Everything an owner needs to know about estrus in dogs. How many days does a dog go into heat? Last days of heat

Female dogs are very attached to their owner; they are distinguished by their docile and friendly character. However, owning a dog often involves some inconveniences that you need to be prepared for.

One of these inconveniences is the natural and inevitable process of estrus in a dog; during this period, a calm and obedient pet marks and becomes simply uncontrollable. The pet does not respond to commands, constantly tries to break off the leash and run away, and walks in the yard turn into a difficult process of scaring away annoying males from the dog.

In order to avoid troubles during special periods of your dog’s life, you need to know exactly when your dog’s heat begins, the symptoms and duration of this process.

Estrus in dogs: signs of readiness for procreation

Estrus is a period in a dog’s life that is accompanied by sexual heat, positive reaction dogs to male.

The onset of puberty in a dog depends on the breed, living conditions and nutrition. In dogs of small and medium breeds, the first sexual heat begins to appear at the age of 6-7 months, in large dogs Estrus occurs at 11-18 months. In order to conceive, bear and raise healthy offspring, a dog must reach not only sexual, but also physiological maturity. It occurs around the age of two years. The time at which a dog reaches physiological maturity depends on the breed of the animal.

When a dog goes into heat, changes occur in the pet's behavior. The animal begins to behave restlessly and may show aggression towards other dogs and people. During a walk, the pet does not listen to the owner’s commands and may break off the leash and run away. In some dogs, the onset of estrus can be determined by physiological signs: pale pink discharge from the loop, the dog begins to mark more often on the street or in the apartment.

How many days does estrus last in dogs: stages of estrus and their duration

The reproductive cycle in dogs has four stages. It is especially important to know the stages of estrus in your pet for those who plan to breed a dog, since successful mating can only occur on certain days of estrus.

A dog's heat period lasts approximately 21 days. It begins with the appearance of pinkish discharge. The end of estrus can be considered when the dog becomes unfriendly with males.

The frequency of estrus in dogs can vary from 6 to 8 months. Some factors, such as time of year, hereditary predisposition and emotional condition, influence the time of onset of estrus.

The onset of estrus (proestrus) lasts 6-9 days. During this period, changes are observed in the dog’s behavior: it often marks its territory, attracting males. Dogs of the opposite sex are sensitive to urine excreted chemical substances, called "pheromones". During the period of the onset of estrus, the dog does not allow the male dog to approach it. When he tries to approach, the dog jumps away, sits down, growls and drives the male away.

The second phase of the cycle - estrus, or estrus itself, lasts for 9 days. At this time, the dog begins to mark, flirt with the male, and is ready for mating. When touched from behind, she moves her tail to the side and falls on her front paws.

The third phase of the cycle is metestrus. This is a period of restoration of all processes in the dog’s body. Its duration is 60-150 days. Throughout the entire period, the dog does not allow the male to approach itself.

The fourth phase of the reproductive cycle is anestrus, or the period of sexual rest. It lasts from 100 to 150 days.

The dog marks: what to do and how to avoid the difficulties of estrus?

In order to cope with the manifestations of estrus in dogs, breeders and dog owners recommend using drugs to regulate sexual heat.

Drugs trademark CounterSex Neo - modern hormonal drugs to regulate sexual hunting and prevent unwanted pregnancy with random mating.

Many breeders and dog owners use CounterSex Neo the following reasons:

High efficiency

With the help of CounterSex Neo drugs, it is possible to effectively correct a dog’s behavior, solve problems of aggression, marks in dogs during heat; prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Convenience

The drug CounterSex Neo is available in the form of drops and tablets. Each owner can choose the most comfortable form of the drug for his dog, in which it will be convenient for him to give the drug to the animal

Safety

CounterSex Neo is a new generation bihormonal drug. The drug is safe due to the minimal content of two modern active ingredients

Reversibility of the action: in the future, animals can have offspring

The owner can independently administer the drug to the dog without additional consultation veterinarian

4 simple rules for keeping a dog in heat

An important factor is keeping the dog during heat. If you do not plan to breed a dog and get puppies from her, at the first sign of estrus you need to start taking precautions:

• Closely monitor your dog during a walk, exclude all contacts with dogs of the opposite sex;
• Walk the dog on short leash: even the most well-mannered and flexible pet can run away during heat, not paying attention to any commands;

• Do not allow your dog to mate – it is almost impossible to separate animals during intercourse;
• Do not take your dog while in heat to competitions or shows. This will cause anxiety among the male dogs present at the show. In addition, a dog during estrus poorly perceives commands and can be disobedient.

