Stage 2: Estrus
The estrus cycle is the true reproductive cycle of your dog’s heat. Aside from some pink discharge, she’ll stop bleeding for the most part. During this time, there’s really only one major sign: she becomes VERY interested in mating.
She’s not exactly choosy about which male dog she “does the deed” with, either. So if you want to avoid pregnancy, you’ll want to keep a very close eye on her, even if you have a fenced-in yard. Male dogs can smell her pheromones from great distances- much further than you might expect- and they’ll do just about anything to get to your girl.
A fun little side note: it’s rumored that Queen Elizabeth’s beloved Dorgis (dachshund/corgi mixes) sprung up after one of her corgis managed to sneak off for a rendevous with Princess Margaret’s dachshund Pipkin.
If even the Queen of England couldn’t prevent her pooch from having a one-night stand, what chance do we commoners have? The bottom line, if puppies aren’t part of your plan keep your female dog far, far away from any intact male dog during estrus!
I also can’t stress enough the importance of making sure your girl is wearing her id tags during this stage. Better yet, get her a microchip! Her main goal is to get out and find a mate. You would be surprised at the lengths she’ll go to reach that goal.
When Does a Dog’s First Heat Cycle Come
Heat cycles come at different times for different dogs. Small breed dogs come into heat sooner – oftentimes much sooner -than large breed dogs. That being said, there are generalities you can expect when your dog will come into heat.
The average age of a dog having her first heat is about 6 months of age, but that’s not always the case. Remember, even generalities have exceptions, and your dog may not reach sexual maturity in the time you expect.
Small breed dogs come into heat sooner than larger breed dogs. In fact, some small breed dogs can go into heat as early as four months of age. It seems counter-intuitive that these dogs would go into heat sooner than larger breed dogs, as small breed dogs tend to have the longest lifespans.
Medium-sized dogs like Labrador Retrievers generally go into heat in that 6-month range. However, it can be up to a year before they have their first heat.
Owners of large breed and giant breed dogs tend to be the ones that have heat cycle scares. That’s because large breed dogs may not have their first heat until two years of age. Again, it seems counter-intuitive that the shortest-lived dogs would have the latest starting cycles, but that’s how it happens. While a dog’s first heat cycle occurring first at two years is rare, it’s not unheard of.
Will my dog’s behaviour change when she’s in heat?
Dogs in heat tend to be more receptive to company. They might display sexual behaviour: mounting other dogs, your furniture or your leg, for example. Some dogs or puppies may become more domineering or commanding during their season; others may appear anxious and display maternal characteristics such as gathering toys in her bed or sleeping area.
4 Stages of Dog Heat Cycle (may be graphic)
From about six months old to through the rest of her life, a female dog will experience estrus, or heat, roughly every six months. This is the period of time when she’s receptive to mating. Hormonal changes will cause pronounced differences in your dog that will indicate she’s in heat, including a swollen vulva, bleeding, more frequent urination and increased nervousness or alertness. She’ll also present herself to male dogs by raising her rump and holding her tail off to the side.
Dogs can go into heat as young as four months in smaller breeds, but averages about six months old. Some giant breeds may not go into their first heat until they’re 18-24 months old. It is strongly advised not to breed young female dogs during their first and second cycle. Their eggs are not yet mature and the dog hasn’t reached full maturity. If you’re planning on breeding your dog, your vet will be able to tell you when the dog is mature enough to be bred.
Heat usually lasts between 2-4 weeks. Early in the cycle, a female dog may not be receptive to male dogs, although some are receptive through the entire cycle. It can be shorter or longer and you’ll know the cycle is over when all her vulva returns to its normal size and there’s no more bleeding or discharge. There’s a relatively small window when your dog is most fertile during the heat cycle; it may begin about nine or ten days after she goes into heat and lasts about five days. However, she can become pregnant until the end of the cycle.
Once estrus begins, it may take awhile for the cycle to become regular. Some dogs can take up to eighteen months until their cycle becomes regular. It’s a good idea to keep a record during these early days. Once it does, the average is about every six months. Smaller breeds may go into heat more frequently, as often as 3-4 times a year. Larger dogs, like Irish Wolfhounds, St. Bernards and Great Danes may only go into heat every 12-18 months. Unlike humans, female dogs experience estrus throughout their lives, although the time between cycles will get longer.
With the exception of breeders of purebreds, most pet owners elect to spay their female dogs before the first heat. Some experts believe this reduces the risk of mammary cancer and other conditions. It also eliminates the possibility of unwanted litters. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php Get Your Free AKC eBook
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