How does estrus occur in dogs? Dog estrus: a note for caring owners of female dogs. Estrus phases in a pet

The duration of estrus (bloody discharge) in dogs is on average 10 days. Estrus in dogs is similar to menstrual cycle, except that it only happens twice a year. The first heat can occur as early as six months, so you need to carefully monitor its first signs.

Time and duration

A dog's first heat can occur any time between 6 and 24 months of age. In small breeds it occurs faster than in large breeds. Typically, estrus, or rut, occurs twice a year and lasts from 18 to 24 days. The first signs of a dog going into heat are changes in its behavior:

• Affectionate and affectionate behavior
• The tail is held high and the dog may begin to mark territory.
• The dog raises its hindquarters when stroking its back
• Changes in color and discharge on the vulva

The bitch may start to "cling" to you, worry and show sudden outbreaks irritation towards other pets. She will also begin to lick her vulva frequently. Common estrus seasons are from January to March and from August to October.

Bloody discharge - estrus itself

The estrus cycle consists of four stages. The first stage is called proestrus and lasts about 10 days. During this time, the dog will experience bleeding from the vulva. During this period, the dog is preparing for the next stage, fertilization. During heat, the dog does not allow males to approach it.

As a pet owner, you have several options for dealing with waste and keeping your home clean. Your dog will lick himself, but you will still find blood stains in or around the house. If you live in a home with wood or marble floors, removing stains with a regular mop shouldn't be too difficult. You should also provide your dog with suitable bedding or towels, especially if he is likely to sit on furniture. Or you can also purchase dog diapers (pictured).

Mating stage

The next, second stage is called estrus, and lasts from 5 to 10 days. During this period, after estrus, the dog allows males to approach her and is ready to mate with any of them, and every male nearby will try to get to her. If you do not want her to breed, you must keep her safe in the house. If you let her go out or leave her alone outside, she will be able to mate at any time.

The next, third stage is diestrus, which lasts from 6 to 10 weeks. During this period, it becomes clear whether the dog has become pregnant or not. During this time, the walls of the uterus thicken, and some dogs may experience false pregnancy. One of the signs of this is enlarged mammary glands, in which milk may even appear.

The fourth and final stage is called anestrus and lasts on average 15 weeks (100-150 days). During this time, the dog will have no interest in mating, and will not show any signs of hormonal changes until the next proestrus.

Periodicity of estrus

The dog's sexual cycle and estrus will repeat throughout its life. There is no such thing as menopause in dogs, and as they age, the duration of their sexual cycle simply increases. Spaying a female dog will prevent her from developing a natural sexual cycle and estrus.

It is believed that there is no health reason to allow a dog to survive its first heat or first pregnancy. There are also numerous health benefits confirmed if the female dog is spayed before her first heat, such as preventing mammary cancer and uterine infections. In addition, the decreased desire to mate stops her from engaging in risky behavior on the street or running away.

FAQ

What is proestrus?

Proestrus is the first stage of the reproductive cycle in dogs. During this stage, estrogen levels first rise and then fall sharply, and mature eggs are released from the ovaries. Ideally, a dog should be spayed before she goes into her first heat.

When does a dog go into heat for the first time?

The first heat in dogs occurs between 5 and 24 months of age. The first heat in small breeds of dogs usually occurs earlier than in large breeds.

How often does estrus occur in dogs and how long does it last?

The frequency of estrus varies among different breeds and in individual dogs, but it usually occurs twice a year and lasts about 10 days. If estrus occurs more often or significantly less than twice a year, then the dog should be taken to the veterinarian, as it may have a hormonal imbalance.

How do you know if a dog is in heat?

During heat, the bitch becomes more nervous and alert than usual. She may begin to urinate more often. You will most likely notice changes in her behavior that are caused by her changing hormonal balance. During estrus, the dog's vulva swells and bloody issues.

How to prevent estrus?

At what age can a dog be sterilized?

Bitches can usually be spayed between two and four months of age. However, it is best to consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations.