Cleanliness comes first

It is important to keep your dog clean during heat. Most female dogs are very clean and groom themselves. However, in some cases, your pet needs additional care. If your dog is well-trained and knows the “place” command, while in the apartment, he will stay in his sleeping place. Your only task will be to regularly change or clean the litter. If your pet is used to freely walking around the apartment, you will have to clean up the inevitable traces of it. Never punish your dog for this.

Some owners, in order to avoid signs of heat, put special panties or panties on the dog. Such “clothing” will be able to protect the pet during a special period of its life and will prevent stains from appearing on the floor, carpets and furniture in the apartment.

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How does estrus in dogs affect behavior, duration difficult period and its cyclical nature are the individual characteristics of each pet. We can talk about norms very conditionally, but they exist, and significant deviation from the norms sometimes signals health problems. A responsible owner must notice all the nuances and know what changes are possible during this period and how the girl behaves during the time of “love and passion.”

On average, the frequency of estrus in dogs is twice a year or three times every 14 months. Although some bitches, especially native breeds, ready to date only once a year. You should be concerned if heat does not occur for more than 8 months or if less than 4 months pass between periods. Since estrus in dogs is often delayed due to completely harmless reasons, we are not necessarily talking about a disease, but you still need to contact a veterinarian.

The exact estrus cycle in dogs becomes clearly defined only by the age of two years, if the pet is large, and by one and a half years, if we are talking about a decorative dog. During the period of growing up, pauses between estruses can be shortened or extended, which is the norm. But even adult ladies are not always loving “on schedule”: plus or minus two weeks before the significant date is the norm. In addition, the duration of estrus in dogs is not exactly a month (exactly a week, two, etc.), so the start and end dates of estrus shift from year to year. Those. the owner must record the dates constantly, because in very rare cases it is possible to accurately determine the dates by calculation.

It is important to remember not only how many times a dog comes into heat per year, but also which of the rest periods lasts longer. In most cases, cyclicity is easily observed: long and short resting phases alternate, replacing each other. For example, the duration of a dog's heat is two weeks. In April there is heat, then five months of rest, then heat again and six months of rest. If one of the heats occurs in the spring, the resting phases vary even more, amounting to 4 and 7 months alternately. If you forget about this feature and simply divide the year in half, you can incorrectly calculate the timing of the dog’s estrus, needlessly worrying about a delay that in reality does not exist.

How long?

On average, we are talking about three weeks, but this period is very arbitrary. A physiological disorder is considered to last less than a week or more than a month, but for some bitches these periods can be considered the norm. You can understand only by observing the girl. It is advisable to identify periods of estrus and record the duration of each of them, so that in the event of a violation, the veterinarian, based on tests and the words of the owner, can quickly determine the reason for the delay or shortening of the resting phase.

The first phase of estrus is a period of bloody discharge, a gradual increase in the loop and constant growling towards persistent suitors. It is important to remember how long the dog’s heat does not cause hunting: with the onset of the time of “love”, the most dangerous or most desirable (if mating is planned) days come. Estrus or second phase of estrus - mucous membranes transparent discharge, soft pliable loop, inviting games and characteristic poses when meeting male dogs. The girl often asks to go for walks, is disobedient during walks, and may run away in search of love. The third phase of estrus in a dog lasts as long as it takes the body to return to its normal state: the loop decreases, discharge stops, and the level of most sex hormones drops. As a rule, the duration of the phases is conditionally equal, plus or minus a couple of days.

