The heat cycle in dogs is a completely natural part of biology, and is something you as an owner must be prepared for if you have a female dog. What can you really expect when your female dog is in heat? We answer common questions among new dog owners, and give a brief introduction to how the cycle works!
Basics of the dog's menstrual cycle
The heat is a sign that a female dog is sexually mature, and consists of a regular cycle. It is therefore only part of a female dog's life, and male dogs do not experience as many physical changes when they reach sexual maturity.
It is not uncommon for a bitch's behavior to change slightly when she is in heat, as hormones are in full swing. She may often be extra interested in male dogs, be less obedient or generally just behave a little differently than she usually does. Therefore, it may be a good idea to give your dog extra attention during the heat period, and make sure she gets enough play, exercise and walks. Remember to keep her on a leash, as even the most well-behaved dogs can become mischievous. Also, be careful when you are out for a walk - just a few seconds without supervision can be enough for a male dog to get her pregnant.
However, if you are interested in reading more about pregnancy, you can check it out here .
When is the dog's first heat?
When a bitch comes into heat can vary, but it usually comes between 6 and 12 months of age. Smaller breeds of dogs often come into heat when they are around 6 months old, while larger breeds of dogs may not come into heat until they are 18 - 20 months old. However, it is worth noting that some breeds may come into heat earlier or later than average. At the same time, it is important to pay attention to changes in your bitch's behavior and body language, in order to be able to notice when her first heat starts.
How long does the term last?
The average female dog's menstrual cycle lasts 21 days, but can vary from 18 to 24 days. The bleeding itself can last from a few days to three weeks, and we divide the cycle into four different phases.
This period of the cycle, also known as proestrus, lasts about 9 days. It is usually easy to determine, as the external genitalia will swell and there will be a bloody discharge from the vagina.
This period also lasts about 9 days and is called estrus. The vaginal discharge usually becomes more yellowish, but there may still be some blood. The bitch accepts mating during this period, and she still ovulates and can become pregnant.
The resting phase, or metoestrus, lasts about 70 days and involves no symptoms of heat.
The final phase, anoestrus, encompasses the normal state and lasts for approximately 125 days.
What should you think about when your dog is in heat?
When your bitch is in heat, it is important to try to keep as close an eye on her cycle as possible to avoid having unwanted puppies in the house. Although a bitch usually does not run away, her instincts can drive her on adventures to find a male dog. Therefore, you should keep a close eye on your bitch during this period. It is also important to be wary of male dogs, who will notice that your bitch is running a long distance.
Use of diaper or panties
If your bitch is bleeding heavily, you can let her wear a heat panty or doggy diaper to avoid any messes and stains at home. Please note that such a panty or diaper will not prevent mating.
Imaginary pregnancy
When a dog is in heat, major hormonal changes occur in her body. An imbalance in hormones can lead to a false pregnancy in some bitches. This can happen a few weeks after the heat, when the puppies would have arrived if the bitch had become pregnant. The dog may show symptoms of depression and be less interested in going for walks, and some bitches may also experience swollen udders and milk production. This can be distressing for the bitch, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms and give her extra care and attention during this period.
Sterilization
Some dog owners may find the heat period to be a concern and want to spay their female dog. In Norway, however, it is only permitted to spay dogs for medical reasons. It is also important to be aware that there are disadvantages to spaying, such as poorer coat quality, obesity and in some cases incontinence. In today's society, with regulated dog ownership, a female dog's heat period should not be a major problem. If a female dog experiences recurrent false pregnancies, or is particularly prone to mammary tumors, spaying may be appropriate.
Read everything you need to know about dogs in our universe of everything for dogs!
