Dog's runny nose: how long is the heat and when is the first time of the bitch's heat?

The liquid in the dog is a stage in the bitch's reproductive cycle, during which she becomes attractive to males and shows the desire to procreate.

The liquid in the dog

If you are the carer of a non-sterilized bitch, when she reaches sexual maturity, she will undergo in heat regularly once or twice a year.

Since you have made an informed decision and want her to have puppies (as she will be a breeding bitch) then you need to know what to expect when your pet enters regular sexual cycles.

You should be able to help the girl get through this difficult period as much as possible, and find out what to look for and what should worry you.

Caring for a female during heat is more intricate and complicated than caring for a sterilized bitch, so if you are not going to breed her, the most sensible decision will be to sterilize the bitch early.

In this article, I will cover both sides of the coin - I will describe what to do to prevent the female from becoming pregnant and maximum reduce stress associated with increased sex drive, and on the other hand I will characterize briefly methods of determining the optimal mating period for females intended for breeding.

Below is a list of questions most frequently asked by owners of unsterilized bitches.

I consider the development of issues related to the sexual cycle of female dogs in the form of questions and answers the most transparent, because not everyone is interested in breeding, so this part of the article may be omitted when reading.

So there is nothing left for me to do but invite you to read the following study. Enjoy reading!

• What is in heat?
  • The oestrus cycle in a bitch
• Why female dogs are in heat?
• What happens in the female body at the beginning of the sexual cycle?
• Dog's first heat - when it shows up?
• What factors may affect the appearance of the first heat??
• Is the first heat easy to spot??
• How to know that a bitch is in heat?
• What are the symptoms of each bitch's heat phase??
  • Early heat symptoms in bitches
  • Symptoms of heat during the second phase
• Are the symptoms in bitches in heat reliable??
• What Happens During Heat?
• Hormonal changes in bitches during heat
• Can a bitch get pregnant during the first heat?
• Are the first days of heat safe??
• Can a bitch be mated in the first heat??
• What if the dog is in heat?
• What factors may influence the frequency of occurrence of heat?
  • Oestrus synchronization
  • Anxieties
• How long does the dog take in heat?
  • The liquid in the dog is fertile
• When can you say the heat is over??
• Heat flow abnormalities in bitches
  • No heat
  • Quiet heat
  • Intermittent liquid
  • Liquid extended
  • Too frequent heat
  • The liquid is too rare
• Is it possible to protect a bitch from heat??
• At what stage can a bitch be mated with a dog??
• How do you know when is the best time to mate??
• Do bitches go in heat more often in spring?
• Are there any tests to determine when it is best to pair breeding dogs?
  • Vaginal smear test
  • Determination of the serum progesterone level
• What can be done to make sure the opacity is successful?
• What is a deadlock?
• How long does a dog need to cover a bitch for her to become pregnant?
• You saw a dog "stuck" with your bitch during mating. Can you do something to separate them?
• How to keep dogs from bitching in heat?
• Dog briefs for a heat - is it worth using them??
• How to help a bitch in heat?
• Is it possible to walk with a bitch during heat??
• Can my bitch be sterilized while in heat?
• A bitch in heat and an uncastrated dog under one roof - how to deal with it?
• How to predict when a bitch will be in heat?
• How to stop heat in bitches?
• How does heat shifting look like in dogs??
• Is it safe to keep dogs in heat??
• Are there any medications that can kickstart your heat??
• Is your sterilized female in heat again?
• Whether male dogs are also in heat?
• How to be a responsible male owner when a neighbor bitch is in heat?
• When my bitch gets old, will she go into menopause?

What is in heat?

What is a dog in heat?

The entire heat process is coordinated by hormones and consists of several phases, all of which contribute significantly to the subsequent miracle of birth.

The phase that is considered in heat is when the female attracts the males and begins to prepare for mating.

At that time, the level estrogen it first rises, then falls sharply, and the mature eggs are released from the ovaries.

If you want the girl to have a litter, this will be a period of increased work and vigilance for you.

It is at this point that breeders select breeding dogs and devote their time and energy to one goal - that the bitch is effectively mated with the selected male.

However, if you are not going to let the girl in and would like to get through this hot period as soon as possible, the heat may turn out to be a huge challenge.

In such a situation, it is worth considering sterilization beforehand, because it is the most effective way to prevent heat.

It is best to sterilize the bitch before she enters her first heat cycle.

The oestrus cycle in a bitch

The oestrus cycle in bitches gives them the opportunity to become pregnant and have offspring.

It is part of the reproductive physiology of bitches.

Cieczka in bitches is somewhat similar to menstruation in women, however while women are monthly, bitches are in heat usually twice a year.

The whole cycle is continuous and consists of four phases: Proestrus and Estrus - referred to as in heat, and Diestrus and Anestrus, when the bitch is in a period of sexual rest (i.e. does not show symptoms of heat).

Each of these parts is controlled by different hormones that affect the female and each has a different task in bringing about the miracle of birth.

• Proestrus - is used to prepare the bitch for breeding.
• Estrus will be the most difficult stage of the cycle for you. Then ovulation occurs and the uterus is ready for embryo implantation. In this part, the bitch is extremely attractive to the males and vice versa - she accepts them. This is also the phase in which fertilization is possible.
• Diestrus is the part responsible for the maintenance of pregnancy. Regardless of whether a bitch becomes pregnant or not, the hormone responsible for maintaining the pregnancy remains high and only drops when the diestrus is finished.
• Anestrus is the last part of the oestrus cycle in bitches, in which the reproductive system rests and regenerates to go through the next oestrus cycle. Then everything starts all over again.

Why female dogs are in heat?

Heat understood as external signs of sexual readiness, it is a non-verbal invitation to copulate.

At this time, the female sends a number of signals that are picked up by dogs and act as the best aphrodisiac on them.

Due to the fact that the chance of fertilization is very limited in time - it lasts only for a few - several days - these signals must be strong enough and exciting for interested candidates.

It is during this time that the female organism completely submits to one of the strongest laws of nature - this is the law of species maintenance.

And if it is to be preserved, copulation must happen right now - when the female is ready.

Another chance will happen just behind 6-12 months.

Hence, all processes in the female body are directed to one main goal - the reception of male sperm and the development of pregnancy.

Pregnant bitch

Notice how - sometimes weird - the bitch in heat behaves. She is sweet, lovable, demands caresses.

Even the most aggressive can become as gentle as a lamb during this time.

Changes also occur in their anatomy and physiology during the heat - the vulva swells, a discharge full of pheromones comes out of the vagina.

The bitch stands at every touch and puts her tail back as if saying: "now is the best time, now I'm ready ".

To increase the pool of amateurs, it spreads its scent wherever it falls, passing small amounts of urine wherever possible.

All this for one very specific purpose - to increase the chance of fertilization and to have children.

What happens in the female body at the beginning of the sexual cycle?

Several environmental and social factors begin to influence a part of the brain called the hypothalamus a few weeks before the onset of heat symptoms.

The hypothalamus comes to life in reproductive terms and begins to pulsate and produce gonadoliberin in increasing amounts (GnRH - gonadotrophin releasing hormone gonadotrophin).

GnRH it affects the lower glandular layer - that is, the pituitary gland, which under its influence starts the secretion of gonadotropins: FSH (follicule stimulating hormone, a hormone that stimulates the development of ovarian follicles) and LH (luteinizing hormone or luteinizing hormone).

Both of these hormones already affect target organs - that is, the ovaries, stimulating the development of ovarian follicles.

The latter begin to produce female sex hormones - estrogens and initiate the start of the oestrus phase.

Dog's first heat - when it shows up?

Young female dogs usually fall in the first heat when reaching sexual maturity.

It is assumed that bitches begin their sexual cycle as soon as they are reached about 2/3 of the target body weight.

As a rule, this takes place at the age of about half a year, although for some breeds this period may be later, even after reaching the age of one.

Females of small breeds, such as. yorkshire terrier or shih-tzu show symptoms of the first heat at the age of approx 6-8 months.

The first heat

This is because smaller dogs tend to get into heat earlier and some females may have their first heat as early as approx. 4 months.

They just mature earlier, both sexually and physically.

At the other extreme there are bitches of large and giant breeds, which they often achieve 2 years, before their first heat.

They mature much later - in them the oestrus cycle may not appear until age 12-20 months.