It would seem that everything is simple to calculate, but the duration of estrus in dogs is influenced by many factors. various factors. First of all, these are individual characteristics and heredity, so with a question about the period of love, it is wiser to contact the breeder if he has enough experience. In addition, the size of the bitch is important: big girls They mature later and “walk” longer; estrus in small dogs is shorter and occurs earlier, sometimes as early as five months. The Constitution also plays a role: broad bone, square format, voluminous muscles – late maturation and shorter estrus, light bones and overall slenderness, leanness - earlier maturation and longer estrus.

How many days a dog's heat lasts is also influenced by the conditions of its keeping. If animals of different sexes are kept in the same house, estrus may be delayed. If the bitch is exhausted by excessive stress, contract. In winter, estrus is shorter, in spring and summer it is longer, which is especially noticeable when we are talking about kennel or enclosure dogs. A girl living in an apartment is almost not affected by the time of year, so the duration and frequency of estrus in dogs rarely changes with changes in the length of daylight hours and temperature conditions.

Among other things, the general condition of the bitch is important. There are many congenital pathologies, often have no effect on health, but determine how long dogs go into heat. These are not necessarily pathologies of the development of the reproductive system; the pituitary gland is responsible for the production of hormones, and therefore the sexual cycle, thyroid, adrenal glands and other organs. Chronic diseases can also change the duration of the cycle - systemic diseases, tumors, infections, “women’s” ailments, etc.

How long it takes for a dog to go into heat also depends on his age. Young healthy bitches bleed longer than teenagers and aging dogs. With age, not only the duration of estrus decreases, but also their frequency - the resting phase gradually increases from year to year. Although some girls remain active into old age. But there is no complete cessation of estrus just because of aging.

Do not forget to record how estrus affects the girl’s behavior, how many days the dog’s estrus does not cause a desire for love, how long the arousal phase and the resting phase last. This data will help if any changes suddenly occur. And remember that the veterinarian is the only competent person whose advice you can truly trust.

The onset of a dog's heat is a new period in its life when it is ready to bear puppies. The time of estrus will require maximum attention and care from the owner for his pet.

When does a dog go into heat?

The dog owner cannot prepare in advance and determine the moment when estrus (estrus, hunting) begins. For different breeds the time when they are ready to bear children comes at at different ages. Dogs in heat small breeds may occur at the age of 6 months, in larger ones from 1 to 2 years.

At six months of age, small dogs are not yet ready to give birth. Their emptiness can manifest itself in different ways and last only a few days. It can suddenly appear and just as suddenly disappear, without even causing a reaction from the males.

Representatives large breeds puberty occurs between the ages of one and a half years and can also proceed inexpressively. The formation of the body of large dogs ends by 2–3 years.

How to determine the onset of heat?

The exact duration of the sexual cycle, the start time and the end time can only be determined using laboratory methods. To do this, blood is taken to check the level of the hormone progesterone and a smear. But it will not be difficult for an owner who knows his dog well to determine that he is in heat.

Characteristic signs will help him:

• behavior changes, the animal becomes more active, playful, and behavior can change from aggressive to lethargic;
• Discipline decreases, a once obedient pet may not follow commands and obey poorly;
• frequent urination, often leaves marks when walking;
• interest in the opposite sex, increasing day by day;
• blood discharge appears, traces of which can be found in the dog’s resting place;
• when you carefully touch the loop, the bitch moves her tail to the side and freezes;
• bitches of some breeds begin to shed.

Phases of the sexual cycle

Estrus in dogs (sexual cycle) is divided into 4 periods:

• Phase 1. Start of estrus (proestrus)- the phase averages 6–9 days. During this period, the bitch changes her behavior, she shows interest in male dogs, but she does not let them get close to her. Dogs try to lick up bloody secretions, so it can be difficult to track them.
• Phase 2. Hunting (estrus)- this stage, which lasts from 4 to 9 days, is characterized by the dog being completely ready for intercourse. Bitches that had heavy bleeding in the first phase become weaker and more fluid in the estrus stage. Ovulation can occur at the beginning of this phase or on days 2–4.
• Phase 3. Recovery (diestrus)- This period takes 8 to 10 days. This is the time when the bitch does not want to accept any more males. Swelling of the vulva is subsiding. Bloody discharge stops, but mucous discharge may appear. It is during this period, whether the animal is fertilized or not, its level of progesterone, the so-called pregnancy hormone, increases. Due to this, some bitches show signs of false pregnancy, which usually disappear on their own after a few days.
• Phase 4. Period of sexual rest (anestrus). It continues until the next start of the hunt. Its duration depends on many factors: time of year, feeding conditions, maintenance, breed itself, etc. In most cases, hunting takes place with a break of 6 months.