Estrus occurs in every healthy bitch, regardless of breed, and lasts a certain number of days. During this period, the dog’s behavior or habits may change, especially if the animal is under two or three years old. Caring for pets at such times should be especially attentive and follow a number of recommendations.

When does a dog's first heat start?

He's in heat natural process, which indicates the bitch’s readiness for fertilization and further bearing of offspring.

It starts differently for each dog, it all depends on:

• breeds;
• hormonal level of the animal;
• the presence of any diseases.

On average, after the age of 7 months and up to 1.5 years, breeders should wait for their pet to come into heat.

Important: in 50% of cases, the first spotting may last only 3–4 days and be scanty. It is recommended not to mate at this time, as the dog is not ready for mating.

How long does heat last and how often?

If your pet is not female hormonal disorders and any health problems, then spotting occurs twice a year.

Important: in a bitch after 8 years of age, discharge is reduced to 1 time per year or may occur for fewer days.

For any breed, everything lasts on average from 21 to 24 days and takes place in 3 stages:

Proestrus

It is the first stage, its beginning is indicated by the appearance of bloody discharge, which is abundant throughout the entire period.

Proestrus lasts up to 8–9 days and is characterized by the following characteristic features:

• more aggressive behavior of the dog;
• swelling of the vulva;
• frequent urination.

The maturation of eggs occurs in the pet's body; the bitch is not ready for mating.

Note: approximately 80% of all dogs in proestrus do not allow male dogs to approach them and try to attack them.

Estrus

It is the second stage and lasts from 7 to 10 days. Features of the period include:

• the appearance of discharge is pale - Pink colour and not as abundant as before;
• calmer behavior of the animal.

It is for this period that breeders organize mating; it is noted that the best time is the 2nd – 4th day of estrus.

Metestrus

The final stage and can last from 7 to 20 days.

Important: often signals the beginning of the final stage aggressive behavior females in relation to other male dogs.

For last stage characteristic:

• complete cessation of bleeding;
• The dog stops trying to lick itself:
• urination is observed less frequently;
• the animal's behavior becomes familiar to its breeder.

Important: in each stage, time intervals can fluctuate by 2–3 days, up or down. Veterinarians consider this a normal phenomenon that does not require examination of the animal or concern on the part of its owner.

In small breeds

Small breeds are different early onset first heat, in comparison with large animals. On average, breeders observe bloody discharge between 6 and 8 months.

Note: Yorkshire terriers are exceptions; their first discharge can be traced closer to a year.

In the future, small breeds everything proceeds regularly and has characteristic features:

1. Pets become overly restless the day before.
2. They begin to bark for a long time, especially in the evening.
3. Show aggression or wariness towards other animals.

Important: some females of small breeds can mark their territory.

In terms of time, everything lasts 20 – 22 days, most often the dog is ready for mating in exactly one week.

Advice: breeders should always be vigilant while walking and make sure that a male dog, especially a large breed, does not approach the pet.

Average

Medium breeds are characterized by the appearance of the first bloody discharge between the ages of 11 and 14 months. Subsequently, in these pets everything lasts 20–22 days and occurs twice a year (in 90% of huskies, once a year).

Advice: dog handlers note that it is optimal to choose 8–9 days for mating.

As a rule, medium-sized pets are not prone to aggression during any stage of estrus.

These bitches are characterized by:

• refusal to execute commands;
• constant attempts to break off the leash on the street;
• increased playfulness.

Advice: when walking, hold a medium breed dog as tightly as possible and do not remove the collar and leash from them.

Large

In bitches large breeds The first heat may not come until 13–18 months. In the future, everything lasts from 22 to 24 days and is observed 2 times a year.

Note: best time for mating it is considered 10 - 12 days.

Large pets are distinguished during this period by more violent behavior, and sometimes by pronounced aggression even towards their owner.

Signs and symptoms of a dog in heat

Before the appearance of discharge in dogs, any breeder notes changes in behavior; this is due to hormonal changes in the body.