Medium breed bitches (e.g. cocker spaniel, beagle) enter the reproductive period at age 8-12 months.

Exceptions are possible, of course, and should not always be considered an anomaly.

However, if your female dog does not have a typical breeding cycle, you should raise your concerns with your veterinarian.

However, you should definitely consult him, if the bitch is not in heat yet and has already reached the age of 2 years.

The reasons for this may be different - from completely harmless to quite dangerous.

Some of the possible reasons for a bitch not getting in heat are:

• genital diseases,
• poor physical condition,
• abnormal general health,
• the so-called. quiet heat - it is quite common in young dogs. It is considered (wrongly) to be some kind of anomaly that causes the owner to mistakenly believe that the bitch was not in heat; however, these symptoms were present but too mild for the caregiver to notice; it is also possible that they have been misinterpreted as symptoms of something else entirely.

What factors may affect the appearance of the first heat??

I have already mentioned the influence of race and age on the time of the onset of heat.

Also some anxieties can cause hormonal imbalances and delay the onset of first heat in bitches.

The greatest emphasis is on steroid hormones, so eagerly used by some doctors and breeders.

It is obvious that this type of medication is not recommended for use in young animals (6-12 months of age), unless there are strong reasons to do so.

Drugs that may affect the appearance of the first heat include:

• Progestogens - often used in adult bitches as a hormonal contraceptive.
• Androgens - sometimes used in large breed puppies to improve weight gain, strengthen muscles and increase endurance.
• Glycocosticosteroids - used in dermatology in the case of itching or other skin problems. Sometimes the use of these drugs in short-term therapy is necessary, however, chronic administration of steroids in young animals should be avoided.
• Certain antifungal agents, used in the treatment of dermatophytes, they inhibit the synthesis of sex hormones.
• Hypothalamic GnRH analogues have the ability to delay the onset of puberty.

Is the first heat easy to spot??

It happens that the symptoms of the first heat are difficult to notice.

This is perfectly normal and you shouldn't worry about it too much.

The first heat is usually shorter than the next, and the symptoms can be really poorly expressed.

This is known as "quiet heat ".

Many owners are concerned that their bitch is not maturing properly. However, in most cases, this apparent lack of heat is solely due to an overlooked symptom.

It happens - especially in young bitches - that in the period of sexual maturation, characteristic liquid symptoms appear, including the male's acceptance reflex.

Usually, such symptoms fade quickly and ovulation does not occur.

This is called. apparent ovarian cycle, and the accompanying symptoms are called by clinicians the so-called. a teaser.

These types of cycles are quite common in German Shepherds.

After their completion, the proper heat appears, culminating in ovulation.

How to know that a bitch is in heat?

• the vulva area is larger and darker than usual,
• vulva clearly swollen,
• often bitches put their tail back.

You will notice bleeding from the genital tract, although it can often be difficult to notice, especially in small breed dogs and those that lick themselves intensively.

This excessive attention to hygiene is also typical of the heat of the season.

The female's behavior may also change; it happens that bitches become more sociable and clinging.

A bitch in heat may seem nervous, distracted and more alert than usual.

Behavioral changes result from changes in the hormonal balance.

You'll notice too considerable interest in dogs on walks.

During the heat, you will notice that dogs are very interested in walks.

When a bitch is ready to receive a male, she can initiate sexual interaction with the dogs by raising her hindquarters towards the dogs, putting her tail to the side, and flexing her hind limbs.

At first, vaginal discharge appears colored in the blood and the vulva is swollen.

When the bitch enters the fertile days, the amount of discharge decreases and it turns to the color of a meat wash, then a straw color.

The beginning of heat is usually considered to be the appearance of a discharge from the vulva or when the female begins to lick or pay attention to the vulva. It begins to be swollen.

The liquid ends when the bleeding stops and the vulva returns to its normal size.

What are the symptoms of each bitch's heat phase??

Most known vaginal bleeding is a symptom of heat in bitches. This may not be noticeable until a few days after the start of the sexual cycle.

Swelling of the vulva should be treated as a first symptom and - additionally - the female should pay more attention and lick the perineal area.

From the very beginning of the heat, the bitch becomes attractive to the males, but the moment of acceptance by the bitch falls on the period 7-10 days from the start - then it also allows for mating.

The discharge also becomes less bloody during this time.

Some females experience heavy vaginal bleeding during estrus.

In case of doubt or if you are concerned about heavy bleeding, consult your veterinarian.

You may also find that the bitch is more likely to pass small amounts of urine during heat.

There are both pheromones, what hormones, which signal to all interested males that the bitch will soon be fertile.

Symptoms of bitches in heat change throughout the cycle, and recognizing them is crucial if you are the owner of an unsterilized bitch.

Not only is it helpful to recognize in heat as such, but also to evaluate the entire oestrus cycle.

Its different stages have different hormonal activity in your bitch, which in turn causes her different symptoms.

Liquid symptoms

Early heat symptoms in bitches

The first phase of the oestrus cycle in bitches is called proestrus.

Its name suggests that this happens before the "real" heat; however, the signs at this stage in the cycle are important as they signal the beginning of the cycle.

The first day of heat is usually counted as the moment you first notice symptoms, while from a scientific point of view it would be more accurate the day your estrogen begins to rise.

Symptoms of heat in a bitch

• Red discharge from the vulva. This is called spotting or bleeding. While this isn't exactly what the medical world calls bleeding, it actually is. During the first phase of heat, the lining of the uterus is prepared to become embryo-receptive and to become softer. Spotting may be visible at times, however most bitches tend to lick quickly and therefore drops on the floor may not be noticed. A good way to check if your dog is staining is to wipe your bitch's vulva with a white handkerchief. If there are red or pink streaks on the napkin, you may suspect that heat has started. ATTENTION! Vulva discharge can also be a symptom of pathological conditions such as inflammation, cysts, and even cancer, so it is important to watch for other symptoms before assuming she is in heat. If in any doubt, consult your veterinarian.
• Enlargement of the vulva noticeable from the first days of heat. Most dog owners don't check this location very often, so they don't know what it should look like. The shorthair dog handler will notice this symptom faster. The method of checking is most definitely vaginal cytology. It is one of the most accurate tests confirming heat in bitches.
• Excessive licking. The girl will lick the perineum more often to cleanse the vulva of the secretions. If the dog is very neat, you won't notice the stains on the floor. However, you should definitely find him licking more than usual.
• Behavior changes. From the beginning of the heat, the bitch's behavior may change. Most females become restless, but quite the opposite is often the case - the female becomes less active. Also, because during the cycle the bitch becomes very attractive to males, most of the time she will not accept them and can become aggressive to animals as well as humans. Behavioral changes are not apparent at the beginning of the cycle, however, and become more pronounced in the second phase.
• Changes in appetite. Most animals will have increased appetite during heat, because the body needs extra energy; however, some dogs, especially those that become less active and lethargic, may have a reduced appetite.
• Increase in body temperature. Not always, but the body temperature of a horse in heat may rise. Remember, however, that this could indicate a wide range of medical conditions. However, you can measure your dog's temperature at home as in heat it may be warmer than normal.

Symptoms of heat during the second phase

Now it gets more exciting. Normally, about nine days after her heat starts, your bitch will enter the so-called. a real heat.

It is no more real and real time than the other stages, but right now the bitch will attract dogs.

Symptoms of estrus in bitches

• Sunia is prone to copulation. While in the first phase females tend to be aloof and even behave aggressively towards male dogs, now not only will it become even more attractive to males, they will also attract her.
• Even bigger behavioral changes. Whether your dog was restless during the first phase of the cycle? Now I'm going crazy. The explanation for this state is simple. Your bitch wants a certain thing and will not be at peace until she gets it. This will be expressed by being more active, more responsive to lower noises, and excessive vocalization, including barking and howling, as well as panting and sleep disturbance. Her and yours too.
• Tail dropping and gait changes. Here's a simple test to find out if your bitch is in heat. Gently scratch her lumbar region - if she is ready to scratch and puts her tail aside, she is in the right phase of heat. She can also swing her hips and wag her tail high as she walks. It is an invitation signal and is a kind of quite intrusive flirtation.
• Color change of discharge. As time passes and estrus approaches, the previously blood-colored discharge now turns pinkish (the color of the meat wash), then yellowish, and even becomes colorless.
• The vulva becomes softer and the swelling slowly recedes. However, this may vary with some dogs.
• Increased urination. This often occurs during the first phase of heat, but becomes more apparent during heat. Urine is used as a marker and tells other dogs that the bitch is in heat. Therefore, she will urinate less frequently in different places. While this can of course also be a symptom of an illness, you shouldn't worry if you have other symptoms of heat as well. Longhair dogs can have wet and smelly fur all the time.
• Symptoms from the first phase of the cycle, such as a change in appetite and an increase in body temperature, may also be present in the second phase.