The intervals between the phases of the reproductive cycle are stable for 6 years, then the rest period and the time interval between estrus increases.

After the age of eight, dogs no longer tolerate pregnancy and feeding puppies well. For a breeding bitch, the eighth year of her life is the last when she is bred to produce offspring. Frequent births are harmful, so it is believed that she should have no more than 6 litters.

As a rule, emptying lasts 3 weeks and includes the first 3 phases of the cycle, but cases from 9 to 30 days are possible.

Cycle disorders

The reproductive cycle is the main indicator of an animal's health. Because how long a dog's heat lasts, owners can judge their health. Any deviations serve as a signal about the presence of diseases.

Violations may be the following:

• Pustovka occurs more often or less often than 2 times a year (with the exception of breed predisposition).
• The protracted phase of the onset of heat - the discharge continues for more than 3 weeks, but the bitch is not yet ready for fertilization. Most often, the cause is associated with a deficiency of hormones that regulate the functioning of the sex glands.
• Split estrus is characterized by repeated manifestations of symptoms. The bitch shows all the signs of estrus and quickly disappears, but after a few days they appear again. This is due to insufficient synthesis of the hormone that stimulates the release of eggs from the ovaries. This phenomenon is typical for young animals under 2 years of age. But it can also be a consequence of inflammatory diseases.
• Aggressive behavior with male dogs during hunting.
• A prolonged stage of estrus lasting more than 3 weeks, when ovulation does not occur and pregnancy does not occur.
• There is such a thing as dry or hidden estrus. There are no manifestations external signs readiness for mating: bleeding and a swollen genital loop. But the bitch can still get pregnant safely.

If the discharge is prolonged (more than 30 days), and even more so if it contains greenish inclusions, and the dog has lost its appetite and there is an increase in temperature, then you should immediately consult a doctor.

What should the owner do?

A dog's first heat does not mean she is ready to breed. Moreover, mating an animal at this time is strictly prohibited. Early matings will only slow down the development of the body. Moreover, the mammary glands are not yet formed, so puppies from young mothers will not receive proper nutrition.

You need to watch the animal very carefully while walking. Accidental mating should not be allowed. This can cause not only physical trauma to the ward, but also psychological trauma. The dog must not be let off the leash. You can protect her from being chased by cables by wearing special diapers so that they do not smell her secretions.

If the dog is a show dog, then it is better not to attend exhibitions during the hunting period or use it during this period. medications in the form of odor-repellent sprays.

During heat, the bitch must be protected from hypothermia. Reduce time spent walking in rainy, cold weather. Do not overload with active physical exercise.

The opinions of dog breeders, breeders and veterinarians are divided on the question of whether it is possible to bathe a dog during heat. Some believe that estrus is a completely ordinary and normal physiological process, the loop is open no more than calm state, and therefore there is no need to change the animal’s life. Others argue that swimming, especially in open water, can lead to genital tract infections.

The question of sterilization during estrus also remains open. Some veterinarians believe that sterilization surgery does not pose a threat to the animal. The other part points to possible risk bleeding and further hormonal imbalance.

If the owner decides to breed a dog, then 2 months before breeding it must be dewormed. Veterinarians and livestock specialists recommend starting to feed the animal with vitamins and minerals 1–2 months before the third estrus. This will strengthen not only her immunity, but also future puppies.

After intercourse, continue walking on a leash, since the dogs' heat is not over yet, and they will continue to attract males.