The main signs of estrus are:

1. Aggressive state of the pet.
2. Refusal of usual food or, on the contrary, increased appetite.
3. Poor execution of commands and disobedience.
4. Playfulness, especially on walks.
5. Standing on your hind legs.
6. Raising the tail regularly.

Dog handlers point out that one of the main signs is increased interest on the part of male dogs. Male dogs begin to chase the bitch, surround her on the street, try to get close, and so on.

During each heat, the following symptoms are observed:

1. Increased urination. Note: the animal asks to go outside 5–6 times, and may also involuntarily wet itself at home.
2. Pupil dilation. Note: typical for large breeds.
3. Constant licking of the vulva.
4. Bloody discharge from the genitals.

Important: in the first 7–10 days they are most abundant, later they become viscous and transparent, and by the end of the third stage they completely stop.

A veterinarian can accurately determine the approach of estrus after examining and feeling the bitch’s belly.

Rules of care on such days

During this period the dog needs proper care. Dog handlers recommend:

1. Buy specialized underpants for your pet. Advice: The main thing is to choose the right size so that the animal does not experience discomfort or difficulty moving while wearing it.
2. Reduce the duration of walks by half.
3. Always wear a collar and keep your pet on a leash when outdoors. Advice: For large dogs wear muzzles.
4. Try to choose places for walks where the likelihood of meeting other dogs, especially homeless ones, is minimized.
5. It is better not to walk small breeds, but to teach them to go to the litter box.
6. Encourage the animal to lick itself.

Since during this period bloody drops remain everywhere after the dog, all breeders are advised to:

• remove carpets at home; Important: Bloody discharge from bitches is difficult to wash off in the future, and for a long time emit a specific smell.
• Do wet cleaning at least 2 – 3 times a week;
• Keep your pet's area clean and change bedding when necessary.

You also need to change it more often drinking water in a bowl and pay more attention to the animal’s diet, so that everything is essential vitamins, minerals and other components.

It's in heat normal phenomenon, characteristic of all female dogs. During this period, most pets’ behavior changes, and in addition, on such days they need to be given increased attention and take proper care of them.

• if the bitch is more than 18 months old and has not had a single heat, then contact a veterinarian;
• if during this period your pet begins to shiver, the temperature rises and other uncharacteristic symptoms are observed, you should immediately call a specialist to your home;
• always record the beginning and end of allocations in the calendar;
• do not organize matings earlier than 7–9 days from the onset of the first bloody discharge;
• on the eve of estrus, prepare everything in advance: purchase special underpants for animals, remove carpets, etc.

In order to answer the question of how long estrus lasts in dogs, you need to understand what your dog’s sexual cycle is and what the durations of the phases of your dog’s sexual cycle are.
By knowing the number of sexual cycles your dog has per year, you will know how many times a year she will be in heat. By adding up the durations of the first and second phases of your dog’s reproductive cycle, you will know how long your dog’s estrus lasts.

A dog's reproductive cycle or how many times dogs go into heat.

Monocyclicity, i.e. reproduction once a year is typical only for wild animals - strictly in a certain season favorable for this. The gonads of male and female wild animals function only during this season.
Distinctive feature domestic animals from wild ones, this is breeding two or more times a year, the so-called polycyclicity.
Female domestic dogs have a polycyclic cycle of two to three sexual cycles during the year. In male domestic dogs (breeding dogs), the testes are functioning all year round. The number of sexual cycles your dog has is mainly determined by the conditions in which the dog is kept. If your dog (female) lives in a city apartment, then the influence of the external climatic environment on her is minimal, and she can have two or three sexual cycles per year. Kennel or free-range dogs have two sexual cycles per year.
The cycle of native breeds is closer to the cycle of wild representatives and estrus in such dogs occurs once a year, in a certain season.
Ultimately, the number of sexual cycles your dog has per year determines how many times the dog goes into heat.

Phases of the reproductive cycle.

The dog's reproductive cycle includes four phases.