Female Siberian Husky in heat howling
Watch this video on YouTube

Are the symptoms plausible in bitches in heat??

Usually, the presence of the above symptoms is sufficient information to know that the bitch is in heat.

However, it should be remembered that the only reliable method of checking is to perform tests at a veterinary clinic.

• If the main reason you are watching your bitch's heat symptoms is to avoid an unwanted pregnancy, the symptoms will give you enough information about the time when you should be especially careful (from the day you first notice the symptoms).
• However, if you want to plan the best breeding day for your bitch, just relying on the signs of heat is not enough. In that case, please do vaginal cytology and hormonal tests.

However, the occurrence of liquid symptoms is not always associated with the sexual cycle.

It happens that a female has vaginal discharge, is attractive to males and pisses more, but she should not be in heat at this time.

Many caregivers explain this fact to themselves by the irregularity of the cycle and pass it over to the agenda.

This apparent heat in a dog is very dangerous because the symptoms I have cited may accompany uterine infections, which, if not recognized early, may end fatally.

Therefore, you should always consult your veterinarian, especially if the "heat" is unusual and the bitch is over 5 years old.

What Happens During Heat?

What we call in heat is part of the normal sexual cycle in an unsterilized bitch.

It is, in the simplest terms, the equivalent of women's menstruation.

When a bitch is in heat, she can get pregnant.

This is possible due to the fact that during this period it gives off a specific smell and gives clear signals, attracting dogs.

Circulating estrogens now not only control male behavior, but also affect reproductive organs and the mammary gland.

They cause an increase in the blood supply to the reproductive organs, changes in the area of:

• vagina,
• ovaries,
• uterus,
• nipples.

They also affect the metabolism of proteins, fats, calcium and phosphorus, all in order to best prepare the body for pregnancy.

Sunia begins to actively look for a male, which is reflected in her behavior - she may become restless, agitated, show increased mobility and awareness.

Her sensitivity to dog pheromones increases.

Hormonal changes in bitches during heat

There are many hormones that work together and influence each other so that bitches move smoothly through the oestrus cycle.

While complex hormonal interactions are difficult to understand, there are three essential hormones that influence the oestrus cycle in bitches that are worth exploring.

There is a significant increase in the first days of heat estrogen.

It is responsible for the swelling of the vulva and causes bleeding from the uterine wall to moisturize it.

Blood drops from the vulva are one of the first signs of heat.

Estrogen levels continue to rise, usually peaking two days before the beginning of the second phase of the heat, and then decline rapidly.

Another important hormone is luteinizing hormone, also known as LH.

His levels, like estrogen, begin to rise at the beginning of heat, but at a much slower pace.

Suddenly it peaks very rapidly, usually two days after the estrogen peak, and then drops off and causes you to ovulate.

For this reason, measuring LH is one of the most accurate ways to predict ovulation, which is extremely important for breeders.

Typically, the entire process of raising the LH and withdrawing it takes approx 24 hours, so when the first phase of proestrus is over, LH has to be measured daily.

Unfortunately, unlike human ovulation tests, which are performed with urine, dogs' LH levels can only be measured by blood tests and must be performed at a clinic.

When LH peaks, it is believed that ovulation will occur in the coming years 24 hours.

In some cases, ovulation does not happen at all, although the female is in heat and LH is at its peak. This is considered to be irregularity in the course of heat.

The LH peak not only causes ovulation but also starts the rise of a hormone called progesterone.

Progesterone makes the uterus ready for embryo implantation and supports the growth of the fetus.

Measuring this hormone helps you to more accurately determine the day of ovulation.

Progesterone usually begins to rise right after the luteinizing hormone peak and reaches a certain concentration during ovulation.

To capture this moment, progesterone testing should be done daily, starting when your dog is about to be in heat.

Progesterone is also used as a medicine to stop the oestrus cycle.

Progesterone levels remain higher than normal for about 2 months, no matter if a bitch becomes pregnant or not. LH and estrogen hormones drop before heat.

Can a bitch get pregnant during the first heat?

Of course a bitch could get pregnant during the first heat !

There is a common misconception that a bitch cannot get pregnant during her first heat.

She is mature enough to enter her first sexual cycle, so she is fertile and may become pregnant.

However, it is not recommended to allow her to do so.

Are the first days of heat safe??

It is very popular to believe that the first days of heat are safe and that even if you are not careful, fertilization will not take place.

It's really hard to reorganize your life the exact moment you notice the first drop of blood on the floor.

However, do not let yourself be - to put it mildly - "cheated ".

During the first days of heat, a bitch cannot get pregnant - that's true, but it won't save you from heat and its consequences.

Even if the girl is not crazy about the dogs yet, she can run after the male, become "deaf and blind " to your commands and not respond to your call.

The dog may not respond to commands

How will you know how long it will be safe??

Despite the fact that the bitch will not get pregnant in the first days of heat, there will be dilemmas when it comes to defining "the problems of the first days ".

• The phase in which a bitch can get pregnant during heat may only be Three days. Although it is on average 9 days, it can also be much longer - even last 17 days. But 3 days? Starting with when? Was it from the day you noticed a heat?? How can you know when it started? Exactly - you can't.
• It's easy to miss the beginning of your heat. The first symptom is bloody discharge from the vulva. But what if the discharge is not red, but pink or yellow? What if your floors are dark and you can't see any staining? What if the girl scrupulously licks her "traces "? Most dogs do this. While you may notice your dog is licking a little more than before, it's true that few dog owners are close enough to their pets to notice it.
• Inside the uterus, sperm can survive for up to seven days. It is a security provided by nature. While breeders can already predict when to mate a bitch, naturally breeding dogs have no idea about it. This is why sperm survives in the female body until the right moment. Fortunately, there is another protection - females do not allow males to jump on each other during the first days of heat. However, this should not be relied on because: firstly - there are exceptions, and secondly - a male trying to cover a female without her consent may cause aggression on both sides.

So we can start with moderate protectiveness at the beginning of heat and increase it gradually as heat symptoms progress in the bitch.

Can a bitch be mated in the first heat??

Theoretically, she is no longer capable of becoming pregnant, however Matings are strongly discouraged during the first heat.

It is not recommended to allow a bitch before she is finished 1 year, because it may still be immature.

There is a gulf in between sexual maturity, and somatic maturity - a young female is not yet fully developed anatomically and physiologically and is not ready to be used in breeding.

Understanding your dog's sexual cycle is extremely important as it is key to making informed decisions about your dog's reproduction.

However, regardless of your intentions, it is advisable not to allow mating during the first heat.

The reason is simple - the girl is not fully developed somatically yet, and admitting her to the male at this time may cause problems later during childbirth, usually ending with caesarean section.

Such young mothers also tend to be less attentive and caring.

However, if you are not convinced by this, note that the maximum fertility in females is achieved not earlier than in the second, and sometimes in the third and fourth heat - i.e. at the age of about 2-3 years (depending on the breed).

So if you want a healthy, large litter, you will hold off on mating until the recommended time.

What if the dog is in heat?

This may vary from breed to breed, but generally dogs are in heat physiologically 1-2 times a year.

When the first sexual cycle begins, there can be a lot of variation in time between each heat.

This is perfectly normal.

Some bitches take eight months to two years to develop a regular cycle.

Small dogs tend to oest more regularly than larger dog breeds.

Three and sometimes four sexual cycles per year can also be physiological in some bitches.

Very large bitches may only be in heat once every 12-18 months.

Most giant breeds (Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, Bernardine) have an oestrus cycle every 12 months.

The most common frequency of heat in bitches is twice a year.

Many dogs have their biological clock set exactly this way and cycle at a strictly predictable pace.

However, sometimes it is not so regular and there are even four times a year in heat.

In most cases, if this happens so often, some cycles may be infertile.

This means that all the symptoms of heat have occurred, but the endometrium is not susceptible to implantation of the embryo in such a short time after the earlier heat.