Hunting suppression

When kept in apartments, dogs in heat can cause significant inconvenience to owners. Pills that prevent or stop hunting are seen by them the best way out in eliminating inconveniences. But to prevent emptying or stop it, only hormonal drugs will help. There are phytotherapeutic and homeopathic remedies, but they are ineffective.

Tablets and injections saturate the body with synthetic sex hormones and suppress the processes that cause estrus. There is an effect, but you need to remember the consequences. Giving a dog such contraceptives means increasing diseases of the liver, kidneys, ovaries, and provoking various tumors, cysts.

Hormonal pills, as a one-time measure, implying that the animal will still have offspring, can lead to disruption of the reproductive cycle, infertility, difficult childbirth, and stillborn puppies.

But still, if a dog is acquired not for breeding work, but as a pet, then the owner should think about sterilization.

The operation is carried out in two ways:

• tubal ligation;
• removal of the uterus and ovaries.

In the first case, dogs go into heat in a normal cycle: there will be mating, mating, but they will not be able to get pregnant. In the second case, estrus stops completely.

The presence of estrus indicates that the dog is ready to breed and carry a pregnancy. At the physiological level, the first heat indicates that the eggs in the bitch’s body have begun to mature, and the genitals are ready to fulfill their duties. reproductive functions. Every owner of a female dog should know what the peculiarities of this period are, so that the process is not taken by surprise.

Age of dog at first heat

• Puberty in a dog occurs between 7 months and 1.5 years and is manifested by increased molting. The age of the first heat in females of small breeds is 6-8 months (sometimes up to 11-12), in large breeds it is 12-15 months (or even up to 18). Usually this period occurs after changing teeth.
• With all the conventions of timing, estrus earlier than 5 or later than 18 months is no longer the norm.
• The estrus period lasts from 3 to 4 weeks. In case of more or less, you should consult a veterinarian for advice to exclude hormonal disorders and/or pathology reproductive system. But only if several heats last with a deviation in duration. The very first heat can be short and almost imperceptible - as a variant of the individual norm.
• A bitch should be bred on her 3rd heat – the period of physiological maturity, if the goal is to get healthy offspring without health complications, both for the dog and the puppies.
• Frequency – 1-2 times annually. In more frequent or rarer cases, hormonal disorders should be excluded.
• Inexperienced owners may not notice the first heat, because... sometimes it does not occur clearly and lasts only 2 weeks, instead of the usual three.
• After the first heat, it is advisable to always record all subsequent cycles and their duration in order to track the dynamics of sexual activity and identify deviations in the course.
• Older dogs go into heat less and less often.

Metamorphoses in the body of a bitch during estrus

How is the first heat going? In dogs, it consists of 4 sequential stages:

Stage 1 – proestrus. Lasts from a week to 10 days. Marked initial signs estrus: there is additional blood flow to the genitals, they enlarge, the vulva swells, scanty bloody issues. The dog can “drip” around the apartment, so you can put special underpants on it or keep it in a separate room. The first day of estrus may pass completely unnoticed or be noticeable only to a very attentive owner.

Here the dog is not ready to mate, although it flirts with males. Explanation - there is no ovulation yet. Outwardly, some excitability of the animal is manifested; playfulness can be replaced by disobedience and vice versa. While walking, he may mark different places with urine.

Stage 2 – estrus. This is already the period of immediate heat, when ovulation occurs (conditionally from the second day from the beginning of the period). Approximately occurs 1.5 weeks after the first spotting was detected. It is now that the bitch begins to be interested in males with reciprocity. Mating can happen once, and the bitch can continue to be attracted to males further. This must be taken into account when you need to get a clean litter from high-breed dogs.

The landmark of this period is the clearing of the bitch’s discharge – red turns into light pink, and their quantity decreases. The vulva swells even more. When a male approaches, the female freezes, raises her pelvis, reflexively moves her tail to the side and tightens the loop.

Stage 3 – metaestrus. Lasts about a decade and is characterized by the end of estrus. The discharge disappears, the bitch does not allow more males to approach her, the vulva decreases in size.

If fertilization does not occur, the body gradually enters a state of rest. Sometimes a false pregnancy may occur due to an excess of the “pregnancy hormone” (as progesterone is called). Ideally, everything goes away on its own, otherwise you should seek help from a veterinarian.