PHASE 1 - PROESTRUS - HEAT.
The period lasts from 3 to 20 days, but in most dogs it is 7-10 days. In the ovaries, follicles grow and mature, secreting female sex hormones - estrogens.
In the bitch, the functions of the mucous membranes of the genital organs are enhanced, the loop swells, the size of the uterine horns increases, the walls of the uterus and vagina thicken.
During this period, the bitch’s behavior changes, she becomes disobedient, active, playful, often urinates, making marks around the territory. During this period, the bitch reacts aggressively to male dogs, not allowing them to approach her.

PHASE 2 - ESTRUS - HUNT.
The period lasts approximately 4 to 12 days.
The color of the bitch's discharge becomes less bloody, closer to pale pink. During this period, the bitch is ready for mating.
The bitch's loop sharply increases in size, becomes swollen, soft when touched, the bitch reacts, moves her tail to the side, and stands up. The second or third day from the start of the hunt is the best time for mating. Control mating can be carried out after 24-48 hours.
The duration of estrus in dogs is the total period of the first and second phases of the reproductive cycle.

PHASE 3 - METAESTRUS - AFTER HEAT.
The bitch's discharge stops, and the loop gradually decreases in size. During this period, the bitch does not allow male dogs to approach her.
Pregnancy lasts approximately 60-67 days. If

Estrus (estrus) appears when the follicles in the female's ovaries mature. It indicates that the animal is ready to mate and conceive. Experienced dog breeders keep appropriate entries in their diary. This will help not only to get high-quality offspring, but also to monitor the health of the bitch.

This is what a beginner needs to know about how long the empty space lasts.

The emptying is divided into four stages:

• Proestrus is the first 7-10 days. The female's genital loop swells and a bloody secretion is released. She is not yet ready for mating - the egg has not descended into the uterus. Although the excitement in her behavior is already noticeable, she still does not allow the opposite sex to approach her.
• Estrus - ovulation occurs, the secretion becomes transparent or disappears. Now the bitch is ready for mating, which she makes clear to the male dogs through her behavior. Conception usually occurs during these 5–12 days.
• Metestrus – the next 8–10 days of the cycle, during this period the discharge gradually disappears.
• Anestrus is a time of calm. The ovaries stop active phase and go into sleep mode. They remain in this state from 1 month to 2 years.

How many days the heat lasts and how much time passes between them depends on the habitat. For street dwellers, it appears once a year (this is called monocyclicity). This frequency is associated with adaptation to environment. Most favorable period for conception - late winter, because newborn puppies will have enough time to get stronger before the cold weather arrives.

Pets are characterized by polycyclicity (up to three times a year), because they do not depend on natural conditions and can afford to reproduce more often.

The first heat in some animals occurs as early as six months, but this period can be later - one and a half years. It is the shortest, has blurred manifestations and can pass unnoticed by the owner of the animal. You need to try to prevent this from happening in order to study the cycle for future matings.

First time with small breeds

So how long does heat last in small breeds? The first heat in small breeds (Bolognese, Welsh Terrier, Mudi, Pekingese, Pinscher, etc.) usually occurs earlier than in others - at 6–8 months.

But this does not mean that maturation is complete. Therefore, after the first such manifestations, the pet is not bred - they do it the second or third time: the bitch will reach required weight, she will have a clear cycle. This rule applies to all breeds.

The emptying lasts from 2 to 3 weeks with an interval of up to 12 months, which depends on the breed and heredity. Small dogs have about 10 cycles during their life.

Differences in estrus in medium-sized dogs

These pets experience about 20 cycles in their life. The first heat in medium-sized breeds (Bobtail, Basenji, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dalmatian, Bull Terrier, etc.) occurs at 7–8 months and is repeated at intervals of 6–8 months.

Its average duration is 16 days. The first mating is carried out no earlier than the bitch reaches 15 months of age.

The first in large pets

First heat in large breeds (Great Dane, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, etc.) occurs in the 8–16th month of life.

