How long does a dog go into heat and its characteristics?

All animals eventually reach sexual maturity, including dogs. This symbolizes their readiness to conceive and bear offspring. To find a suitable mate, it's important to understand all the intricacies of a dog's estrus cycle, its duration, choosing a male dog, and owner behavior during this challenging period.

Of course, all owners of female dogs will be interested in how long their pet's heat will last, what her behavior will be, the nature and cyclical nature of the process, how the owner should behave, and when it is possible to put on panties?

What is the heat cycle in dogs?

Usually, dogs go into heat about twice a yearHowever, some breeds of female dogs experience this natural phenomenon only once a year. A cause for concern may be the absence of this phenomenon for more than eight months after its onset, if the interval between periods is less than four months. This all depends on the individual characteristics of the animal.

Dogs develop a regular heat cycle at two years of age. It's perfectly normal for the interval between heat cycles to be shorter or longer. It's impossible to accurately predict the start and end dates of this process, or the exact number of days, as each year is different and the timing shifts. It's best for owners to keep track of their heat cycles and record them in a diary each year to avoid missing this important period.

The key is to monitor the estrus cycle in dogs. The estrus cycle itself can vary from a few days to two weeks, with a rest period lasting from four to seven months. If you keep track of everything correctly, you won't have to worry about delays.

It's worth remembering that the length of heat varies for all dogs. But on average, it can last from 2 to 4 weeksA deviation from the norm will be considered when the estrus period lasts less than 7 days or more than 30 days.

The entire estrus period consists of 4 phases, each of which lasts a certain number of days:

1. The proestrus phase lasts approximately 8 days. It is characterized by the appearance of brightly colored bloody discharge. The discharge is profuse throughout the day. It is very difficult for the animal to control this state, so stains may appear on the floor. At the beginning of this phase, the dog is passive towards the opposite sex. However, a little later, some changes in her behavior can be observed, although she is not yet ready for mating. Gradually, the vulva swells and the vagina and uterine walls thicken, indicating increased reproductive function, although she is not yet ready for mating.
2. Estrus phase. This lasts approximately 8 days. During this period, the female dog is fully ready for mating. If insemination is not planned, it is best not to allow the male dog to mount the female dog.
3. The metaestrus phase lasts about six days. The dog's discharge is now almost completely gone, and the size of the vulva decreases. The bitch appears calm and composed, not allowing males to approach. If conception does not occur, the body returns to its previous calm state.
4. Anestrus phase. The resting period between heat cycles. During this time, the dog recovers and prepares for the next stage of fertilization.

How does heat manifest in a dog?

The onset of estrus indicates the dog's sexual maturity, about her ability to produce offspringEven veterinarians can't say for sure at what age this phenomenon might first occur or how long it will last. It has already been proven that it depends on the female dog's breed. It has been observed that in small breed dogs, this process occurs earlier than in larger breeds and lasts for fewer days per year.

Small-breed female dogs begin to experience their first heat at six or seven years of age. However, this is still very early for pregnancy. Furthermore, the nature of this natural phenomenon differs from a true heat, as it lasts only a short time and involves only a small amount of discharge.

In large-sized bitches, the first heat appears at the age of one and a half to two yearsMoreover, the onset may be very sparse and short-lived. And the first ovulation may never occur. Predicting the next heat cycle is also very difficult. It has been observed that the onset of the first heat cycle coincides with the animal's shedding period, but predicting this with great accuracy is not easy.

A dog's first heat cycle can be detected by its behavior. The owner should inquire about it beforehand to avoid confusion and take appropriate measures. Shortly before the onset of heat symptoms, the animal begins to behave unusually. Aggression, increased activity, and excessive playfulness may be observed. The animal loses its disciplinary skills and becomes difficult to manage.

Exists several signs of estrus in dogs. Among them are:

1. Frequent urination.
2. Increased interest in the bitch from males.
3. The appearance of bloody discharge and marks in the pet's resting areas.

During this special period the dog can do it itself show attention to male dogs, bark in their direction, and wag their tail. The owner should be wary if he doesn't want to mate his female dog.

How should the owner behave during estrus?

A sign of estrus will be the behavior of male dogs toward female dogs in the dog park. At this point, the dog owner should avoid the consequences that may arise from close contact between the female and male dog. To do this, Some precautions need to be taken:

1. Walks with the animal should be carried out in a free area, and the dog must be put on a leash and muzzle, since during this difficult period the bitch can simply escape.
2. It is better not to take small-breed female dogs for walks, but to use cat litter boxes or a soft mat for toileting.
3. It's recommended to remove carpeting from the house, as the liquid has an unpleasant odor that takes a long time to dissipate. It's best to confine your pet in panties, which can be purchased at a pet store.
4. It is better not to swim in the river at this time, as there is a risk of pathogenic bacteria entering the bitch’s vagina.
5. The use of various means aimed at avoiding pregnancy is considered a clear contraindication during this process, as they can lead to the development of hormonal imbalances and oncological pathologies.

Of course, the period of estrus adds additional difficulties and inconveniences, but don't perceive this phenomenon as unacceptable. On the contrary, every effort should be made to ensure that the process goes smoothly for your dog, especially the first time.