Stage 4 – anestrus or period of sexual rest. The duration of this period reaches up to 150 days (about 5 months). This is the period of the dog's normal lifestyle.

Signs of sexual activity in a bitch

Usually the first heat is accompanied by signs similar to all subsequent ones. In terms of severity, it can be semi-hidden or, conversely, pronounced.

The main signs of the first heat:

• increased activity of the bitch, playfulness, outwardly it seems that the dog is constantly fussing, cannot find a place for itself;
• frequent urge to urinate, the dog may constantly want to go outside;
• There may be slight swelling of the mammary glands;
• there is an increase in the size of the external genitalia, discharge appears, with which the dog can stain various surfaces in the house (furniture, floor, carpets, etc.)

Important: the discharge should be of a uniform mucous consistency, without foreign inclusions or impurities, without pungent odors, and in color from bloody to pale pink and straw, depending on the stage of the cycle. If any changes are detected, be sure to show your pet to a veterinarian!

• shows attention to male dogs and actively allows them to approach him (the moment the discharge lightens);
• appetite may increase or disappear completely;
• when a male approaches the bitch, she freezes in place, lifts her tail and moves it to the side;
• shedding – the bitch sheds quite a bit when she comes into heat;
• By the end of the cycle, the animal may look tired, sleeps a lot, and categorically no longer lets dogs near it.

What can the owner do

Intervene in natural processes hormonal regulation without an urgent need is not only unnecessary, but also not advisable. What should the owner do during the first heat? It is important to alleviate the pet’s condition and make the hunting period safe.

1. Be sure to record the time of onset of estrus and the age of the dog at that moment. Pay attention to the duration and nature of the manifestation of the stages in the cycle. Note for yourself the behavior and clinical manifestations of estrus throughout the entire cycle.
2. The dog should be monitored with increased attention, but you should not scold it for behavior that is unusual for it during this period.
3. To prevent the bitch from staining anything around her with secretions, it is recommended to put special panties on her or keep her in a separate room, regularly changing the bedding in the place where the animal sleeps.
4. Walking the dog should only be done on a leash to avoid escapes and unnecessary contact with male dogs.
5. Strictly do not allow other people's dogs to lick the dog's loop to prevent infection.
6. When the dog is in heat, bitches are usually not taken to shows, festivals or dog competitions.
7. Swimming in open natural bodies of water is not recommended to avoid infection with various infections.
8. Interrupting estrus with medication should only be done with strict instructions from a veterinarian.
9. You should monitor the diet and frequency of feeding - overfeeding is not recommended.
10. It is not advisable to impregnate a female dog during her very first heat, because... the body has not yet prepared for bearing puppies.
11. You should definitely give the bitch a bath after her first heat, washing off the peculiar “hunting” smell that attracts males, which will allow her to quickly enter the resting stage if fertilization does not occur.
12. If the dog owner does not plan to breed puppies, then after the end of the first heat better than a dog sterilize

Why is there no heat?

With good general condition health and condition of the reproductive and hormonal system, the dog’s first heat occurs at the established usual times and then repeats with a certain cyclical regularity. If the dog is older than 18 months, and the first heat has not come, you should consult a veterinarian to find out the reason for this delay.

The main reasons for the delay/absence of the first heat:

• poor living conditions, improper or insufficient feeding;
• disruption of hormonal regulation of the reproductive system;
• congenital disorders in the development and structure of the genital organs;
• ovarian dysfunction (hypofunction, lack of appropriate hormones during the appropriate period);
• dysfunction of the pituitary gland and/or thyroid gland;
• tumors and/or other neoplasms, cysts of the pelvic organs or directly on the ovaries;
• endocrine pathologies;
• chronic inflammatory processes in the uterus;
• hermaphroditism (for example, when underdeveloped testes are found instead of ovaries).

Question answer

Question:
Sterilization of a dog - before the first heat, during or after?