With age, in large breeds its duration increases: if at 2 years it passes on average in 20 days, then by 5 years this period increases to 22 days, which is not observed in small and medium-sized breeds.

Duration, number of days for bitches

Below are data on the duration of emptying for some popular breeds.

• Yorkshire terrier – 14–21 days (longer in young individuals);
• German Shepherd – 18–20 days;
• Labrador – 20–22 days;
• Chihuahua – up to 21 days;
• dachshund – 20–23 days;
• Pekingese – up to 21 days.

Video

False heat and other surprises for a beginner

Young bitches have false empty spots. It's called that because it has everything external manifestations except for the main thing – ovulation. This condition is not dangerous. In some cases, it is interrupted for several days and then resumes, but now with ovulation.

There are hidden (dry, white) estrus. The difference is that follicles are formed in the normal manner and eggs are released. However no external signs– swollen genital loop, bloody secretion. Dry heat is not a deviation; a female dog can still become pregnant and produce a healthy litter.

Prolonged discharge is a cause for concern. If they are observed for longer than 30 days, contact your veterinarian. This is especially necessary if yellowish or greenish inclusions appear in the secretion, decreased appetite, elevated temperature bodies.

Often, new dog breeders, due to lack of knowledge, cannot distinguish estrus from diseases. It is important to remember that the dog is ready for mating 1-2 times a year, and the rest of the time any discharge is an anomaly.

Main signs of estrus

How does estrus manifest itself? You can determine when a dog is in heat by its behavior, and it changes significantly. The female becomes more active, becomes overly playful and may ignore commands. This is all the result of a hormonal surge. Among the main signs of estrus are the following:

• the dog begins to sit down to urinate more often (it marks its territory so that potential suitors are aware that it is ready to accept advances);
• bloody discharge oozes from the noose;
• she often licks the area under her tail;
• the bitch begins to flirt with the males, in turn they show active interest;
• Often estrus is preceded by molting.

At first, dogs do not allow members of the opposite sex to approach; they may even show aggression when courtship is too intrusive; their body is not yet ready for mating.

After one and a half to two weeks, the structure of the dog’s discharge changes, it becomes similar to mucus yellowish color. During this period, the female feels a strong sexual desire, especially if she notices male dogs nearby, her tail moves to the side, and her body takes the stance necessary for sexual intercourse. The loop increases significantly in size.

The bitch can remain in this excited state for 5 to 7 days. If the owner wants to breed a dog, then he must mark these days. The right time for mating of animals occurs on the 9-17th day, less often on the 21st. Everything is individual and depends on the breed of the pet.

Step-by-step passage of heat

The entire animal cycle is divided into four stages:

1. Proestrus (or called proestrus). Duration 1-1.5 weeks. At this time, the process of blood circulation in the genital area increases significantly, the loop swells, and the first, initially scanty, bloody discharge appears. During this period, the dog is not yet ready for mating; ovulation has not yet occurred. But external signs are already evident - she becomes playful, may not obey the owner, and run away. When walking, he spends more time sniffing out the surroundings and constantly crouches down to leave marks. Males are already experiencing increased interest, however, when trying to copulate, the bitch growls and snarls.
2. Estrus (active sexual heat). During this period of time, more precisely the first two days, the process of ovulation occurs. But the bitch can keep the gentlemen away for a few more days. A little later, when she sees a potential suitor, the female raises the back of her body, tightens the noose and moves her tail to the side to facilitate the penetration process. She freezes and patiently waits for action from the male dog. Discharge from the loop may vary, but normally the appropriate period for mating occurs when it becomes light pink or disappears completely. The vulva swells significantly.
3. Metaestrus ( The final stage estrus). The duration of this period is several days. The discharge stops, the noose returns to its previous size, and the bitch again does not allow gentlemen to approach her. If fertilization does not occur, then the female again becomes calm. However, the dog still experiences hormonal changes– the level of progesterone increases, which is not without reason called the pregnancy hormone. Moreover, this happens regardless of whether the female becomes pregnant or not. This condition becomes the cause of such a phenomenon as false pregnancy, which generally passes without outside help And negative consequences.
4. 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 heat.