In addition, there are several other malfunctions such as separation of the liquid, when the bitch starts the cycle but stops suddenly and starts again in a few weeks.

Symptomatic heat may also occur, making the owner believe that the bitch has not started her cycle yet.

This is usually seen in younger and smaller dog breeds.

While there should be no cause for concern even during certain cycle abnormalities, they may nevertheless indicate some underlying health problems.

Therefore, you should always consult your veterinarian if you have any doubts, especially when your dog has had regular cycles so far, and suddenly there is irregular heat.

What factors may influence the frequency of occurrence of heat?

The frequency of heat in a bitch is mainly influenced by:

• race,
• age,
• health.

However, there are several other factors that play a role in the sexual cycle of bitches.

Oestrus synchronization

Females living in a group can synchronize their sexual cycles, usually with the rhythm imposed by the dominant bitch.

The phenomenon of cycle synchronization is most likely an atavism - an ancestral trait.

They were already described in the 18th century by Carl Linnaeus, who observed that when one of the bitches in the village was in heat, the remaining bitches from the area also began the sexual cycle.

It is related to those produced by the dominant female pheromones, that affect other girls in the herd.

They are going into heat more or less 2 weeks later.

This timing of heat was very beneficial in animals living in the wild.

Thanks to this, the remaining bitches could help the dominant (who was the only one who bred) in rearing puppies or replace her in the event of her death.

Currently, it is not undesirable for breeders, because it is problematic to sell puppies from several litters at the same time.

It happens that some subordinate females may not develop in heat at all due to the action of pheromones from the dominant bitch.

The only way to prevent oestrus synchronization and restore normal cycles in the rest of the females is to isolate the dominant bitch.

An alternative is also to sterilize the latter.

Anxieties

The same medications that delay the onset of the first heat also reduce the frequency or even inhibit the occurrence of sexual cycles.

They mainly belong here steroid drugs and antifungal drugs.

Regardless of the frequency of the heat, the most important thing is its regularity.

It is worth making a note of the starting dates of the cycle, details of the course, and the time when symptoms disappear.

It is very useful not only in planning a litter, but also a treasury of information for a veterinarian in the event of any diseases or infertility.

How long does the dog take in heat?

How long does a dog take in heat?

This is a very common question asked by veterinarians.

Bitches usually go in heat for approx Three weeks, although again - it is very variable and it is believed that the period from 2 to 4 weeks is the complete norm.

How long is the heat?

For most dog owners, even several days with a restless and agitated female, it seems to be an eternity.

Not at all this time, a bitch can become pregnant.

If in a bitch the heat is prolonged and lasts longer than 4 weeks, see your doctor as this may be a problem that needs to be addressed.

At the beginning of the heat for the dog there is a period called proestrus - the time before ovulation, during which the female cannot get pregnant yet and will not allow contact with the male.

This time continues from 3 to 17 days, most often 9 days.

The bad news is that you don't know for sure when it will end, as it can last as long as 17 days or 3 days, and the girl becomes eager to breed at the end of this period.

This means that you must be vigilant all the time and you cannot afford to take a break from observing the female from the first day of heat.

One of the first signs of this phase of the cycle is yellow or red discharge from the vulva and you will have to protect the bitch from males from this point on.

So be patient, because one of the biggest challenges will be keeping the girl sane.

The actual liquid lasts from 7-9 days.

After the end of the proestrus phase, the bitch enters the second phase of heat - estrus (I'm in heat).

This is sometimes called "standing in heat "Because it starts when the bitch is ready to receive the male - he does it while standing and the male tries to jump on her.

It ends when the bitch is no longer in tune.

It is worth remembering that the female allows her dogs to jump during estrus - that is, during fertile days in the liquidation period.

On average, estrus lasts for 7-9 days, but it may even go on 20 days, if it starts early in heat.

The onset of oestrus can only be confirmed by research; however, you can check if the bitch is standing or sitting by rubbing or putting pressure on her lumbar region.

If she does and puts her tail to the side, she is in heat.

When proper heat begins (remember, without testing by your vet, you can't be 100% sure when it will start), usually by the time ovulation is over 1-2 days.

This means that this is the beginning of the stage where the bitch can become pregnant.

This period lasts throughout the "standing heat".

The liquid in the dog is fertile

The most fertile days for a bitch are ovulation and the first few days after it. This is the best time to allow the bitch to come to the dog (if you want to breed her), or to be especially careful to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

It ends when the female no longer wants to accept the male.

Dogs are also losing interest in her.

And it is also the time when you can come back to your life ?

When can you say the heat is over??

Determining when the heat is over is a very responsible task.

It is unwise to give up caution too soon.

Restless nights, taking preventive measures while walking, and chasing dogs away can be exhausting.

If you lose your vigilance at the end of the heat and your bitch becomes pregnant, it's as if you were doing nothing at all to protect your dog.

You must remember that the only sure test to confirm the end of the heat is vaginal smear smear test.

However, it is rarely necessary, because the pattern of the female's sexual cycle is fairly regular, and by following the gradual disappearance of the signs of heat, you will be able to tell when it has ended.

Apart from vaginal cytology, there is no one single symptom that would indicate whether the cycle has ended or not.

So it's no surprise that the most reliable method is to just watch your symptoms.

There are many signs of heat, but the absence of any says nothing.

Swelling of the vulva and no vaginal discharge will retract before the heat is over.

If, on the other hand, all oestrus symptoms have subsided, it means that the bitch is probably not in heat anymore.

• Male non-acceptance. One of the most common signs of end of heat in bitches is the lack of interest in males. It is difficult to tell when it occurs because interest does not suddenly diminish, but rather diminishes gradually as the heat ends. You can gently squeeze or scratch the bitch's lumbar region - if she doesn't turn her tail to the side, chances are she's finished her heat.
• Check the behavior of the bitch. Most of them are nervous and restless during the heat. After its completion, the dog girls calm down.
• Check the calendar. Most of the females are in heat for approx. 21 days. There are exceptions, of course, and you shouldn't assume that your dog will definitely finish the heat before 21 days. However, if you notice the first symptoms of heat, start counting down as approximately 3 weeks later your sexual cycle will most likely be over. Also watch for other symptoms.
• Add a few days for security. After you find that all symptoms have disappeared, be cautious for a few more days. If you made a mistake in the calculations, this action will pay off. And even if the heat is over, a few more preventative days won't hurt. And most importantly - they will not be so heavy, because bitches are much calmer at that time.

I have mentioned this several times before, but this is important - be sure to check for all of the above symptoms.

Don't rely on one indication that your dog is in heat. It is always a combination of many signs.

Heat flow abnormalities in bitches

We all like to plan ahead and trust that everything is predictable.

Mother Nature also likes it, but is not always able to provide it.

While most bitches are in heat Twice a year and remains in it through 21 days, however, there are irregularities.

Sometimes the cause may be innocent, such as. in heat at an immature age.

However, the oestrus cycle can be disrupted by serious health problems.

Therefore, please contact your veterinarian if any of the following occurs:

No heat

The bitch doesn't go into heat even though she should.

It can occur in young bitches that have not yet developed a sexual cycle after the age of two, or in mature dogs that have cycled regularly but suddenly stopped.

Diseases of the reproductive system are the most common cause of a lack of heat and your dog should be checked by a vet.

Lack of heat can also be caused by drugs used to treat other conditions, especially if it involves one hormone therapy.

Talk to your doctor, but in most cases your cycle should return to normal if treated properly.

Ill health and unfitness can also hold back the heat to conserve energy.

Lack of heat is often confused with the fact that the bitch is not fully mature yet and with the so-called. quiet estrus, described below.

Quiet heat

It appears when the female is in heat, she is fertile, she can become pregnant, but shows no symptoms of heat.

Sometimes bitches do not attract dogs during a quiet heat, but they are usually attractive to them.

In most cases, oestrus symptoms are present but so mild that dog owners do not notice them.

It is not uncommon for bitches of small breeds to go through a silent estrus or two before they have obvious symptoms.

Quiet estrus should not be confused with the owner's inexperience in noticing symptoms, as the bloody discharge and swelling of the vulva may go unnoticed or confused with something else.

If a bitch is in a quiet heat, the only way to confirm her heat is to take her to a vet who will do a vaginal pap smear test and a blood test to determine the stage of the sexual cycle.

Intermittent liquid

The heat is interrupted when the cycle begins, but then stops abruptly, even before the bitch enters the second stage of heat.

