in the first two days from the beginning of the cycle), but the female is capable of allowing males to mate for a number of days. Occurs 10 days after the first bleeding appears. The pet agrees to let the opposite sex approach. To obtain a breed litter, after mating with a male, the bitch is protected from the encroachments of males.

Discharge at the specified time varies among different breeds of dogs. Normally, sexual heat and readiness for mating occurs when the discharge becomes light pink or completely stops, and the vulva swells greatly. During the period of estrus, the bitch begins to let the males in: she raises her pelvis, tightens the loop, moves her tail for convenience and freezes.

There is a period when dogs come to the end of their heat. The reddish discharge goes away, the loop decreases in size, the female stops allowing male dogs, who continue to experience increased interest in the dog. The duration of the period is 10 days.

If there is no pregnancy, the body gradually returns to a state of rest. Simultaneously in the metaestrus cycle in dogs increased level the “pregnancy hormone” progesterone, regardless of whether fertilization has occurred. False pregnancies occur in dogs.

Fourth cycle. Anestrus, or sexual rest, duration is 100-150 days.

Estrus in dogs varies in frequency: in domestic animals - often twice a year, in autumn and late winter, less often - only once. In yard bitches and northern dogs, mainly once a year, in early spring: puppies are born in the warm season.

How many days does the empty space last?

Occurs twice a year, duration is 20 - 28 days, approximately 3-4 weeks. Owners should consider the number and frequency of empty spaces. If your pet goes into heat 3-4 times a year, you should take your pet to the veterinarian. Frequent processes indicate hormonal disorders in the animal's body.

However, differences are determined by the body weight and size of the dog. In representatives of the Laika breed, pustovka occurs once a year. In older dogs, periods of rest begin to increase, and the number of empty nests per year decreases. Signs of estrus become mild and unnoticeable. An old dog is quite capable of still being able to attract a male dog, mate and become pregnant.

If a dog's estrus lasts a month, and the periods of rest are approximately six months, then the schedule must be followed for a long time. If the owners notice that the discharge has become more frequent, the discharge has become pronounced and profuse, immediately take the animal to the veterinarian.

The main responsibility of the dog owner is strict control over upcoming estrus. Moreover, control is carried out regardless of the matings carried out or not. Knowledge will help you react in time if the emptying is delayed. If the moment has arrived, make sure the period does not go unnoticed.

When there is no heat at all, you should immediately take your dog to see a veterinarian.

Signs and symptoms of estrus

If the owners know the subtleties of the dog’s habitual behavior, it will be easy to determine the period of the onset of empty nesting. The pet's behavior will change dramatically. When the period passes, the dog will return to the same behavior after the heat.

The pet becomes disobedient, active and playful. Hormones “boil” and, subject to ancient instinct, the female becomes cheeky in behavior.

The main signs of the onset of estrus:

Frequent urge to urinate.
Increased interest in members of the opposite sex.
Bloody discharge in the dog's resting area.

At first, the dogs do not allow the males to approach. The period of fertilization has not yet arrived. After a week, the discharge changes color, becomes the color of straw, and acquires a mucous consistency. Later the female becomes excitable. Now dogs are able to provoke males to mate. It is expressed in a similar way: the female stands in a pose and moves her tail to the side when she sees a male. The behavior persists for a week, perhaps less. The owner is required to monitor and mark the days of readiness on the calendar, if desired, to breed.

When dogs come into heat, they leave characteristic marks everywhere. bleeding. You should buy special underpants for dogs. Dog handlers recommend forcing your pet to lick the discharge. And this should be done from the time of the first emptying. If you do not want to dress your pet in underpants, it is advisable to roll up the carpets.

First heat

Estrus is a natural process that indicates the dog’s sexual maturity. Most inexperienced owners are baffled by the process: people have little idea when the first heat occurs in dogs - what to do and how to properly care for it.

The names are different: estrus, empty. The first heat occurs when the animal reaches sexual maturity. In small representatives, the first emptying can begin at 7 months. U large breeds the period of estrus can occur at 1.5 years. Puberty is combined with the process of active molting of the animal; experienced owners already know in advance that the pet will soon begin a period of estrus.

If we talk about the duration of estrus in dogs, the exact dates are not given. As a rule, the first empty space is the shortest in terms of time interval. There may be a weak manifestation, expressed in a small amount of blood, which weakly attracts males. In young females, the first heat may not be real. It can end suddenly, ovulation does not occur. Don't relax: the dog may experience empty-headedness again. The pet will go into hunting with ovulation.

Estrus in representatives of various breeds

The first heat in dogs belonging to small breeds occurs at six months. There are no strict indicators: the animal’s body is individual. Be careful not to let a huge male get close to your pet. This will seriously affect the pet's health.

In large representatives of the species, the time of estrus in dogs occurs after a year. There are no specific deadlines. And at 18 months the onset is considered normal.

The favorable time for mating and conception occurs 15 days after the start of estrus. The dog's excitement reaches its limit; it is recommended to do this with a male dog these days.

