How To Tell If Your Dog Is In Period – 4 Stages Of Dog Heat Cycle
It may be hard as an owner to know if your female pet has gone into heat for some time without having witnessed signs such as vaginal bleeding or swelling of their vulva.
However, to better understand the heat cycle in female dogs, let’s take a look at the four stages of the heat cycle.
In female dogs, the heat cycle is divided into four stages:
During this stage of a female dog’s estrus cycle, her vulva will swell up as blood rushes to it in preparation for mating with a male partner. Owners may notice that their pet has bloody discharge from her vagina or spotting on her rear end where she sleeps.
The bleeding tends to go away after several days though some female dogs have persistent vaginal bleeding throughout their heat period even when not mated by an intact male animal during proestrus.
Besides vulva swelling, other symptoms in this cycle can include appetite changes (feeling more or less hungry), personality change (expressing affection or grumpiness), and tucking the tail between her legs.
This is the first phase of female dog reproduction when she is most fertile. The female dog will be in heat and receptive to mating during this time. This is when she will follow her natural instincts to breed.
Symptoms that are most common in this stage include flirting (inviting males with her tail), vulva softening (the vulva will soften enough to allow penetration), light discharge (the previous red discharge will be changed to pink-ish).
In this phase, the fertile part of the period cycle is coming to an end, and the female dog will no longer be fertile (which can last from 60 to 90 days).
If she becomes pregnant, then diestrus can last up to 60 days (until the puppies are born).
If no fertilization occurred and there was no embryo implanted in the female dog’s uterus during estrus through mating with a male partner, then her period cycle should return about two months after ovulation.
The symptoms in this phase include a disappearance of the vulva swelling and losing interest in flirting.
Anestrus is the resting period where the female dog will not be receptive to mating and shows no interest in male animals. This period usually lasts from 100 to 150 days, until the next Proestrus stage starts over again.
How to treat your dog’s muscle cramps at home
For human muscle cramps, we’ve always been told to eat a banana to get a boost of potassium. But what about our four-legged friends? If you suspect your dog’s cramps are from a long run, here’s what you can do to help:
Gently pet and massage your dog — According to the American Kennel Club, massage can be a good tool to help increase circulation, reduce pain, and strengthen your bond with your dog. They provide detailed instructions Trusted Source American Kennel Club (AKC) Registry of purebred dog pedigrees. Go to source on how to best massage your pup at home.
Apply a cold compress to the area — Using an ice pack directly on the cramping muscle will help relieve associated pain and inflammation. Cold therapy is a useful tool to help your pup recover faster. Dr. Erica Irish advises, “wrap a cold pack in a cloth to avoid severe vasoconstriction and only apply for 3-5 minutes a few times a day.”
Provide fresh, clean water — As mentioned earlier, dehydration can cause unwanted muscle contractions. Avoid doggie dehydration by providing plenty of fluids.
Make sure your dog gets lots of rest — Just like it does for humans, rest will help your dog recuperate after strenuous activity and exercise.
They made need medication or supplements — If your dog is experiencing frequent and painful cramps your vet may recommend anti-inflammatories or pain relievers.
Try physical therapy — Treatment from a professional can be beneficial to treat and prevent future cramping. There are often helpful exercises a clinic can recommend you do with your dog at home.
Frequent twitching can drive up a body’s temperature, leading to heat stress. Keep a thermometer on hand and take your pup to a vet if their temp reaches above 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Is “Period Cramps” In Dogs’ Terms?
When dogs bleed, it indicates the start of a heat cycle. So, it’s a sign that a female dog can mate and become pregnant. Do dogs get cramps when in heat? Dogs don’t shed their uterine linings like humans. In contrast, dogs reabsorb them instead. The blood coming from the dog’s vulva is not a result of uterine contraction and discharge. Instead, it’s the result of an increase in the female hormone estrogen. It triggers the dog’s uterus to be more absorptive.
During this process, diapedesis happens which means blood vessels leak through. This causes bloody discharge in dogs. Diapedesis is the transmigration of blood cells through the gaps in the blood vessels. It doesn’t entail any muscular contraction, spasm, or cramps. So, do dogs get menstrual cramps? Technically speaking, dogs don’t experience cramps when in heat.
But, without the cramps, are dog periods painful? Dogs can still feel a different kind of discomfort when in heat. However, it could be due to other reasons and not caused by cramps. Hormones take charge of your dog’s heat cycle. The surge in their hormone levels may cause fatigue, irritability, or fear, especially if it’s your dog’s first heat cycle.
The whining and crying that you observe in your pooch may not always mean they are in pain. It could be their way of luring potential suitors to let them know she is in heat.