Dog in heat: clear all your doubts

A dog in heat indicates that he is already at a sexual age ready to breed and breed. Therefore, if a female dog is not spayed, she will go into heat.

It is important to note that a dog in heat goes through delicate moments, especially discomfort in the area of ​​​​the sexual organs, urinates more often than normal and is affected by great irritation.

The bitch changes behavior during heat and needs some care. (Photo: Disclosure).

Below, understand in detail what happens at this stage and what you can do to help minimize symptoms.

At what age does a dog go into heat?

This issue is very variable, there is no right age for this to happen. In general, the first heat happens between 6 and 12 months.

What determines the exact period of heat are characteristics such as the breed and size of the puppy. For example, small female dogs often reach sexual maturity early.

When a dog is in heat, what are the signs?

Dogs show signs during this period, bitches usually bleed for a week. At this stage, she is aloof, does not allow the male to approach her. Therefore, it is ideal for the tutor to leave her in isolation to avoid stress.

After a week the bleeding stops, so she allows the males to get close and they are ready to mate. It is in the first 10 days after the onset of heat that the dog’s fertility peak occurs. If a puppy is not desirable, it is essential not to let any dog ​​live with it during this period.

There is a worrying issue during the bitch’s heat, it is a side effect that can affect her if she does not breed during the period. Many dogs develop a psychological pregnancy, which can cause a lot of suffering for them.

stages of rut

Heat can usually recur every 6 to 12 months in a dog’s life. It is worth remembering that this period can be divided into 4 stages, they are:

1 –  Pro  estro

Phase lasting up to 9 days, is when the genital area becomes swollen. In some cases there is secretion, but without an unpleasant smell. There may be bleeding.

The bitch becomes aggressive and there are some changes in behavior.

2 – estrus

It is the phase when the bitch is already in heat, she already accepts the male very well and is able to breed and procreate. In general, it lasts 10 days, but it can vary from 8 to 15 days.

3 – Metaestrus

If the bitch has become pregnant, then it is time for gestation, delivery and lactation. If she has not crossed, it is essential to keep an eye out, as some may have a psychological pregnancy.

4 – Anestrus

Sexual rest phase. Therefore, the best way to know if the dog’s heat is over is to pay attention to these stages.

Neutered dog goes into heat?

The goal is that neutered dogs do not go into heat, however, this can happen. What defines this is the relationship between the development of the female dog’s organism and the period in which she was spayed.

For example, if she was castrated before the first cycle, that is, before 6 months of life, it is very likely that she will not go into heat after castration, as her reproductive organs will be very small. However, if she is spayed after that period, heat can happen.

Another important detail is that the female dog can go into heat after castration if she suffers from Remnant Ovary Syndrome, that is, when tissue is left behind during castration, it can remain in her abdomen and come to life.

That is, she can secrete hormones during heat even without having a uterus and ovaries and begin to experience the same physical and emotional symptoms of the heat period.

Therefore, it is essential to keep an eye on the dog’s symptoms, if she has changes in behavior and bladder infections frequently, it is essential to seek advice from a veterinarian.

What is the care for the dog in heat?

Heat triggers many hormonal changes in female dogs, so they tend to behave differently as they become very stressed.

It is important that tutors know how to take care of them with the following precautions:

During heat, it is normal for bitches not to feel hungry, but it is essential to insist on offering a quality feed;Keep the bitch’s vulva area always clean, in some cases, the bitch may not allow it, especially if it is inflamed from so many licks that she gives. If it is very swollen, look for a veterinarian;A good option to stop bleeding during heat is to use a canine absorbent;Be very affectionate with the dog in heat, in general, they are more fragile and in need of care;The bitch can get pregnant in all heats, so it is essential that she rest in the next heat so as not to generate wear and tear on her;How to avoid dogs heat?

Dogs can also benefit from contraceptive methods, in general, progestogen-based injectables are the best. They should be used every 6 months to prevent heat.

However, there is a catch. They prevent heat and pregnancy, however, they can be a predisposing factor for breast, uterus and ovarian cancer. In view of this, the technique most indicated by veterinarians is “castration”, the ovaries and uterus of the bitch are removed.

Therefore, if the tutor does not want the bitch to have puppies, the best way to avoid this is by opting for castration. It is a safe technique that prevents future problems that can be caused by the use of sex hormones.

It is ideal to castrate females from 5 months of age, it is the best phase as a factor and protection of the breasts.

To perform the procedure, it is important to look for a veterinarian who will do the pre-surgical evaluation. Only equipped clinics should perform the procedure.

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