What to do during heat: rules for the owner

If the owner’s plans do not include breeding the bitch during heat, it is important to be careful during this period.

Keep your dog on a leash and don't let it off. Calm and well-mannered pets They become uncontrollable: they are eager to instantly run away from the owner and not respond to the usual commands.

Keep an eye on the dog and protect it from males. Remember: if a dog has mounted a bitch, it will be impossible to pull it away. The above applies to purebred and small dogs: large male who decides to copulate with a small female can cause harm.

During the period of heat, try not to go to exhibitions and festivals: there is a high risk of accidental mating, sudden changes in the pet’s character will cause trouble.

Do not bathe your dog in questionable waters: the possibility of infection of the genital tract during estrus is extremely high.

An open question for owners is whether to sterilize a dog during heat. There is no clear opinion among doctors. There is no difference in the technique of performing the operation during the period of heat and rest; the difficulty arises during anesthesia - easily excitable animals during the rut can painfully endure anesthesia. The owner must decide when to sterilize.

If the birth of your dog's puppies is a long-awaited and happy moment, you should not relax: estrus after birth has its own peculiarities. Dogs come into estrus 4 months after giving birth; if the litter is large and the female feeds the puppies for a long time, the period extends to six months. Dogs that have recently given birth begin to go into heat: frequent urination, bleeding, licking the loop. Estrus lasts 3-4 weeks. It is important to monitor your dog during walks and keep it on a leash at all times.

Problematic estrus in dogs

Sometimes pet owners are perplexed as to why their dog is not in heat.

Bloodless estrus in dogs does not depend on the breed. The options are different: signs appear: a change in command, a swollen loop, but there is no discharge. Rarely there are no signs of estrus, but the process passes.

If you are planning puppies, they will help laboratory research: A blood test and vaginal smear will determine whether your pet is in heat.

Bloodless estrus is not a natural process. To avoid problems in the future, get examined by a veterinarian. This will help determine if it is normal hormonal background What is the dog's health?

An alarming situation is when a dog does not stop estrus. A visit to the doctor and tests are simply necessary.

The reasons are different - from hormonal imbalance to vulvovaginitis and tumors. Prolonged estrus indicates serious health problems in adult dogs. In young bitches in rare cases“prolonged juvenile proestrus”, the first or second estrus, is observed. The dog is cheerful, and tests show no abnormalities.

How to properly control the behavior of a bitch and a dog

What to do and how to properly walk a current dog? First of all, carefully ensure that your pet is always nearby. Try not to let your dog off the leash without a reason and call him constantly. Keep in mind that the dog’s behavior has changed; the dog is weakly able to listen to commands.

A well-mannered pet rarely ignores the owner's commands. If we talk about a male dog, the dog must obey its owners unquestioningly. But on a walk you meet a lot of mongrels.

If you are worried about possible unwanted pregnancy, just remain extremely careful. Knowing the duration of the process, owners can control the process and protect the pet from attacks from strangers.

Features of estrus in a dog

Real story

The dog owner contacted the site:

“A question arose about mating and estrus. They took the dog to a neighboring town for mating. A test was taken in advance to determine readiness for mating (for progesterone). On the 13th day of estrus, mating was successful. That day, the discharge from the loop was light, transparent with a pinkish tint. The dog was sent for mating with a courier; during the trip, the dog apparently caught a cold. The dog pees often. I had to drip Canephron N (40 drops, 3 times a day) for 3 days - 5-7 days after mating. It seems that the situation has improved, my health is good, as is my appetite and stool. But now (20th day of estrus) they are released from the loop dark discharge like a "daub". Is this normal?

Answer

A dog appears after estrus specific secretions from the loop. Normally, they are light and transparent. Normal physiological leucorrhoea has no odor. If the dog is hypothermic or ill, the discharge may take on a bloody tint, be mixed with pus, and be sharp. bad smell. Changes physiological process indicate the presence of serious violations in canine “gynecology”, requiring urgent intervention by a veterinarian.

Introduction

How long does a dog's heat last? This question is asked by many owners of adult bitches who are seriously thinking about getting healthy puppies that fully meet breed standards.

The physiological processes occurring in the body of an adult bitch are in many ways similar to those occurring in the body of any female.

IN certain period When a female reaches puberty, a discharge appears, which is the main sign of her readiness to mate and bear offspring.

To determine estrus, veterinary medicine uses a term such as estrus.

When should you expect your first heat?

The timing of the onset of the first heat depends on the age and breed of the dog. In bitches of small breeds (both dachshunds and) discharge appears at 7-9 months, in bitches of medium breeds (fox terriers) they can linger and begin no earlier than 12-15 months.

When planning to mate a bitch, you should not count too much on the first heat. It may occur a little earlier, or, on the contrary, later; its symptoms may be completely invisible to the unprofessional eye, which in some cases leads to errors associated with the falsity of this phenomenon.

False discharge is often diagnosed in young bitches

In this case, symptoms may appear for a short time, then fade away, only to return with new strength, also for a short period of time.