At what age should a dog be spayed if she doesn’t need puppies and doesn’t want to go through “empty” heats over and over again? All experts agree on one opinion - the dog must be healthy and properly trained, and age does not really matter. Early sterilization before the first heat is only available to an excellent surgeon with extensive experience, because... The younger the dog, the more difficult it is to find its ovaries.

During heat, dogs are not sterilized to avoid sudden hormonal changes and disruptions. There are also risks (minimal, but there are) that during the period of estrus there will be difficulties in the effect of anesthesia and its tolerance.

After the first heat, sterilization is also carried out - on a general basis.

Question:
How many times a year does a dog go into heat?

Typically, heat in dogs occurs once or twice every year. It all depends on the size of the animal, breed and health status.

The peculiarity of hormonal regulation in cats and dogs is such that sudden hormonal changes and disturbances provoke various kinds pathologies of the genital organs, including purulent inflammation, tumors, etc. Taking drugs that interrupt estrus in its active phase is possible, but for this you must serious reason or indications for health reasons. And although it’s up to the owner to decide whether to interrupt or not, the veterinarian must explain everything possible risks from such hormonal experiments.

When a pet reaches sexual maturity, the owner requires extensive knowledge not only in the field of animal physiology, but also awareness of the peculiarities of behavioral reactions. Many questions arise regarding the advisability of vaccinations during the hunting period for an animal and the rules for monitoring the sexual behavior of a sexually mature individual. All this is worth finding out before the first heat.

The timing of the first estrus in a female is a relative value and depends on a number of factors: breed, constitution of the animal, individual characteristics, climatic conditions etc. As a rule, maturity in dogs occurs between 7 months and one and a half years. Veterinary experts consider the average age for the onset of estrus to be 6–10 months.

Experienced breeders know that in large animals the process of physiological maturation takes longer, and therefore in representatives of large breeds the first estrus can begin at one and a half to two years. In small individuals, sexual maturity occurs earlier and can be observed as early as 6 months.

Onset symptoms

Veterinary experts note that the first estrus in females often begins after changing teeth and is characterized by mild clinical signs. Discharge from the genital loop is insignificant, which in some cases complicates diagnosis. Under the influence of hormones, the animal’s behavior changes: the dog becomes disobedient, overly playful, reacts poorly to commands, and is reluctant to return home from a walk.

The onset of puberty in dogs is often accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty urinating. The pet often sits down, urine is excreted in small portions. During a walk, the animal can relieve itself 8 - 12 times. This phenomenon is due to the fact that through urine the female leaves chemical marks for males.

The owner may suspect the onset of estrus in the pet by her excessive attention to her genitals. The dog often licks the perineal area, especially after waking up.

In some cases, the owner can observe aggressive behavior pets to brothers and even family members. Often, animals before estrus, on the contrary, become overly affectionate, emotional, contact, and sometimes intrusive.

Stages of heat

Veterinary experts distinguish 4 stages of the reproductive cycle in dogs:

• • Forerunner. Proestrus lasts on average 10 days. In large breeds, this stage can last up to 14 days. Under the influence of hormones, blood fills the genitals, which is observed in the form of redness and swelling of the vulva. At this stage, the owner may notice bloody discharge from the genital opening.

The dog's behavior changes. An obedient pet reacts sluggishly to calls, ignores usual commands, becomes playful, or, conversely, becomes lethargic and apathetic. However, the female does not allow representatives of the opposite sex to approach her, and often shows aggression towards male dogs.

• • Estrus. The period is characterized by ovulation and is the most responsible for the breeder. During this phase, bloody discharge from the external genitalia of the female becomes colorless or completely disappears, and the genital loop greatly increases in size. The body is set up for procreation, and the dog allows the male to be caged.

The owner can determine the onset of this phase of estrus by the characteristic behavior of the pet - when stroking the pelvis, the animal sits down and moves its tail to the side.

• The final stage is called metaestrus and lasts several days. During this period, against the backdrop of a fading hormonal status the external genitalia acquire normal size, and any discharge from the genital opening completely ceases. Hormonal changes in the female’s body also affect her behavior - the animal becomes calmer and does not allow individuals of the opposite sex to approach it.
• Phase of sexual calm. The average duration of anestrus is from 100 to 150 days. In some animals, the period can last up to 6 - 7 months. During the anestrus phase, the pet’s body is restored.

