Estrus is a natural process that is accompanied by physiological and behavioral changes that indicate the dog’s readiness for mating. For the owner, this period can be an important stage of caring for the pet, so let’s look at some key aspects of estrus and learn about the peculiarities of caring for the animal.
When does estrus begin in dogs
The first estrus usually begins at the age of 6 to 24 months. The time of onset of estrus in dogs can vary depending on the breed, age and other factors. For example, estrus in German shepherds, huskies begins at the age of 6 to 12 months, in miniature schnauzers, beagles – from 6 to 9 months, in toy terriers – from 6 to 10 months.
The first signs of heat may include changes in mood and behavior, increased activity and salivation, and swollen mammary glands.
How many days does estrus last in dogs
The duration of estrus can vary from 2 to 4 weeks. Some dogs may have a shorter or longer estrous period than others. This may be due to breed, age, health and other factors.
The first estrus can last from several days to several weeks. It is important to note that the first cycle may be irregular or irregular, which is completely normal.
How often does a dog come into heat
The frequency of estrus in dogs is individual for each animal and can vary depending on many factors. However, on average, estrus occurs approximately every 6-12 months. Some dogs may have regular cycles 6 months apart, while others may have slightly longer or shorter cycles. If you have any doubts or questions about your dog’s estrous cycle, we recommend that you consult your veterinarian.
Symptoms of heat
Signs of heat may include discharge of bloody or clear fluid from the genitals, changes in behavior (eg, increased sexual activity, aggression, disobedience), swelling and tenderness of the mammary glands.
What should owners pay attention to?
If your dog is in heat, pay more attention to walks with her. Be sure to use a leash to control your pet and avoid unwanted situations. Even if you are used to walking without a leash, an unpleasant incident can happen during the heat period – the dog can run away in search of a potential groom for mating. Therefore, the leash is your savior during this period. We also advise you to refrain from contact with other dogs and find quieter places for walks.
We draw your attention to the fact that any medication that affects estrus can have a negative impact on the health of the animal, so it is better to avoid potentially dangerous situations than to use drugs against unplanned pregnancy.
An equally painful issue for owners is the dog’s constant secretions, which contaminate both the fur and everything around (furniture, carpets, etc.). In this case, use special panties for dogs, which will help keep the house clean and avoid unplanned pregnancies. They are convenient, easy to use and sold in most pet stores. In order for the panties to fulfill their purpose, it is necessary to choose the right size and regularly change the pads to avoid chafing, irritation and infections.
In the V.O.G DOG pet store, you will find a wide range of panties of various models and sizes, so that you can find the perfect pair for your dog.
What are the features of hygienic care for a dog during heat?
- During estrus, your dog’s fur may shed more intensively, so daily brushing is a must-have procedure to help prevent mats and speed up coat replacement.
- You can bathe your pet during this period. You just need to be more careful because of the sensitivity of the skin and the vulnerability of the genitals to infections and hypothermia. Use warm water and special hypoallergenic shampoos and conditioners to thoroughly clean the coat of dirt, secretions and unpleasant odors.
- Dry the coat immediately after bathing and do not allow the dog to lie on a cold floor. All this together can lead to a cold.
- For daily hygiene care of your pet’s genitals, use special napkins or soft towels to avoid irritation and inflammation. Buy estrus panties at a pet store.
- Consult a groomer if the hair in the genital area interferes and complicates the process of caring for the animal during the heat period. The groomer has skills and abilities, has a professional tool and can quickly perform a hygienic haircut, minimizing stress for the dog.
Grooming during heat
Among the owners, there is a rather acute question: is it possible to visit a groomer during heat. And we, the “V.O.G DOG” chain of grooming salons, tend to answer this question positively, provided that a few rules are followed. First of all, when making an appointment for grooming, it is necessary to say about heat. Secondly, you should agree with the groomer on the time of the visit to avoid the stay of the pet with males in the same room. Thirdly, estrus greatly affects the dog’s behavior, which can make it impossible to perform a high-quality haircut as usual. So treat both the groomer and the dog with understanding if the result is not 100%. You can always come for a full-fledged haircut after the end of heat.
Estrus in dogs after sterilization
Neutering a dog is a serious decision that can have a big impact on its health and behavior. One of the questions that often interests owners is whether a dog will continue to be in heat after being spayed. Usually, after this procedure, the reproductive organs are blocked or removed, which stops the dog from estrus. However, there is a certain probability that some residual functions of the reproductive system may be preserved. In this case, the dog may show signs of heat, although this rarely happens.
The reasons that lead to the fact that a dog is in heat after sterilization can be different. This may be due to the fact that not all the reproductive organs were removed during the operation, or that there are residual cells left in them that continue to produce the hormones responsible for estrus.
If you notice signs of heat in your dog after being spayed, it is important to contact your veterinarian for a consultation and examination.
In conclusion, understanding what happens to your dog during heat and taking proper care of it will allow you to get through this period without unwanted pregnancies and health damage. You can always decide what will be better for your pet – periodic estrus or sterilization according to many factors. The main thing is to remember that your attention, love and proper care will help the dog to survive this process as best as possible.
Our chain of grooming salons “V.O.G. DOG” looks forward to every meeting with four-legged friends and is ready to help and advise on any questions. Together with you, we will select the most optimal window for your pet to minimize stress during this sensitive period.
