In dogs, the heat cycle starts around six months of age. However, small dog breeds are more likely to go into “heat” earlier than their larger counterparts.
As early as the age of four months, they may commence their first oestrus or “heat” cycle. Furthermore, large breeds do not experience their first heat until they are 18 to 24 months old.
This is a situation that all dog owners could encounter at least once. As early as now, it is best to acquaint yourself with what to expect or do when your dog is in heat.
Dog Is in Heat: Oestrus Cycle
The oestrus cycle is part of your canine’s nature, which occurs when the female becomes receptive to mating with males.
How can you tell when a dog is in heat? This cycle comes in various stages and symptoms. It could take place for an average of 21 days, which is completely different from the human’s menstrual cycle.
- Proestrous: The initial stage of dog heat cycles can last from 7 to 10 days, with an average of 9 days. At this time, the pooch is still not interested in mating and would attempt to protect her vulva by tucking her tail.
Signs:- Swelling of the vulva
- Unpredictable bleeding or discharge from the vulva
- Excessively licking the vulva
- Personality changes (can be more affectionate and clingy or grumpy and distant)
- Tail tucking
- Oestrus: Her vulva remains swollen, and the bloody discharge will turn to pink or pale yellow colour. The ovaries are now ready to release eggs for fertilisation. It may last for 9 days on average.
Signs:- Changed colour of the vagin*l discharge (from bright red to lighter pink or yellowish)
- Swollen vulva slowly softens and returns to its normal size
- Now receptive to males and would wag or shift its tail as an invitation
- Dioestrus: This signifies the end of the fertile stage of the cycle. If she was impregnated during the previous stages, this will be her pregnancy stage.
Signs:- Gradual retraction of the swollen vulva
- Gradual cessation of discharge from the vulva
- Flirting cessation. The bitch now lacks interest in flirting.
- For impregnated dogs, you may now start counting the 63-day period, which is the average canine pregnancy.
- Anoestrus: If there is no successful breeding, your dog is now back to her usual self. Anoestrus is the resting period in preparation for the next cycle, which could last between 5 and 11 months.
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Female Dog in Heat: Behaviour
A dog in heat tends to engage in impulsive behaviour or personality changes within the cycle duration. This is due to drastic hormonal changes that your dog is not accustomed to. It may cause irritability and nervousness.
Some might ask, “Is my dog in pain when in heat?” Yes, it may bring pain during the ovulation stage.
- Sexual Behaviour: She will welcome unneutered male dogs. Without the presence of male dogs, she may exhibit mounting behaviours. She might try to hump other dogs (male or female) and even people. Your pooch will try to do anything to get in contact with one.
What to Do:- Careful supervision is critical in preventing unwanted breeding
- During walks, ensure that your dog is on lead to prevent any contact with males. Certain areas at home should be escape-proof, including the garden.
- Keep the smell away. When a dog is in heat, she emits a certain smell that lures male dogs through urinal marking and wagging her tail. Try to minimise the odour by closing doors and windows and cleaning her more often. Alternatively, let her wear dog diapers to contain the smell and avoid messy discharge.
- Aggressive Behaviour: This is a common complaint of dog owners when dogs are in heat. Furthermore, the dog may be feeling lost and anxious, resulting in aggression. How to calm a dog in heat? Here are some ways:
What to Do:- Soothe her and keep her calm. You may want to avoid activities that could further aggravate her. Minimise her exposure to small children.
- Give extra attention by giving her treats and cuddling her, but only when she wants to.
- Try to distract her by playing games to make her tired and ready for a nice nap.
- Identify the triggers and try to keep her away from them whilst in heat.
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Female Dog in Heat: Around Male Dogs
We have already established that when a female dog is in heat, it may affect her psychological state. However, the case doesn’t affect females solely. When a bitch is in heat, she likewise greatly affects the unneutered male dogs.
With the male dog’s heightened senses, he can usually smell female dogs in heat within the vicinity and may create a few problems, such as:
- Escaping: Your male dog will most likely seek out the female. He may try to dart off from open windows or doors, jump fences, and find a way out in the garden.
- Marking Off Scent: He may mark off his scent around the garden during walks and possibly in your house. This is his way of marking his territory for the unspoken battle for the female dog.
- Aggressive Behaviour: Male dogs also tend to be aggressive or defensive. They are driven to win over the unspoken competition over a female dog in heat.
FAQs About a Dog in Heat
1. How Often Do Dogs Go Into Heat?
The frequency of the heat cycle in female dogs may vary, but usually, it occurs twice per year. It isn’t uncommon for small dog breeds to experience heat 3 times annually. Large breeds, on the other hand, are prone to once-a-year heat cycles.
2. What Are the 4 Stages of a Dog in Heat?
The 4 stages of a dog in heat are proestrus, oestrus, dioestrus, and anoestrus. Collectively, these phases can last between 14 and 21 days.
3. How Long Does the Bleeding Last in Puppies’ First Heat?
Generally, bleeding lasts for about 7 to 10 days during the puppies’ first heat. The duration may vary from dog to dog. Some may experience shorter bleeding, whilst others will have prolonged bleeding.
However, if it continues for nearly 2 weeks, get her checked by the veterinarian. The bleeding might be caused by a health issue, not the heat.
4. Do Female Dogs Act Weird When They’re in Heat?
Female dogs do act weird when they’re in heat. The changes in hormone levels affect their bodies and behaviours. Some canines suddenly become over-affectionate, whilst others develop a low tolerance for interactions.
Always be attuned to your canine companion’s feelings when she is in heat. Respect her space whenever she is in a grumpy mood to maintain harmony in the home.
Conclusion
A dog in heat is at risk of unwanted pregnancy. Thus, pet owners should keep track of their pets’ heat cycle to avoid making them vulnerable to unplanned mating. Once a female dog is in oestrus, trips outside must be restricted and closely monitored.
As heat cycles can happen multiple times in a year, owning an unspayed pooch requires increased vigilance. Consider getting her spayed unless you intend to use her for breeding. It saves you the constant worry of her birthing a litter of puppies you haven’t planned for.