Features of the natural process

Faced with this physiological phenomenon Like estrus in dogs, not only novice dog breeders, but also experienced owners often ask questions regarding the condition and behavior of their pets during this period.

In small and large breeds

Experienced breeders know that the characteristics of estrus in dogs are dictated by breed. So, in large animals, sexual heat can last longer average duration, which is associated with physiological characteristics body. Discharge from the genital opening in large dogs is more intense and abundant than in representatives of small breeds. The first heat in large females occurs much later than in dogs of dwarf breeds.

How long does the discharge last and how often?

The first estrus, as a rule, is characterized not only by a short duration (5 - 7 days), but also by a paucity of discharge. In some cases, the owner may not notice clinical manifestations the pet is in her first heat. Subsequently, the volume of discharge in the animal increases. Their intensity depends not only on the breed, but also on individual characteristics, living conditions and feeding.

Is the smell and blood normal?

The physiological process is accompanied, as a rule, by minor discharge from the external genitalia. During the proestrus phase, the owner may experience spotting. Large animals can leave behind even small pools of blood. Such discharge is caused by hormonal changes in the body and preparation for the fertilization process. Owners can mark bad smell, which is caused by hormonal changes in the body.

Appetite and its changes

Most breeders and experienced dog breeders note that during sexual heat, dogs' appetite changes. Most often, the owner is faced with a situation where the pet is capricious and eats little. A decrease in appetite during the period of sexual heat is due to the fact that all the forces and physiological processes of the animal are subordinated to a single goal - procreation.

Many dogs experience not only a decrease in appetite, but also a complete one within 2 - 3 days. The owner should not take any measures to correct the situation. As a rule, the pet's appetite returns within a few days. In some cases, some dogs experience an increase in appetite during estrus.

The feeding behavior of females during sexual estrus varies individually. The owner's task is to monitor the animal during this period. At the slightest suspicion of a deviation in health status, you should consult a veterinarian.

Incontinence during heat

In some cases, the owner may encounter such an unpleasant phenomenon in the animal during estrus as. Disruption of the urination process has its own physiological reasons. High level estrogen in the blood during sexual heat (especially during the first estrus) causes a decrease in sphincter sensitivity Bladder, which leads to uncontrolled urination.

As a rule, after the cessation of estrus physiological function the excretory process is restored completely.

Briefs during estrus for dogs

Temperature

An increase in body temperature in a female during sexual heat is a common phenomenon and should not cause the owner to panic. Veterinary experts note that normally, during a dog’s heat, the temperature may increase by 0.5 C. If the hyperthermia is significant - by 1 degree or more, it is necessary to contact a qualified veterinarian. veterinary care and exclude pathology.

Is it possible to get vaccinations during estrus?

In the annotation for veterinary immunizing drugs there are no contraindications for the use of vaccines in animals during estrus.

Veterinary specialists, based on many years of observations, believe that immunizing a pet during heat does not affect the process of developing immunity to a particular infection. Therefore, if the time has come for the next vaccination, and the dog is in heat, then delaying the procedure is undesirable.

Nevertheless, experienced dog breeders recommend carrying out a planned preventive vaccination during the sexual rest phase. This opinion is based on the fact that estrus, although a physiologically normal process, still represents stress for the dog’s body.

Rules for controlling bitches and dogs

• Keep a calendar in which to regularly mark the beginning and end of estrus and its features.
• During the walk, do not let the dog go, keep it only on a short leash.
• Choose calm and quiet places for walking without crowds of animals.
• For large and medium-sized breeds, use special protective underpants during estrus.
• During sexual hunting, carpets and other valuables should be removed from the premises.

The main symptoms of estrus in a pet should be known to both an inexperienced owner and an experienced breeder. The duration and intensity of the physiological process depends on the breed, conditions of keeping and feeding, and the individual characteristics of the animal.

Useful video

For information about what you need to know about estrus in dogs, watch this video: