Dog in dogs

When choosing a female dog as a pet, owners should be prepared for periods of estrus and know how they appear. Firstly, instability and deviations from the norm may signal that the pet has health problems, secondly, special vigilance is needed at this time to avoid unplanned offspring, or, conversely, to organize planned breeding. And if the owner is aware of the physiological features of his animal, then he will know in time when the estrus in dogs begins, and if something goes wrong, ask for help at a veterinary clinic.

When the dog starts first heat

If we talk in general about estrus in dogs, then usually this period is quite recognizable by certain characteristics. As for the first heat, it has its own individual characteristics. In most cases, estrus in a dog begins after the teeth have changed, but it will not work out more accurately.

In dogs of small size, the period of the first estrus falls on the age from six months to 10 months and is accompanied by characteristic signs. In representatives of medium and large breeds during normal development, the first estrus in dogs can begin in the period from 6 to 13 months.

There are situations when the first estrus passes unnoticed (hidden pustovka) - the discharge is very scanty, and males do not show proper interest. However, vigilance should not be lost, since such estrus is complete. The duration of the first estrus is much shorter than the subsequent ones.

In females, the development of which is close to puberty, the occurrence of false heat is possible. If mating occurs during this period, estrus can stop without an ovulation process. But after a few days, the bitch can flow again, but already with the release of the egg from the ovary and the possibility of fertilization.

If the owner expects to receive offspring from his dog in the future, then he must fix the time of the first heat and the next. The best time for the first knitting falls on the third cycle.

The main signs of estrus in dogs

How does estrus manifest? First of all, it is possible to determine estrus in a dog, by its behavior, and it changes significantly. The female activity increases, she becomes excessively playful and can ignore commands. This is all a result of a hormonal surge. Among the main signs of estrus are the following:

• the dog begins to sit down more often to urinate (in fact, it marks the territory, so that potential cavaliers are aware that it is ready to accept courtship);
• bleeding seeps from the loop;
• she often licks a place under the tail;
• The bitch begins to flirt with males, in turn, they show an active interest;
• often molting precedes estrus.

At first, dogs do not allow members of the opposite sex, they may even show aggression on overly obtrusive courtship, as their bodies are not yet ready for mating .

After one and a half to two weeks, the dog changes the structure of the discharge, they become similar to yellowish mucus. During this period, the female feels a strong sexual desire, especially if she notices males nearby, while her tail moves aside and the body takes the stance that is necessary for intercourse. The loop is significantly increased in size.

In such an excited state, the bitch can be from 5 to 7 days. If the owner wishes to tie the dog, then he should celebrate these days. The best time for mating falls on days 9-17, less often on the 21st. But in this case everything is individual and depends on the breed of the pet.

Phased passage of estrus or how long estrus in dogs lasts

The whole cycle of the animal is divided into four stages:

• Proestrus (or it is called the precursor). Duration 1-1.5 weeks. At this time, the process of blood circulation in the genital area significantly increases, the loop swells, the first, initially scanty, bloody discharge appears. During this period, the dog is not yet ready for mating, since ovulation does not occur yet. But the external signs are already there - it becomes playful, it can not obey the owner, run away. On the walk more time is spent on sniffing around and constantly crouches to leave marks. Males already have an increased interest, however, when trying to copulate, the bitch growls and snaps.
• Estrus (active sex hunting). At this time, or rather the first two days, accounts for the process of ovulation. But the bitch may not allow a few gentlemen for a few more days. A little later, at the sight of a potential groom, the female lifts the back of the body, tightens the loop and puts the tail aside to facilitate the process of penetration. At the same time she freezes and patiently waits for action from the stud. Discharges from the loop can be different, however, the normal period for mating is usually when they become light pink or disappear completely. In addition, the vulva swells considerably.
• Metaestrus (final stage of estrus). The duration of this period is several days. Allocations cease, the loop assumes the same size, the bitch again does not allow the gentlemen to come to her. If fertilization has not occurred, then the female becomes calm again. However, the dog is still hormonal changes - increases the level of progesterone, which is not without reason called the pregnancy hormone. And this happens regardless of whether the female became pregnant or not. Such a state becomes the cause of such a phenomenon as a false pregnancy, which basically passes without assistance and negative consequences.
• Anestrus (phase of sexual tranquility). The duration of this stage is approximately 100-150 days and allows the animal's body to recover before the next estrus.

The frequency of estrus in dogs may vary due to some concomitant factors. For example, in domestic dogs it happens twice a year - in the fall and at the end of winter. In some cases, the flow is limited to one per year.

Dogs kept outdoors, including pets from the north, run once a year in early spring to give birth to puppies in the warm season.

What to do to avoid mating

This is the question most often asked by owners of dogs who are not planning to mate. But also to people containing breeding dogs, he is no stranger, because unplanned mating can be an unpleasant surprise.

The main condition is to closely monitor the dog on the run, do not let go of the leash and do not allow other males to approach significantly.

In addition, you can purchase a special tool in veterinary pharmacies or pet stores, destroying the smell, attracting males. They handle the back of the body of the pet before each walk.

What to do to get offspring

If the pet is purebred and in the plans of the owners to get good offspring, then as soon as the period of sexual hunt comes, it is possible to carry out mating. By this time, a suitable gentleman should be picked up and you can go with the "bride" for bonding. It would be better if the case will be held on the territory of the male.

Features care for a bitch bitch

On the eve of the first estrus, the female may experience discharge from the loop, the so-called juvenile vaginitis , which contains a small amount of pus. Do not worry, as this phenomenon is quite normal. Everything is normal, as soon as the heat passes. If this does not happen, then it is worth undergoing examination to identify various pathologies.

To make the period of estrus more hygienic (especially for leaks in dogs kept in an apartment), you can purchase special elastic panties for one-time use. They will allow the dog not to leave bloody stains around the house. But still you should not wear them all the time, as veterinarians advise you to let the female remove the secretions on her own by licking them.

During the first estrus, the dog may not understand how to behave, so it is necessary to teach her to clean up after a stain. And for this you need to remove from the floor carpets and carpeting.

During heat, the dog requires special care:

• It is necessary to avoid long walks in the cold season, so that the pet does not catch a cold ;
• no need to bring it to the places where other dogs gather;
• walks should be strictly on a leash.

If suddenly it was not possible to prevent unwanted mating, then it is strictly forbidden to give the dog means that contribute to abortion. This can cause significant pet health problems, which often lead to infertility of the dog.