It is common in young bitches during their first heat because the hormonal systems are not yet able to induce ovulation. With young dogs, there should be no worries and the normal cycle of sex will most likely return within a short time 2-10 weeks.

On the other hand, if you stop in heat in an older, mature bitch, you should consult a veterinarian.

Liquid extended

Dogs normally go in heat for approx 21 days.

A longer period is considered prolonged heat.

This is a relatively common occurrence and you shouldn't worry about it in young bitches.

However, if the heat is prolonged, and the bitch has already reached maturity (approx 2-3 years), this fact should be consulted with a doctor.

Mature bitches most often experience prolonged heat due to cysts or ovarian tumor.

While this may sound unsuccessful, diagnosing these conditions early is promising as the reproductive organs can be removed without any further risk to health or life.

Too frequent heat

We already know that most dogs are in heat twice a year, but there are ladies who experience it 3 or even 4 times in 12 months.

This should not be a cause for concern if this is the case in young, not yet fully matured bitches - their cycle frequency may stabilize as they mature.

However, if your dog has had regular cycles so far, and suddenly he is in heat more often, he must be seen by a doctor.

Note that if you want to breed a bitch, some of these "extra" heat may be infertile as the girl's body needs enough time to recover from the previous cycle.

The liquid is too rare

While dogs normally go in heat twice a year (except for some specific breeds that heat once a year), even if the bitch does not go into heat for a year or a year and a half (if she is an elderly female or very young), this is still the norm.

However, breaks of more than a year should prompt you to consult your doctor.

Is it possible to protect a bitch from heat??

The best way is to sterilize the bitch early, not only for preventive reasons against unwanted pregnancy, but also to protect her against mammary gland cancer and diseases of the reproductive system.

However, this is an irreversible process - it means that the bitch will never have puppies again.

At what stage can a bitch be mated with a dog??

A bitch can become pregnant (accepts a male) only during the fertile period, which is during heat.

A bitch can get pregnant at any stage of the heat, although the most fertile days are roughly between days 10 and 15 from the start of the cycle.

How do you know when is the best time to mate??

It can be difficult to schedule an appropriate date.

Most ovulation occurs around it on the eleventh day of heat.

The discharge becomes less bloody and the female is actively looking for a male.

However, ovulation may occur earlier or later in heat.

Do bitches go in heat more often in spring?

Unlike cats, the ability to enter heat depends on the length of a light day, dogs rely on theirs internal biological clock.

Consequently, their sexual cycle is independent of seasonal changes and weather.

If you are the owner of an uncastrated dog, you should know that bitches in heat may be nearby all year round.

Are there any tests to determine when it is best to pair breeding dogs?

Yes, there are at least two simple tests that your vet can perform.

Vaginal smear test

It is a simple microscopic examination of vaginal epithelial cells that detects changes in their appearance and number.

This method was introduced in the 1980s and is still used with great success.

Most of the time, it's just dependable.

The test is non-invasive and causes no discomfort to the female.

Most vaginal swabs are performed serially over several days in search of cell changes that will predict upcoming ovulation and determine the best time for mating.

Under the influence of female sex hormones, some changes occur in the vaginal epithelium.

This test can catch these subtle differences in appearance and cell numbers and predict the time of ovulation.

However, the indications for a vaginal smear also include:

• determination of a specific phase of the sexual cycle;
• confirmation of proper mating by demonstrating the presence of sperm;
• detection of silent heat;
• diagnosis and treatment of vaginal or uterine diseases (vaginitis, endometritis, pyomyositis).

How vaginal smears are performed?

1. Vaginal swabs are performed with the help of a special swabs, which is inserted into the vagina. Some doctors use vaginal speculum; it is recommended but not essential.
2. After the swab is inserted, it is gently rolled over the vaginal wall and then slowly withdrawn.
3. The material is then applied to the slide by rolling the swab over the slide.
4. Then the preparation is fixed and colored in special dyes.
5. The slide is viewed under a microscope and the number and type of cells present are assessed.

In predicting ovulation, the so-called. the eosinophilic index (IE), which is calculated from the ratio of the number of eosinophilic cells to the total number of cells.

In the estrus phase (and therefore in the fertile phase), IE should be at least 70-80%.

If the veterinarian has done so Pap smear on the bitch, you will definitely get a Pap smear result. How to interpret it?

Interpretation of vaginal swabs

• Anestrus: in the tested material, parabasal cells predominate: small, round cells with a large nucleus.
• Early proestrus phase: many red blood cells are visible in this phase. Vaginal basal epithelial cells and superficial cells are also present.
• Proestrus: the number of superficial cells increases, as does the eosinophilic index (percentage of keratinized cells).
• Late proestrus phase: the eosinophilic index increases and the background of the preparation becomes clear.
• Estrus: The background of the oestrus smear is very clear, free from cellular debris. Superficial eosinophils constitute at least 80% total cell population.
• Metestrus: A rapid change in cell count over the course of 24-48 hours indicates the beginning of the diestrus phase.

Determination of the serum progesterone level

This test is very sensitive and has become popular due to its accuracy.

Some bitches will require several tests to be performed to predict ovulation.

This test gives a very good indication of when mating has been successful and is useful for bitches that have had a history of unsuccessful mating or for bitches that must travel a considerable distance to a male dog.

What can be done to make sure the opacity is successful?

Surprisingly, male dogs appear to be more sensitive to stress than female dogs during mating.

Successful fertilization is more common when the dog is in its own environment. For this reason, it is the females that are taken to the dog's house for breeding.

The mating time is extremely important and examination of the female is highly recommended to establish the optimal days for the release of the male.

For most females, the best time to breed is between the tenth and fourteenth days of estrus.

However, some females are already ovulating on the third or fourth day or only in the eighteenth day.

Blood tests will help determine the best time for your dog.

It is normal to arrange mating, often at an interval 24-48 hours.

Check these details with the owner of the male during the preliminary arrangements. Also inquire about the procedure to be followed in the event that your bitch does not become pregnant for reasons attributable to the male.

Dog owners often offer a free service the next time.

What is a deadlock?

You were told that "the bitch jammed well with the dog ”And that only one mating will be required?

The anatomy of the genitalia of a dog and a bitch is such that during copulation a part of the dog's penis (bulbis glandis) grows in size and is held tightly by the contracted muscles of the female's vagina, thus preventing withdrawal of the penis from the vagina.

This is called. deadlock, which is considered a desirable trait for successful mating.

It is important to remember that pregnancy can occur without a jam.

A jammed dog passes over the female with one foot so that the pair are tails turned towards each other.

How long does a dog need to cover a bitch for her to become pregnant?

Well, just like with humans - it can go on less than a minute, or the pooch might try for hours, and it won't work anyway.

Dogs need to get to know each other, and the "jam" itself can also take some time.

Basically the whole process is ongoing about 30 minutes, but dogs can also speed it up up to a few minutes.

So the fact that the bitch ran away only for a while does not guarantee that in approx 60 days you will not become the joyful owner of a bunch of wagging tails.

You saw a dog "stuck" with your bitch during mating. Can you do something to separate them?

It makes no sense to separate the animals that are joined in this way.

Buckets of cold water or water guns do not speed up the separation process, they only stress the dogs.

In fact, forced separation can seriously injure the female and should not be done.

If there was an unscheduled mating, you simply have to go to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

How to keep dogs from bitching in heat?

It is quite a challenge

…

Most dogs can sense from a distance that your bitch is in heat, even if you keep her indoors.

The males will go out of their way to get to the girl and offer themselves as potential suitors.

You must be vigilant and careful.

Keep the girl on a leash when walking and try to keep distances to a minimum, especially in areas where there are other dogs.

Never let your dog go outside alone

Protecting your bitch from dogs and unwanted pregnancy is the most important thing you can do when your bitch is in heat.

And it doesn't matter if you are planning breeding this time or not.

Sometimes it seems to us that it is a good idea to let the girl out for just a moment, because we will keep an eye on her.

Nothing could be more wrong.

At any time, the bitch - pushed by the law of nature - may run away, or the next-door dog will enter the garden.

This is the moment.

Take her outside when she's in heat and don't forget the leash!

Walking without a leash is forbidden

Walking without a leash is forbidden

Contrary to popular belief, a bitch in heat may go for walks and she really needs them.

However, some precautions are necessary.

The most important thing is to walk your dog on a leash.

