Anaestrus
This phase is an inactive phase as it appears to be a quiet time for the dogs reproductive organs, however, the dogs pituitary gland and ovaries are in reality getting ready for the next proestrus cycle.
Dogs that did not get pregnant while in heat, may develop at times a false pregnancy. A dog affected by false pregnancy may be found pacing around the home looking for blankets and paper to shred to build a suitable place to raise puppies. The dog may also decide to adopt a stuffed animal or any other inanimate object and treat it like a puppy. Sometimes, the dog may also grow overprotective of it and guard it from strangers.
What Does It Mean for a Dog to Be in Heat?
Female dogs, especially those who are intact, may exhibit distinct behaviors that are typical of their sex. Most of these behavior changes are particularly noticeable when the dog is in heat (estrus) and/or during the dogs pregnancy and nursing times. Spayed female dogs may show less distinct behavior changes than non-spayed female dogs; however, they still show different behaviors that distinguish them from males.
A female dogs estrus generally takes place twice a year beginning at around the age of six months. There are some differences among breeds. Large or giant breeds may go into heat at a later age, sometimes around 12–18 months. These breeds may also go into heat less often. In rare cases, female dogs may go into silent heats where the symptoms are quite subtle and barely noticeable by the owner.
What Health Benefits Are Associated with Spaying and Neutering
Aside from the fact that spaying and neutering help prevent unwanted litters, most vets recommend these procedures because they provide a wide range of health benefits.
These benefits are obviously different depending on the sex of your dog, so we’ll discuss them separately below.