What you need to know about estrus in dogs to keep your pet healthy

What is estrus in dogs

Estrus, or estrus, is the time when females of certain mammals, such as dogs, cats, rats, cows, and others, can become pregnant. In these animals, the sexual cycle is called estrous.

The estrous cycle in animals is not like the menstrual cycle. Estrus and menstruation have nothing in common.

Menstruation occurs when pregnancy does not occur. Then the inner layer of the uterus is torn off and comes out with secretions. In this case, pregnancy can occur both before, during and after this. And estrus, on the contrary, is the only possible time for conception.

When do dogs go into their first heat?

Average estrus begin at about six months of age. But times may vary puppies different breeds. In smaller dogs, as a rule, the first estrous cycle begins at an earlier age. But owners of large breeds sometimes have to wait up to 1.5–2 years.

What are the signs of estrus

The earliest sign of estrus is swelling or engorgement of the vulva, but this is not always noticeable. Usually the owner determines that estrus has already begun by spotting, which sometimes does not appear until a few days after the enlargement of the vulva. The amount of discharge can vary from dog to dog.

The discharge is very bloody at first, but over time it thins out, becoming watery and pinkish red. A female in estrus urinates more often than usual, or begins to mark various objects in small portions at home and on a walk. During this period, her urine contains pheromones and hormones that signal to other dogs that she is ready to reproduction.

How often do dogs go into heat?

Most dogs are in heat It happens twice a year, about every six months. The interval can vary between breeds and even between different dogs of the same breed. Small dogs can cycle up to three oestrus a year, while large dogs can have only one. The first cycles in juveniles may be irregular, taking up to two years to establish.

Most breeds estrus is not related to the time of year. The exceptions are Tibetan mastiffs and basenjis, which usually flow in the spring.

How long does estrus last in dogs

Most dogs are in heat lasts 2 to 3 weeks. The countdown begins with the first signs of edema of the vulva or vaginal discharge. Estrus ends when the vulva returns to its normal size and the discharge stops.

When exactly can a dog get pregnant

estrous cycle consists of of four phases:

• Preestrus is the beginning of estrus. Lasts 10 to 14 days. At this time, the vulva swells and spotting appears. The dog may attract males, but does not allow them to sit.
• Estrus is the mating season. Usually about 10 days. At this time, ovulation occurs. Bloody discharge brightens, decreases and eventually disappears. Females attract males and accept their courtship. At this time, pregnancy is possible.
• Diestrus. This stage lasts from 10 to 140 days, usually about 45 days. The thread ends. Even if conception does not take place, the body will undergo hormonal changes. This can lead to a false pregnancy.
• Anaestrus is the dormant period between diestrus and the next preestrus.

Although ovulation going on not immediately, but at the moment when the discharge brightens, the sperm remains active for a week. That is, even if mating occurred before ovulation, conception is possible. Therefore, it is considered that dogs can become pregnant any day during estrus.

If the owners are breeding, then, of course, the mating is adjusted to ovulation so that the chances of success are higher. The exact day is determined using vulvar swabs and hormone tests. The best time is 1-3 days after ovulation.

How to prevent pregnancy in a dog

During estrus, the dog is not worth it off the leash outdoors because it may attract unwanted attention. Also, animals have their own methods of contraception: taking hormones and surgical sterilization.

Hormonal contraception is usually used as a temporary measure because it is associated with serious health risks.

The operation is used much more often. Although this is a fairly serious intervention, it has fewer risks compared to hormonal drugs.

Both methods should not be used at will, since after all can be complications. For example, urinary incontinence and obesity. So check with your veterinarian.

What to do if a dog accidentally bonded with another dog during heat

In no case do not try unhook the dogs by force, douse them with water or scare them. In this case, the female may be injured.

To avoid pregnancy as soon as possible contact to the vet. For dogs, there is also emergency contraception that prevents conception. These can be sex hormones estrogens, biologically active substances prostaglandins or corticosteroids.

But never use human emergency contraception for dogs! Is it dangerous.