Even if you think that your student is exceptionally well trained, walks without a leash are unacceptable during the heat.

No obedience training is as strong as natural instincts.

No training or dog shows

Events involving other dogs should always be avoided.

The odor that female dogs emit is very irritating to males and will distract them from performing tasks during training or show.

Cover your tracks

If you are walking outdoors with your bitch, it is a good idea to cover her tracks on the way back home.

It is best to do this by putting your dog in the car and driving to a secluded place away from the males so that they cannot track your bitch.

This is especially annoying when you have a backyard and lots of dogs are gathering at the fence.

Sprinkle the mint on the bitch's tail

This technique can help mask the smell.

Useful when a dog suddenly appears nearby and there is a chance that he will not sense the bitch from a distance.

However, if he gets a little closer, this method will definitely not work.

They are commercially available commercial preparations for masking oestrus in bitches.

Consult your vet

While in heat is not and should not be considered a disease, talking to your doctor about the things you need to deal with during this period can be extremely helpful - especially if there is a problem.

It's not like you have to follow each of the tips above.

Dogs vary in anxiety, activity, symptom severity, male attractiveness, etc.

However, the more advice you implement, the calmer your bitch will be and the less stressful for both of you.

Dog briefs for a heat - is it worth using them??

Dog briefs for a period of heat

One of the most common symptoms of estrus in bitches is bloody vaginal discharge.

This can be a pain when you have a new carpet.

If a bitch allows herself to wear such panties, it could solve the spotting problem.

It also helps mask the smell to the outside and make it difficult for males to follow.

However dog briefs for a period of heat They most certainly won't protect against unwanted mating, so don't let dogs come closer while you walk.

How to help a bitch in heat?

There are many things that require your attention when caring for a bitch in heat.

Reducing her anxiety is one of the most difficult.

Most of the time, she can whine, cry, and find it difficult to calm down. But what's worse, us guardians, her behavior can drive us crazy.

If you are the carer of an unsterilized bitch you have probably been through this before.

Or maybe you are experiencing it right now?

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to to calm the female in heat.

Give it extra attention

This is the most effective way to calm a girl down.

When a bitch is in heat, not only physical but also mental changes take place in her.

If you want her to feel comfortable, you need to give her more attention during this difficult time.

Playing, brushing, talking to her, going for walks, and sometimes even just being in the same room with her can do wonders.

Reserve this extra time for the female and she will feel calmer and more confident.

The bad news is that your dog will need attention at night as well.

It's easier to calm the girl down when we take her to our bedroom for the night.

Another option is to move to the couch near where he sleeps.

This way we are close to her and we can talk to her or stroke her if she gets angry.

Exercise with your dog

The workouts are good.

They help you and the girl stay in shape, but most importantly - they allow you to get rid of excess energy.

Dogs that are active enough sleep better.

Exercise can include walking, running, ball chasing, agility, workouts, and more.

However, outdoor activities, such as walking, require extra precautions when the bitch is in heat.

Keep her on the leash and, if possible, take her by car to an area where there are no other dogs.

Also, do not involve her in group activities with other animals.

On the other hand, if the bitch is tired and refuses to be active, don't press.

Balance between training and rest

Different bitches react differently to heat.

Some may feel tired throughout the day, while others may become restless and overstimulated.

Observing your dog's behavior and choosing the right amount of rest and exercise (running, swimming, playing) is important for keeping your dog calm.

If a bitch wants to sleep, her wish should be granted.

Offer chews and treats

Not every owner is able to spend 24 hours a day with his dog.

However, even if you can't be around all day, you can spice it up by providing delicacies.

Choose those that cannot be eaten in one gulp.

The point is for the bitch to bite for as long as possible.

"Bully stick ”- that is, dried beef penis and other snacks of this kind are quite a good choice.

They last for a long time, are natural and tasty (I have not tried, I draw conclusions from observing dogs :)).

Also try other teethers to see which ones are best for your bitch.

ATTENTION! Real bones, especially cooked poultry, are not good.

Eating them may end tragically, and surgical removal from the throat or esophagus is not uncommon in veterinary clinics.

Leave toys for your dog

Toys are another alternative to keep the bitch busy and give her a chance to focus on something other than sex drive.

The squeaky toys are very attractive to most dogs, but food dispensers they are also a good choice.

The latter are usually empty toys that can be filled with food, both dry and wet.

They allow the dog to receive a small amount of food as long as it continues to play.

To keep a girl's attention on toys longer, you can use more than one and take them away when they are no longer needed.

ATTENTION! Whenever you use food, remember to include it in your dog's daily ration.

Are the drugs effective?

If the above options are not enough, you can try herbal remedies or dietary supplements for your dog.

They are used to soothe or calm dogs down in stressful situations such as driving a car, visiting a doctor, fireworks, but they also work fairly well in dogs in liquids.

Their use should be consulted with a veterinarian in advance.

Sterilize your bitch

This is not a technique to calm her down in heat, but a way to keep her from having it at all.

I recommend that you do this if you are not planning on breeding.

Most likely, more than one of these methods is needed to help her in heat.

Regardless of whether you choose long walks, jogging, buying tons of toys for your dog or even medications, patience is the strongest weapon during your bitch's heat.

Is it possible to walk with a bitch during heat??

This is another of the most frequently asked questions by dog ​​owners to veterinarians.

If I would like to clarify, this is one of the most common questions from owners who have a yard.

Why?

Because people who don't have a garden or yard would never ask if their dog can walk during heat - they just have to walk her no matter what.

Otherwise, the bitch will last as long as possible and then relieve herself on the owner's carpet.

In the long term, this behavior can lead to health problems and unsightly stains on the floor.

So we have one possible answer:

for owners who have their own garden: you CAN walk with your bitch when she is in heat;

for owners who do not have a yard: you MUST take your bitch for walks.

Also, walking is one of the best ways to calm your bitch in heat.

Other things work too, but walking is a must.

But not so fast.

Since you are reading this, you probably understand that walking with a bitch in heat is not taking her to the park.

Jokes aside - here's a list of things to keep in mind when walking with a bitch in heat:

Never walk your dog without a leash while he is in heat

Never walk your dog without a leash while he is in heat

The most important rule when walking your dog is to always wear a leash ESPECIALLY when in heat.

During these days the bitch is extremely attractive to males and it may be difficult for you to control her even if she is well trained.

If a bitch smells a male, she may stop responding to anything you've taught her.

A call or treats will not work in most cases, which is why a leash becomes an absolute necessity these days.

Think about the marks a bitch leaves in heat

Increased urination

You can control her better when she's on a leash, but even then things won't be easy.

When a bitch is in heat, she produces an increased amount of pheromones that attract dogs.

You've probably noticed that a bitch urinates more often than usual during heat.

This is because urine is the easiest way to spread the smell and inform all concerned about your current physiological state.

This smell is long lasting and the dog can pick it up hours after the bitch left her mark.

From such news, he can not only find out that the girl is in heat, but also follow her to your home.

You can be sure that at least a few members of the dog gang will visit you during the night. Good night:)

How can you avoid it?

It's easy:

you have to break the trail where the dogs will sniff and track the bitch.

The easiest way to do this is to put it in the car and drive at least a few blocks away, preferably to a remote location.

Then, even if the dog smells the female, it will track it to the place where you parked the car, no further.

The difference is huge.

She can walk, enjoy and sleep without a pack of fierce dogs chasing her.

When a bitch is in heat, don't go with her where other dogs are

When a bitch is in heat, don't go with her where other dogs are

Even if you manage to avoid the inconvenience dogs can cause at night, your walks can still be stressful.

Perhaps the worst part about walking during heat is being able to run into a dog.

Usually dogs do not start mating immediately after the meeting, but it is still troublesome and mating is not the only problem.

Male dogs can be aggressive, especially during the first phase of heat, but the female usually refuses to come into contact with them.

Moreover, if you try to influence their rendezvous, you risk mutilating all three or four of you - if the dog has an owner nearby.

As you can see, it is safer to avoid any encounter with dogs.

If you know your area, you probably know where the dogs live and which way they walk or hike.

Avoid these places like the plague.

If this is not possible, go to a remote place for walking.

You can also limit the duration or distance of your trips, but do them more often to avoid falling into the carpet.

If a dog shows up on a leash, the best course of action is to keep the animals at bay.

go to the other side of the street.