It is very difficult to guess when exactly such a bitch will be ready to accept a male; any attempts to do this can lead to an unwanted and even false pregnancy.

The intensity and time of onset of discharge largely depend on individual characteristics bitches, therefore, only the veterinarian when conducting a thorough study.

There is no need to make diagnoses on your own and panic.

Signs of heat

The main and clearly visible sign of estrus is the appearance of blood on the floor, carpeting and furniture in the places where the dog sits. Blood is released from the so-called loop.

For a bitch, such discharge is absolutely painless, but mental system The animal may react in a way that is most unexpected for its owners.

Large dogs at this time become extremely aggressive and stop obeying basic commands, so moving around the city with them should be limited.

Small breeds of dogs may experience an unexpected surge of strength; the bitch will begin to feel the need for a minute-by-minute change of environment.

The animal may exhibit:

irrepressible joy;
to be sad;
possible drooling;
dilated pupils;
violation of orientation in space.

During the first heat, dogs begin to ask to go to the toilet more often, and after that they carefully lick the loop. For many bitches, the onset of discharge coincides with the first shedding. The dog begins to mark its territory while walking, which immediately arouses interest on the part of males.

Duration and periodization of estrus

Estrus in dogs, regardless of breed, lasts at least 20-22 days, twice a year in young dogs and once in old dogs.

In order not to make a mistake with the day of mating, you should remember that the bitch becomes ready for fertilization only by the 9th day after the appearance of the first blood.

Until this time, she may show all the signs of hunting, but attempts by males claiming to mate are usually rejected.

The peak of sexual activity occurs on days 10-17, after which the bitch becomes more and more inert to the encroachments of males and by the 23rd day she finally stops responding to them

There is the following periodization of estrus, generally accepted among dog breeders and veterinarians, which helps even a beginner understand the issues of the upcoming mating:

Proestrus. initial stage. Period from 1 to 8 days. At this time, the bitch begins to show signs of heat, but, as mentioned above, is not yet ready to accept a male, therefore she behaves aggressively, or, on the contrary, is overly shy. At this stage, heavy bleeding is possible; it is recommended to limit the dog’s movement around the room, or use special panties. You need to wear panties for as long as your heat lasts.
Estrus. The active period of estrus lasts from 9 to 16-17 days. The dog feels desire, moves its tail and shows other obvious signs readiness for mating - squats, lies on his stomach, whines. This time is considered the best for mating and producing healthy offspring.
Metaestrus, or diestrus. The passive period of estrus is 17-23 days. Mating is possible in principle, the female allows the male to approach, but the discharge becomes less and less noticeable, and the desire disappears. The bitch becomes lethargic and stops responding to the opposite sex. Mating is not recommended; it is better to wait until next time, especially if we're talking about on the preservation of breed qualities of such breeds as German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Labrador, or Jack Russell.
Anestrus. The period between heats. The usual condition of a bitch whose hormonal levels are normal.

Important! To make your dog more obedient during heat, you need to firmly teach her such commands as: “fu,” “come to me,” and “near.” The dog must follow these commands flawlessly.

If the dog does not react, you need to stock up on the animal’s favorite treats; they will help attract the pet’s attention in case it breaks off the leash and rushes towards new acquaintances.

How to prevent unwanted consequences of estrus

One of the undesirable consequences of the first discharge is the unplanned pregnancy of the bitch.

To prevent this from happening, bitch owners are advised to:

Before each walk, large and small dogs wear special panties outside. They can not only relieve the owner from the unpleasant task of wiping the floors and other surfaces after the dog, but also prevent unwanted covering of the dog by a male dog encountered on a walk.
Regularly monitor estrus periods, especially in dachshunds and small breed dogs. From the first heat, you should start keeping a calendar, noting the first and last days in heat. Such a calendar will help you prepare in advance for estrus also in small breed dogs, by finding a suitable male. In addition, keeping a calendar will help to detect health problems in your dog in a timely manner.

If estrus occurs more than 2 times a year, or is delayed for an indefinite period of time, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian

The main problem of any heat is that it is far from nervous behavior dogs, but the presence of discharge, forcing the owners to clean the carpets, constantly clean the house and bathe the dog.

You can significantly reduce the time it takes to clean up your house by teaching your dog to lick dirty hair around the loop.

In addition, owners of dogs with early or delayed discharge will have to take a progesterone test, the level of which will determine the most favorable days to mate and reveal possible violations female sexual health.

If natural estrus does not occur for a number of reasons, the veterinarian can induce it artificially, which is a completely routine procedure that does not in any way disrupt the normal functioning of the dog’s body.

Important! Unwanted heat should never be prevented by contraception. Any medications, having this kind of impact, can cause serious oncological diseases, which will develop over time in a pet.

It is important for the dog owner to know how long the pet’s estrus lasts, what measures the dog owner can take to prevent the dog from unwanted pregnancy. When to contact the veterinarian, can the visit be postponed if the dog is behaving normally, or should the dog be in heat under the supervision of a veterinarian?