At some point during their lives, intact female dogs become mature enough to reproduce. This condition is referred to as “heat.” The phase of heat, alternatively referred to as estrus or season, is characterized by unique physiological and behavioral manifestations. So, when does a dog have her first heat?
Many aspects of estrus, including duration, frequency, and intensity, depend on the breed and age of your dog. There may be symptoms that are unique to your companion.
What Are The Signs?
Maintain a leash nearby, as your dog may require more urination during her heat period. In addition, her vulva may be significant, red, or distended, with some discharge that is blood-tinged or hemorrhagic.
Typically, your dog will only experience bleeding for seven to ten days, or roughly half of the total cycle. While larger canines tend to bleed more frequently than smaller ones, this can vary from dog to dog. Specific puppies suffer minimal bleeding. If your dog takes good care of their appearance and performs regular grooming, you will likely only discover a little blood splattered throughout the house.
Almost certainly, your dog’s behavior will alter as well:
- Be overly friendly with other dogs.
- Seek out male dogs.
- Mount or hump
- Turn her tail to the side.
- Fidget or be nervous
When Does A Dog Have Her First Heat?
Smaller canines are capable of going into arousal at the age of four months. It is possible that more enormous strains do not go into heat until between 18 and 24 months of age. The first heat typically begins around six months of age.
Although they are old enough to conceive, the eggs of your young dog are not yet entirely developed. Postponing pregnancy until the conclusion of the second estrus cycle is conducive to healthy development.
The Heat Cycle
The length of your dog’s heat cycle and the duration of each phase are determined by their breed, age, and body size. Dog heat cycles consist of four steps:
Proestrus (9 days)
The proestrus phase generally endures for a duration of seven to ten days.2 Dogs engage in increased self-licking during this phase due to vulvar enlargement and a reddish-brown discharge.
Additionally, your dog might develop undesirable behaviors, such as a tendency to conceal its tail or a decline in affection. Throughout this life cycle phase, female canines are not sexually mature.
Estrus (9 days)
Estrus, the second stage, lasts approximately nine days on average.2 Even though the vulva remains distended during this phase, the discharge will be diminished. Female canines fertile during the estrus stage may become more flirtatious with male dogs.
Diestrus (60 days)
The diestrus phase, which occurs when the female is no longer fertile, lasts an average of sixty days. They will cease flirting with males and may even be expectant.
Anestrus (6 months)
During anestrus, your dog is not fertile, but they may be pregnant from earlier phases of their menstrual cycle.
Prep For Going Into Heat
Female canines in heat can become pregnant; therefore, you must pay closer attention to your dog during this time if you wish to prevent an unintended pregnancy.
Dogs may become more temperamental or anxious during their heat cycle due to their innate desire to reproduce. Moreover, different forms of care will be necessary for them at each life cycle stage. Several methods to prepare for exposure to heat are as follows.
Blankets And Dog Pads
Throughout the initial phase of canine heat, your pet will seek solace. Doggy diapers and tissues are also essential for maintaining their cleanliness, given that they will be undergoing discharge.
Certain canines may desire additional attention now; therefore, they may climb onto the sofa and curl up next to you. Conversely, other pups might want less attention than they typically receive.
Give your dog whatever they desire; if they require space to relieve themselves of the burden of the heat cycle, grant them that as well. Additionally, you can provide your dog with a secure area to rest during the day and escape the usual chaos of the house.
Depending on how they feel now, you may also administer a bath to your dog to help them feel more comfortable and sanitary.
Water, Food, Tracker
Aside from this, proper nutrition for your dog is critical at this time. During this period, your dog will require access to food and water to ensure health and comfort.
A dog may experience increased fatigue; therefore, positioning food and water containers nearby will motivate them to consume the provided provisions. Furthermore, one can commence a timer to record the duration of the heat cycle, establishing a preparatory reminder for an additional half-year.
Of course, the frequency with which your dog enters heat will vary. During your dog’s initial heat cycle, continue to record pertinent information so that you can have a more informed understanding of subsequent cycles.
During the first few years, cycles may be inconsistent. However, by monitoring your dog’s cycle and behaviors, you can determine what needs to be improved in the future.
Monitor Them
Because canines desire to mate during their heat cycle, you must keep a closer eye on them. Because female hounds actively pursue a mate, well-mannered dogs may be more likely to escape the yard.
Outside, confine your dog to a secure enclosure such as a crate or use a leash to prevent them from running in search of a mate. Additionally, you should keep unneutered male canines away from your pet if you attempt to conceive.
Additionally, by observing your companion during their heat cycle, you may notice any abnormalities that warrant consultation with your veterinarian.
Go On Walks
There is a possibility that female canines in heat have increased urinary frequency and nervous energy. Frequent excursions with your dog can assist in the discharge of some of their excess energy and provide ample opportunities for defecation.
Undoubtedly, during their ovulation cycle, you should always keep your dog on a leash to prevent them from escaping in search of a mate. During excursions, you should also keep her away from other canines.
Additionally, avoid walking your dog when she is exhausted. Hormonal fluctuations in dogs in heat may cause them to feel more sluggish than usual. When your dog is sleepy, you should allow her to recover.
What To Do After Heat?
Your dog will gradually resume their typical behaviors after passing through the estrus cycle and no longer being fertile. Your pregnant dog must see a veterinarian immediately to ensure its health and the health of its offspring.
To prevent the occurrence of the heat cycle and prevent your dog from becoming impregnated, you may wish to spay her. You may, however, elect to fix your dog at any time after that if you no longer wish for her to become expectant.
While you wait to procreate your dog, prevent it from coming into contact with males for the duration of their initial few cycles. Given your enhanced comprehension of your dog’s behavior, you may also initiate preparations for the subsequent heat.
One potential consequence of your companion developing increased affection is the ability to schedule additional quality time with them. Additionally, you can invest in an alternative method of containing them in the yard during their subsequent heat cycle if your dog becomes more hyperactive.
Depending on the size and breed, a female dog typically experiences her first heat, or estrus cycle, between six months and two years of age. Behavioral changes, vaginal bleeding, and increased male dog attention are all indicators. Spaying before the initial heat cycle is customary to avert unintended pregnancies.
Thank you for reading….