If it is impossible to avoid a confrontation, warn the other owner that your bitch is in heat.

After all, if you have a friend or family member willing to accompany you on your walk, this can be a great help.

Such a person will not only help you recognize a male in advance, but can also help you keep track of when you meet one.

Do panties and deodorants work?

Popular advice suggests rubbing the tip of a dog's tail menthol or a commercial deodorant intended for bitches in heat, to mask its scent on walks.

Unfortunately, while menthol helps reduce the amount of a dog's odor, it does not completely suppress it.

So they can help when the dog is far away, but not good at close distances.

Additionally, the smell of urine left by the female remains, which the interested male will certainly smell.

Panties or diapers for bitches in heat also may be an option to lower the odor and reduce the risk of pregnancy if you encounter a male dog.

But they are not contraceptives and should not be considered as such.

In fact, the biggest benefit of using panties is simply keeping the room where the bitch is in heat.

Using them on walks to reduce odor distribution and the risk of an unwanted pregnancy is just a good side effect.

Consider sterilizing the bitch

One final piece of advice:

if you are not planning on breeding, you should seriously consider castration.

Why?

Sterilized bitches are not in heat.

This means that all year round, she can walk even with non-neutered dogs without fear of unwanted pregnancy.

Can my bitch be sterilized while in heat?

The sterilization procedure during heat is much more risky than at any other time.

The uterus and vagina are inflamed and have a lot of blood supply, making surgery more difficult and dangerous than at other times.

When a bitch is in heat, the blood supply to both the uterus and the ovaries increases.

You can generally castrate a bitch during the heat, but that's it risky and not recommended.

Sterilization is recommended about 2 months after the bleeding has stopped.

Unless there is an urgent reason, your doctor will certainly advise you not to have surgery and postpone it for a moment of sexual peace.

There is one more "window " into which you can "shoot " with the sterilization treatment - it falls around 10-14 days after the end of bleeding.

However, many owners are not able to specify when this moment occurred, so it is better to wait a full 2 ​​months after the heat.

A bitch in heat and an uncastrated dog under one roof - how to deal with it?

With both bitches and males in the house, things can get rough when one of the bitches goes into heat.

During the cycle, the bitch gives off a smell that is attractive to males.

As soon as the dog senses it, it starts going crazy.

Similarly, if the female senses a male nearby, she also becomes aroused (that is, more aroused than before).

The first concern for owners is unwanted pregnancy.

The shelters are already full of abandoned or orphaned puppies and you really don't need any more.

Also, dog breeders carefully select breeding pairs and do not breed them just because they already have a pair of dogs.

Unfortunately, there is only one solution that works:

separate the dog from the bitch during her heat.

Separating the dogs seems logical, but it's not as easy as it sounds.

Separating them does not mean enclosing them in separate rooms or leaving one outside and the other inside.

This will help to avoid unwanted pregnancies, but dogs will still hear, feel and squeal to each other.

Even if your home is big enough to enclose them in separate rooms, it won't solve your problems.

You've probably heard of dogs' superpower - their unique sense of smell.

Unless you can walk both dogs separately and in different territories, they will certainly sense each other.

A bitch in heat leaves a characteristic smell, therefore the anxiety of both dogs will increase substantially.

Using menthol or a special spray on the tip of a female's tail can reduce (not solve!) problem.

However, it is much better to arrange the walking paths so that they do not cross (if possible).

Use different doors and gates to walk each dog.

This, of course, doesn't guarantee that they won't feel, but it will reduce their anxiety a little.

If you have the option of placing one of the dogs somewhere else (with friends, family) - think about this solution.

While there are also problems with doing so:

1. First: your dog may not be used to being anywhere else outside the home. After all, we want to reduce stress, not make it worse. Sending your dog to a place he knows and has been with with friends and acquaintances can be a pretty good solution. Females are in heat on average through 21 days. This is a long period under unknown conditions. If possible, let your pooch get used to the visit even before the female's heat.
2. The second problem is where to send the pet? Not everyone has the opportunity to entrust their pets to someone else. Besides, if you want to place a ward in a friend's house, does he / she accept the pooch voluntarily?? A dog hotel may be the solution. High-quality dog ​​hotels offer professional staff who can even deal with your dog's stress if he is not used to staying in a foreign place. Some hotels accept souks in heat for an additional fee. However, 21 days is longer than a typical vacation, so it is better to send the pet to someone with whom the pooch is friends.
3. The third problem: which pooch to send on "vacation "? Most often it is male as it causes fewer problems. Of course, it is also possible to send a female, but the future handler must know exactly what is happening and should be experienced in dealing with bitches in heat. You can't say, "Yes, she's in heat, a bit anxious.. but it's not that bad ". Yes - it is bad. Caring for a bitch in heat requires experience and knowledge.

Always consider sterilization or castration (one or both) in a situation where you are not breeding and are not planning to breed your dogs.

If you sterilize the bitch, she will no longer be in heat and the problem will be solved.

If you castrate a dog, he will not be interested in the bitch in heat, so the problem will also be solved.

The bad news is that you will have to wait for sterilization until the heat is over.

You can castrate your dog at any time.

And while "newly" neutered dogs may still show little interest in the bitch, the unwanted pregnancy is completely terminated and you don't need to separate your pupils.

Physical activity of both dogs:

it won't make dogs tired enough to avoid contact, but if you don't want to separate them, put them in a hotel, or castrate them this may be your only option.

It includes jogging, long walks, training, and having fun with both of you.

This means that each action must be performed with each dog individually, one after the other.

How to predict when a bitch will be in heat?

Predicting when you are in heat is very important to dog breeders.

In most cases, it is the females that are taken to the male and - without knowing the approximate time of ovulation - it is difficult to make any arrangements.

Besides, owners of unsterilized females struggle with planning holidays, because entrusting a friend with a bitch for the weekend may turn out to be a nightmare for him if she suddenly goes into heat.

Keep a record of your bitch's previous oestrus cycles.

Unfortunately, keeping a record of past cycles is the only way (at least approximately) to estimate when the next heat will begin.

Usually it appears in bitches every 5-8 months, the most common pattern is 2 times a year or every six months.

However, there are irregularities, and some dogs may show symptoms of heat up to 4 times a year, or on the contrary - only once a year or 1.5 years.

Fortunately, under normal conditions, the estrus frequency of bitches stabilizes as they reach maturity.

This means that when it is time to breed, a healthy female should have an established pattern of the oestrus cycle.

By "stable pattern " we mean that you should be able to predict the time it will be in heat with an accuracy of 1-2 months.

I realize it's not even close to satisfying, but there's good news as well.

After the sexual cycle has started, you still have some time to plan your mating.

From your first day of heat on, you still have a few, most of the time minimum 8 days until ovulation.

This should give you some time to book your flight, arrange your hotel and notify the male owner.

Close to the time when the bitch should start the heat, watch for symptoms, especially the vulva area and the appearance of bloody discharge.

It is not always pure blood, sometimes it has a yellowish tinge, and unfortunately it is easy to miss if it is not monitored.

The girl cleans up much more than usual, and this can also be a signal that she is in heat. You can wipe the perineal area with a white tissue to see if there is any discharge.

After you've noticed the symptoms of heat, the next step is to see your vet and check that you're right.

Remember that relying on symptoms alone can be misleading, and you are concerned with timing coverage accurately.

If the expected heat is at the time when the girl starts bleeding, you have probably well estimated the time and - if you have experience - a visit to the doctor may be skipped.

However, confirming the oestrus cycle in the office is really cheaper than going to the male and discovering that the bitch is not in heat at all, or that you came with her at the wrong time.

Besides, if you want to breed dogs successfully, a vet can help a lot.

Especially with regard to determining the optimal mating time which is detected by hormonal tests.

How to stop heat in bitches?

There are also questions, is it possible to keep the bitch in heat.

Owners can be unhappy with a dog that cannot go out alone in the garden, has to be guarded at all times and is restless most of the time.

The short answer is yes, you can keep a bitch in heat.

The only question is whether it really should be done?

Keepers looking for an answer to this question may be disappointed as they will still need to protect their dog.

The period of increased vigilance will be shorter, but it will not disappear at all.

If someone wants to avoid trouble during heat, medication is not the best option.

But it's always the owner's choice.

How does heat shifting look like in dogs??

The oestrus cycle can be stopped with megestrol acetate.

Such drugs must only be used as directed and under the supervision of a veterinarian.

