Heat in your female dog: How to make this time stress-free
If you have a female dog, sooner or later you will be confronted with the issue of heat. For many dog owners, this often means a mixture of stress and confusion. But with the right knowledge and good preparation, you will notice that your dog's heat phases can also be quite uncomplicated. In this blog post, you will learn everything you need to know about heat in your four-legged friend: which phases occur how and why, when you should expect your dog to go into heat, and how you can best support your darling during this time.
Heat - what is it?
Heat is a phase in the dog's reproductive cycle in which your bitch is fertile and can be mated. This is comparable to the female cycle in humans, but heat in dogs lasts longer and also occurs less frequently. Heat is a completely natural process that occurs in healthy bitches of fertile age.
How do I recognize when a dog is in heat?
In addition to the typical bloody discharge, there are several other signs that may indicate that your dog is in heat. These include:
- increased licking of the genital area
- changed behavior (particular attachment or irritability)
- strong interest in male dogs
- frequent urination
- swollen genitals
Normally, your dog will not feel any pain during this time. However, if your four-legged friend shows signs of severe discomfort or other noticeable symptoms, you should definitely visit your veterinarian.
When will my dog come into heat for the first time?
Usually, bitches come into heat for the first time between the ages of 6 and 12 months. However, this depends heavily on breed, size and other individual factors. You could say that your dog is in the middle of puberty at this early stage. Smaller dogs often come into heat a little earlier, while for larger breeds it can take up to 18 months. When your bitch comes into heat for the first time depends particularly on when your four-legged friend is fully grown. Nevertheless, every dog is different and heat can occur at a very individual time. Sometimes it is initially a so-called silent heat, which often goes unnoticed by you as a dog owner. None of the typical signs occur and there is no discharge either. This can become a problem if your bitch comes into contact with male dogs during her fertile phase and an unwanted pregnancy occurs.
After the dog's first heat, you can expect your four-legged friend to be in heat about twice a year, with this usually lasting two to three weeks. During this time, not only does your dog's behavior change, but physical symptoms also occur that are initially unusual for many dog owners.
The phases of heat
- Proestrus: The first phase of heat can last between three and four weeks. You will certainly notice the bloody discharge first. Your four-legged friend may also already be interested in male dogs, but will not be mated at this point. During this phase, female dogs are often emotionally agitated - anything from a need for cuddles to irritability can occur.
- Estrus: During this phase, also known as the "standing period," your bitch is fertile. The bloody discharge will decrease and change to a lighter pink. Males will now be allowed to approach her and she will allow mating. This phase lasts about five to ten days.
- Metestrus: Your bitch's body is now preparing to return to rest. Whether fertilization has occurred or not, this is the phase when the body begins to regulate itself. Your dog will show less interest in male dogs and behavior will return to normal. This phase can last up to two months.
- Anestrus: This is the resting phase between two heat cycles, during which your dog usually behaves as usual. This phase lasts about four to six months, until the next cycle begins with bleeding.
How to stay calm as a dog owner
- Stain-free during heat: A female dog in heat in the house does not mean that you have to say goodbye to clean upholstery or textiles. It can be very helpful to use special heat panties to catch the discharge directly and avoid stains on carpets and furniture.
- Avoid contact with male dogs: If you are not planning on having any offspring for your female dog, you should be careful during the fertile days to ensure that no unwanted mating occurs. Walks on a leash are a must during this time. It is best to keep a safe distance from male dogs at first, as an uncontrolled encounter can quickly lead to an unwanted pregnancy.
- Special care: Gently clean your dog's genital area when necessary and make sure to change the heat pants regularly. Although many dogs keep themselves clean, it may be necessary to help your dog with grooming.
- Changed behavior: If your dog is moodier or more clingy than usual during her heat, it is important that you give her the space she needs during this time, but also be prepared to give her more attention if she seeks it.
- Veterinary advice: Sometimes during the heat phase, particular problems can arise that can be stressful for your dog or have a major impact on your life together. In some cases, it may be a good idea to consider castration. Simply speak to your trusted veterinarian and get professional advice.
Everything important at a glance
Heat in dogs is a natural part of the life cycle of your female dog, which usually occurs twice a year. Even if it may seem strange at first, you will quickly notice that heat is easy to manage. Care, patience and love are particularly important during this time to give your female dog a feeling of security and safety.
