Dog Heat Cycles : Everything You Need To Know
Common questions pet owners ask about their dog’s heat cycle include what the biological changes are, how long does it last, what the frequency is and what they can expect. Let’s start off by answering all those questions.
Any dog’s estrous (procreative) cycle is divided into four stages namely proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. Each stage has its own set of symptoms, which include behavioural changes, physical changes and hormonal changes.
Proestrus starts when the dog shows her first signs of heat: swollen vulva, a blood-tinged vaginal discharge, and attractiveness to male dogs. Estrus is the period during which the female dog is receptive to the male – during this time, the female dog is most fertile. The vulva enlarges and softens slightly. Diestrus is the stage that occurs after estrus, when the female is no longer receptive to the male. The period between diestrus and the next proestrus is known as Anestrus – there is no vaginal discharge and the vulva is no longer swollen. The body uses this time to prepare the uterus for the next possible pregnancy.
When a female dog is “in heat” or “going into heat,” it means she is ready to mate and is releasing mating hormones. Lower energy levels, more aggressive behaviour, differences in leg-raising while urinating, urinating more frequently than usual, and even running away from home are all signs of a female dog going into heat. Male dogs, on the other hand, do not go through heat cycles. Unawareness that your dog is in heat or a lack of knowledge about what to look for can result in an unwanted pregnancy.
If you find your dog approaching her heat cycle, don’t be alarmed. There are easy actions you can take to ensure your dog receives the specialised care she needs. Read on to know!
INCREASE INDOOR SURVEILLANCE
You should keep an eye on your dog’s location and keep her away from furniture, since she may naturally leave some blood spots and perhaps stain surfaces. Pads can also be utilised to allow her to enjoy her favoured resting location without the chance of leaving stains on furniture or carpet, as well as to make routine maintenance easier. To avoid messes, use diapers and washable diaper liners. Some bleeding or bloody discharge is usual during a period, and she will most likely need to urinate more frequently. Use diapers to avoid messes, and to assist both of you in navigating this period without unwelcome stains or mishaps.
DIAPERS HELP
There are several different types of diapers for dogs in heat, including disposable and reusable cloth ones. Wee-Wee Disposable diapers function similarly to human newborn diapers, but have a unique hole to accommodate your pet’s tail. They come in a variety of sizes, ranging from X-Small to X-Large, so you can select the ideal one for your dog. To avoid leaks, proper sizing is essential.
When a female dog is in heat, pet parents either panic or pretend the scenario isn’t happening and continue to treat their dog as usual. To be clear, neither approach is appropriate since a female dog in heat is not as easy to manage as you may imagine.
If this is her first heat cycle, there are a few things you should do to avoid an unintended pregnancy and make your fur-baby’s heat as trouble free as possible.
We’ve compiled a list of the most crucial things you should do for your female dog in heat, ranging from exercise to daily changes. We’ll go through what to do when your dog is in heat, as well as some typical pitfalls to avoid.
EXERCISE YOUR PUPPY
It may be a very difficult time for your dog when she is in heat. Exercising is beneficial in helping her de-stress. Female dogs in heat are often misunderstood as needing no activity, yet she still needs walks. Avoid intense physical exercises; a simple stroll around the block will suffice. However, while your dog is in heat, you should never walk her without a leash. Even if you believe your dog is the finest taught dog on the planet and has received considerable obedience training, heat can trigger odd behaviours and hormonal urges that are not normally present. To prevent battling animal impulses, keep her on a leash for her protection.
A BALANCE BETWEEN REST AND PLAY
When a dog is in heat, she will react in a variety of ways. Some people may feel restless and require more activity, while others may feel weary most of the time. It’s critical to pay attention to your dog’s behaviour and provide the appropriate amount of rest and play. You are the one who knows her best; therefore you must know what is best for her and what makes her the happiest and most comfortable.
GIVE EXTRA LOVE AND ATTENTION TO YOUR DOG
When your dog is in heat, she undergoes not only physical but also mental and emotional changes (women, I’m sure you can relate to this on a personal level, don’t you?). During these times, your dog may feel uneasy and easily stressed, which is why it is always a good idea to offer her additional love and attention. This might include playing with her more, grooming her, or simply giving her more pets and cuddles.
DON’T LEAVE YOUR DOG UNATTENDED
Male dogs smell your female dog in heat from miles away, and the aroma has a tremendous allure. Even males with fenced-in yards will try to leap their fence and yours in order to get to your female. So, never leave your dog alone in the backyard!
These are some things to keep in mind that’ll help you prepare for and go through your pet’s heat cycle! Hit us up for any other questions you might have.