While they may be available over the counter in some countries, most world markets require it.

And for good reason.

Megestrol acetate is a synthetic derivative of progesterone.

Under natural conditions, the level of this hormone begins to increase around the ovulation area of ​​the bitch (around the ninth day of heat).

It then suppresses a hormone called estrogen, which rises earlier and plays a vital role in keeping you in heat.

If Megestrol Acetate, which is a synthetic progesterone derivative, is administered to a female in the early stages of the heat, the production of estrogen (a hormone that is high before ovulation) is suppressed and it stops increasing, breaking the oestrus cycle.

Is it safe to keep dogs in heat??

Inhibiting the heat with the last megestrol sounds like an easy and harmless hormonal modification.

Like simply speeding up things and ending the heat cycle early, however, there are things you should be aware of.

Veterinary recommendations and manufacturer's instructions

I wrote about it above, those bold, bold letters - that's important.

You should not introduce and use hormonal drugs yourself.

Ask your doctor for instructions, do not exceed the recommended doses and inform him if an unexpected problem occurs.

Contraindications

Megestrol acetate Should NOT be used in:

• pregnant bitches,
• bitches with uterine diseases,
• diabetic dogs,
• bitches with nipple tumors.

You should also be careful when using it young bitches, who have not yet developed stable sexual cycles or in stressed dogs.

Contraindications not described here must be discussed with your veterinarian.

Side effects

Like most drugs, Megestrol Acetate has a long list of side effects.

These range from increased appetite (and weight gain) or fatigue to breast tumors, and some studies have even shown the development of diabetes mellitus.

Some may say that most medications have this range of side effects, and yet they are used.

Yes, all treatment is about taking risks.

If we treat cancer, we can take the risk of developing diabetes - after all, we put our lives at stake here. But if we are "treating" the sex cycle (which is not even a disease), diabetes is an unnecessary risk, no matter how.

Keep your dog isolated during therapy

While in most cases the therapy is aimed at slowing the oestrus cycle and reducing worries about unwanted pregnancies, you still need to avoid male mating.

It usually takes time eight days or more.

If coverage occurs, stop dosing (unless your vet tells you to continue therapy, which is often the case when mating occurs at the end of therapy).

Consider sterilization

If Megestrol Acetate has been administered to avoid leaking and the bitch is not intended for reproduction, sterilization should be considered.

However, the operation must be performed at the time of sexual rest.

If the above contraindications or side effects did not scare you, you can ask your veterinarian for more information on keeping your bitch in heat.

Treatment should begin within the first three days of heat.

Remember that the list of side effects and adverse reactions is not just words written on a piece of paper.

It is really happening.

If you are a responsible dog owner, you should prevent heat from occurring by surgical sterilization rather than blocking the bitch hormonally every time it starts heat.

Are there any medications that can kickstart your heat??

There are several methods that help to induce the reproductive cycle in bitches, but they are not for experimentation and should not be used "for fun".

In most cases, they are used as a fertility remedy, and if your dog is healthy you shouldn't rush into heat.

Consult a doctor if the female has a problem with infertility.

Is your sterilized female in heat again?

There are situations when a sterilized bitch shows symptoms of heat - she squeals, is anxious, swelling of the vulva is noticeable.

The bloody vaginal discharge need not be present, but the bitch is clearly acting as if she's in heat.

Yet her uterus and ovaries were removed! So how is that possible?

A sterilization operation that is not performed carefully enough will not prevent the bitch from leaking.

It happens that during reoperation or ultrasound examination, ovaries or their fragments are found, which - left in the abdominal cavity - constantly show hormonal activity.

The female will not become pregnant, but the symptoms of heat may persist and occur cyclically, as it was before the procedure.

Basically there are 2 possible reasons why a sterilized female shows symptoms of heat:

• The sterilization was incomplete. This means that the bitch's reproductive organs were not completely removed. Sometimes it's enough a few leftover ovarian cells, to maintain the production of hormones responsible for the oestrus cycle.
• Owner's symptoms are not heat symptoms, but they are a manifestation of other behavioral or medical problems. Consult your veterinarian for further help. Especially if you notice vaginal bleeding in your bitch.

Remember that female sterilization is irreversible.

Once made, but in a careful way, the bitch will not be in heat anymore and will not be able to have offspring.

Unless the problems described above arise.

Whether male dogs are also in heat?

Contrary to appearances, this is a fairly common question.

You don't have to worry if your dog is not in heat yet.

Male dogs don't have it.

However, it is commonly believed that males are in heat all the time.

And indeed - the fact that males react to bitches in heat most of the time may suggest such conclusions.

Research shows that dogs are able to cover a bitch even 5 times a day.

However, male dogs cannot be said to be in heat.

Their reproductive system works differently.

They are ready for fertilization all the time, but this cannot be called in heat.

The female sexual cycle does not only represent these 2 states: oestrus and non-oestrus.

It is a set of four steps:

1. being in heat,
2. no heat,
3. preparing for heat,
4. resting after the heat.

These 4 phases are not affected by external factors, the presence of males, the light cycle or the weather.

However, dogs do not have these 4 cycles.

Their ability to reproduce is influenced by external initiation, in most cases by sensing the smell of the female in heat.

And although dogs are able to mate a bitch most of the time, breeders will only breed dogs if their reproductive organs and general health are in perfect condition.

So if you have noticed symptoms in your dog similar to those of bitches in heat, consult your veterinarian as either your dog has a medical problem or he is one ?

How to be a responsible male owner when a neighbor bitch is in heat?

Many people believe that only female owners are responsible for the sexual activity of their dogs.

However, the truth is that it is your dog and you are responsible if he runs away from the property to cover, demolishes the fence and does even more damage, e.g. in the form of an unwanted pregnancy.

As a male owner, you should be careful - females in heat may be around practically all the time.

Most bitches go in heat twice a year for almost a month.

This means that if 6 unsterilized bitches live in your neighborhood, there is a good chance that the dog will be exposed to the smell of a bitch in heat for most of the year.

The bottom line is that you must learn to deal with your dog by acting appropriately and calming him down.

Here are some tips on how to do this:

Dog castration

This is the most effective method, thanks to which your dog will completely lose interest in bitches in heat.

However, it has several disadvantages, the most important of which is the inability to have children.

If that's okay with you, castration will make your and your dog's life easier.

Game

It helps distract dogs from nearby bitches.

If the dog is happy and amused at home, he is less interested in the outside world.

Remember, however, that even a completely calm dog can become aggressive and unpredictable when a bitch in heat is nearby.

In such situations, never leave children playing with the dog unsupervised.

Walks

They help to meet the dog's needs in contacts outside the home and help to use up the excess energy it has.

Training

It is also a form of activity that aims to entertain the dog, distracting his thoughts from women ?

Regular training will make the dog obey your commands.

If he is going to sneak out, call him firmly.

If he is acting very restless, make him lie down or sit up.

It's easier to calm down a dog that is working with you.

Limitations

If your dog keeps running away, try to find out how he does it.

Whether the fence is too low? Broken?

It is not always possible to solve the problem (e.g. building a higher fence), and after removing one weak link, your dog may find another.

However, if the fence is indeed too small or broken, it must be repaired.

Remember that sexual instincts are natural and you cannot punish your dog for giving in to them.

This is one of nature's strongest laws, and it is your responsibility to calm your dog down when a bitch in heat is around.

When my bitch gets old, will she go into menopause?

Are bitches going through the menopause?

A bitch can be fertile and show liquid symptoms for the rest of her life.

Her fertility may decline a bit, but the bitch is not going through menopause and the way people do.

There is no specific age for dogs to stop in heat.

The aging process, however, can make each new heat feel more and more distant from the previous one.

Usually, this phenomenon begins around the age of 6 years, but it depends largely on the breed and individual tendencies of each female.

It is a good idea to sterilize a girl later in her life, even if she has already had a litter or several litters, to prevent dangerous complications that potential conception may entail.

Summary

When a female enters heat, inexperienced owners usually deal with the situation in two ways.

Some panic and ask frantically:

What to do, how to do? Should we take time off from work?

Others, on the other hand, ignore this fact and treat the dog as usual.

It is important to know what to expect and to be able to react appropriately in crisis situations.

I hope that after reading this study, many doubts will be dispelled, and the intricate and complex meanders of canine maturation will become more understandable and easier to predict.

Sources used >>