The frequency of estrus varies among dogs due to certain associated factors. For example, in domestic dogs it occurs twice a year - in autumn and at the end of winter. In some cases, estrus is limited to once a year.

Dogs that are kept outdoors, including pets from the north, breed once a year in early spring to give birth to puppies in warm time of the year.

How to avoid mating

This question is most often asked by owners of dogs who do not plan to breed. But it is not alien to people who keep breeding dogs, because an unplanned mating can become an unpleasant surprise.

The main condition is to carefully monitor the dog while walking, not let go of the leash and not allow strangers to get too close.

Can be purchased special remedy in veterinary pharmacies or pet stores, eliminating the odor that attracts male dogs. Processed by him rear end pet's body before each walk.

Care features

On the eve of the first heat, the female may experience discharge from the loop, the so-called juvenile vaginitis, containing a small amount of pus. There is no need to worry, this phenomenon is normal. Everything will return to normal as soon as the heat passes. If this does not happen, then it is worth undergoing an examination to identify various pathologies.

To make the estrus period more hygienic (especially for estrus in dogs kept in an apartment), you can purchase special elastic panties for one-time use. They will prevent your dog from leaving bloody spots around the house. But still, you should not wear them all the time; veterinarians advise allowing the female to remove the discharge on her own by licking it.

During the first heat, the dog may not understand how to behave, so it is worth teaching it to clean up its spots. And to do this, be sure to remove carpets and rugs from the floor.

During the period of heat, the dog requires special care:

• You should avoid long walks in the cold season so that your pet does not catch a cold;
• there is no need to take her out to places where other dogs gather;
• Walks are strictly on a leash.

If suddenly it was not possible to prevent an unwanted mating, then it is strictly forbidden to give the dog drugs to help terminate the pregnancy. This can cause significant health problems for the pet, which often lead to infertility in the dog.

“Everyone wants to love: both a soldier and a sailor,” is sung in a famous song. Our four-legged friends- not an exception. Only they are driven not by spiritual impulses, but by the instinct of procreation. The period when a dog is ready to conceive puppies (mating) is called estrus and raises many questions among owners. If you are lucky enough to become the owner of a tailed bride, it is better to arm yourself in advance with knowledge on such a delicate issue. Our article will help you find out how many days I'm in heat in dogs, how it manifests itself, behavioral characteristics, and much more.

A few words about terminology

You can distinguish an experienced dog breeder from a beginner by simply asking: “Who is your dog?” When you hear the answer with pride: “Bitch!”, you know that in front of you is an experienced owner. Dog ladies are definitely females, and gentlemen are males, which does not prevent them from remaining beloved by girls, boys, daughters and sons.

So, the internal genital organs of the bitch:

• ovaries
• uterus
• fallopian tubes
• vagina

The vagina ends with the vulva (loop) - the external genital organ. The loop is located slightly below the anus. During estrus, it increases in size, swells, and becomes soft.

How many days does a dog go into heat and how not to miss the start

Observant owners can predict an upcoming heat a week or two before it begins. It's not difficult if you know what to pay attention to.

Increased appetite

Hormonal processes are just about to begin, and the body is already warning the dog that it will need a lot of food. Pet without visible reasons turned into an eternally hungry creature? Get your first warning.

Frequent tags

During a walk, the bitch sits down to urinate more often than usual, the amount of urine is small, and she tends to leave marks every 500-600 meters along the way. This means that in the coming days, strengthen control over the situation under the dog’s tail.

Reaction of young males

Typical dog communication

Brave guys before the age of one year began to pay increased attention, while there are still no external signs of emptiness (estrus). You can't fool a young dog. He senses a potential partner in advance, and due to lack of experience, it doesn’t matter to him whether How many days is a dog in heat? there's blood coming out . Whereas adult suitors will begin to pay attention to the bitch only when she is ready for fertilization.

