How long is a dog in heat? Dogs have a unique reproductive cycle. They can start this cycle every six months but from the age of six months till a lifetime after that. It is the period when the dogs are more likely to attract other male dogs.
Some apparent signs will make identifying whether your dog is experiencing heat easier. For example, your dog may start urinating more often; its vulva may swell, it may go through a bleeding period, and it may even get extra stressed and nervous about everything.
Your dog will not only attract another male dog by doing specific actions but also become extra sensitive when it starts its reproductive cycle.
How Long Does A Dog Stay In Heat?
Almost every dog experiences a heat period of two to four weeks. If your dog has just turned six years old, you should know that by the age of nine months old, your dog will experience heat.
Stages of A Dog Stays in heat
Every female dog goes through four different stages during their reproductive cycle. All these stages are different in terms of hormones, physical and psychological changes, clinical changes, etc. These four stages are:
- Protesters
It is when the cycle starts, and you can see some obvious signs of your dog starting the cycle. For example, you will see your dog avoiding male dogs at the beginning of the cycle, but this may change as the process continues.
At this stage, its vulva starts swallowing, and you may even notice a red discharge from its body in the form of blood. This stage is not a compulsion, especially when one feels attracted to other dogs.
- Estrus
At this stage, there are most chances for a dog to get pregnant. It is because, at this stage, female dogs start releasing hormones that make them more available to mate. So here, they are willing to mate.
This stage usually lasts about nine days on average. It may extend to twenty days, but not more than that. During this stage, they may even go to the male dogs to attract them and mate.
The condition of the vulva is different at this stage, as it is still swollen but is softer than before. As a result, there will be significantly less to no blood discharge.
However, this stage differs for every dog because some dogs stay in heat briefly, and some may last longer than expected. Therefore, it mainly depends on your dog's age and size.
- Dietrus
It is the moment of truth because, at this stage, you are sure if your dog is pregnant or is resting. This stage lasts up to one hundred and forty days.
- Anestrus
After diestrus, your dog is free from pregnancy or a resting period. It is when your dog is waiting for the next cycle to start. It includes the time of six months when your dog has zero chances of heat.
How Long Will My Dog Bleed In Heat?
At this time, you may notice some delicate signs like your do bleeding. The bleeding only lasts for seven to ten days maximum. The bleeding is different among all dogs.
Some dogs may bleed more than others, and this is usually due to their size. It is said that small dogs bleed less than big ones.
Common Signs That Your Dog Stays in Heat
- Excessive licking
- Friendliness with male dogs
- Humping and mounting
- Change in urination habits
- Evolution in its tail positions and posture
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Aggression
- Affectionate and aroused
Taking Care Of A Dog In Heat
Following are the steps to keep in mind while taking care of your dog during the heat:
- At this stage, the dog becomes emotional and extra sensitive. It may want to spend its entire time with you and would love cuddles and snuggling.
- Be kind to your dog and not scold it even if it releases blood by mistake. Instead, let your dog know it is okay, and you will clean any mess it creates.
- Keeping your dog away from male dogs is vital to prevent unwanted pregnancy. However, do not leave your dog alone. Always make sure you are with your dog when it is out.
- Treat your dog according to its body requirements. Please only make your dog exercise a little because it may always stay lazy. Practice is good now, but only if your dog wants to.
- Staying in touch with the vet is an excellent option because even if you have enough knowledge or do not think it is a disease, you may still consult with the vet to prevent any troubles from coming your way.
- Using menthol on your dog’s tail will prevent other male dogs from sensing its heat stage and may even keep them away.
- Tracking is another way you can protect your dog from unwanted pregnancy.
Nappies for dogs in heat chosen by us:
When your dog starts bleeding or gets its period, you should know that it is the beginning of its heat cycle, also known as the estrus cycle. Your dog will stay in this heat cycle for two to four weeks.
It is essential to stay with your dog as it goes through all four stages: Protestrus, Estrus, Dietrus, and Anestrus. Your dog will get sensitive, and its emotions will make it do things one can never expect.
So, staying with your dog during this period will protect it from any mishaps or pregnancies you have not planned. In case of any misunderstanding, consulting its vet will be the best option.
If you do not want your dog to become pregnant, keeping her away from uncastrated males during her heat cycle is essential. Consider spaying your dog, which will prevent her from coming into heat altogether.
Spaying is a surgical procedure that involves removing the ovaries and uterus. It is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy in dogs. Spaying can also reduce the risk of health problems like mammary cancer and pyometra.
If you are considering spaying your dog, talk to your veterinarian about the best time. Spaying is usually done when a dog is six or twelve months old, but it can be done at any age.
Here are some tips for caring for your dog during her heat cycle:
- Keep her away from uncastrated males.
- Provide her with plenty of exercises.
- Finally, keep her clean and dry.
- Monitor her for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.
- If you have any concerns, talk to your veterinarian.
Thank you for reading the article to the end. Your reading contribution was significant to us.
Affiliate Disclosure: we want to be transparent with our readers. Some links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost, we may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links. Rest assured, we only recommend products and services we believe will add value to your journey as a new pet parent.
Post a Comment