Behavior change

Behavior problems, acutely manifested in the first or second heat, become dull with age and the correct reaction of the owner. A bitch can become affectionate to the point of intrusiveness, or vice versa, show aggression, anxiety, ignore commands, and refuse to work. Give her a break, but don't let her get on your neck.

Off-season shedding

The phenomenon is frequent, but due to the fact that according to the schedule it happens twice a year, it is not so significant.

Physical signs of heat

The countdown begins only with the appearance of the first physical symptoms. Timely monitoring of preliminary signs will allow you to determine the beginning of the void with an accuracy of up to a day. Noticed any strange things?

• Check the condition of the loop daily by dabbing it with a clean cloth.
• The fact that estrus has already begun is indicated by an enlarged vulva and the appearance of bloody discharge.
• A clean bitch can often lick under her tail, the intensity of the blood secretion varies from slight to heavy, so you should not let your guard down.

To know exactly how many days your dog's heat lasts, keep a calendar. The date the first pink marks appear on the napkin will serve as the starting date. Systematic monitoring of your pet’s cycle will help you choose a favorable time for mating in the future and sound the alarm in time in case of deviations.

How many days does a dog go into heat: dispelling myths

Frequency, duration, terms - indicators are strictly individual, only your experience and records will give you an accurate idea of ​​them in each specific case. Even bitches from the same litter (sisters) can have different flow patterns.

So, how long does a dog go into heat?

Depending on the individual characteristics females, the estrus period lasts from 20 to 28 days. The first time it may end faster, occurring with mild symptoms. You need to focus on the second and subsequent emptyings: by the age of 2, the sexual cycle will completely stabilize and become quite predictable.

Strong deviations in one direction or another (prolonged or too short estrus) are a reason for panic and an immediate visit to the veterinarian.

How long does estrus last for small, medium and large breed dogs?

Let us dispel the common myth that the duration of heat depends on the size and breed. The real influence comes from heredity, health, age and physiological characteristics. The only difference is that puberty in babies it comes faster, and the first season of love can begin as early as six months of age.

When does the first heat occur?

• In small dogs - aged 6 to 10 months
• In medium-sized dogs – between 8 and 14 months of age
• In large breed dogs: from 10 months to 1.5 years of age

You cannot breed during your first heat! Even if you really want to babysit your four-legged grandchildren, the dog’s health is more important. Optimal age for the first mating - from 1.5 to 2 years!

You need to understand that all the data presented are average statistics. As with the weather forecast, whether it coincides or not is a matter of chance. Therefore, the only correct answer to the questions is: “ How long does heat last in medium breed dogs?? When is my dog ​​going to leak?” - watch your girl and, if the indicators differ significantly from the recommended limit values, do not forget to see a doctor.

How often does heat occur?

Domestic dogs typically shed twice a year (polycyclicity). The exception is representatives of aboriginal breeds or, as they are also called, primitive breeds (huskies, huskies, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Basenji). For them, emptiness once every 365 days is not a pathology (monocyclicity).

How does estrus proceed and how many days does it last: temporary features

To understand how much days go by estrus in dogs, consider the phases of the reproductive cycle.

Onset or proestrus

Time of major changes in the animal’s body: in birth canal and horns the uterus is coming a large rush of blood, the vaginal wall thickens. The bloody secretion from the loop becomes richer every day, acquiring a bright red color. The duration of the first phase is approximately 7-10 days. Let's remember the statistics!

The bitch actively flirts with males, but will not let them get close. Using a human analogy, this is a candy-bouquet time, when a beauty makes eyes, flirts, but there is nothing to seriously count on yet.

Sexual heat or estrus

The eggs mature and are ready for fertilization. The discharge becomes mucous in nature, the loop enlarges until it wraps around itself and becomes loose. The bitch comes into heat and is ready to mate. She clearly demonstrates her desire to others: when she sees a male dog, she takes positions convenient for sexual intercourse and curls her tail to one side. This immoral behavior lasts from 4 to 13 days. If you are not planning to breed, you need to triple your caution during this phase.