Heat in female dogs
When a female dog comes into heat for the first time, she has reached puberty. Most female dogs come into heat twice a year. Some dogs and certain breeds, such as the Saarloos Wolfdog, come into heat only once a year, like wolves. A female dog usually comes into heat for the first time when she is 7 to 14 months old. Larger breeds often come into heat a little later than smaller breeds. Dogs can come into heat into old age, so they do not experience menopause. Heat can be recognized when the female dog is restless, easily distracted, and moody. She also urinates small amounts frequently to spread her scent.
What happens when a female dog is in heat?
Heat begins with bloody discharge and swelling of the vulva. The female dog then becomes very interesting to male dogs, but she is not yet interested in them herself. During this period, the eggs mature in the ovaries until they are large enough for ovulation. Female dogs also produce a lot of estrogen during this stage of heat. This hormone causes the behavioral changes associated with being in heat. Meanwhile, the uterus prepares to receive fertilized eggs; its lining becomes much more richly supplied with blood and thicker. The blood you see when a female dog is in heat comes from blood vessels in the uterine lining that rupture or allow blood to pass through.
This stage of heat lasts an average of 9 days, with the discharge becoming browner and more watery toward the end. This is when you need to pay extra close attention if you do not want puppies. Ovulation can occur at any time now, which means your female dog is fertile from this point onward. At this stage, she will allow mating attempts by male dogs, unlike during the preceding period. After ovulation, the female dog remains fertile for approximately 3 more days.
All the symptoms associated with heat gradually decrease afterward. Heat usually ends after 3 weeks, and the uterus then slowly returns to its normal state.
Treatments and aids for a female dog in heat
To prevent blood drops from getting onto your floor or furniture, you can have your female dog wear special heat pants during this period. You can place a specially designed pad, a tissue, or a panty liner inside the pants. After this period, you can wash your dog with dog shampoo to remove any remaining traces of blood and odor.
If you want to postpone or suppress heat, your veterinarian can give your dog an injection or pill that temporarily suppresses it. However, this medication has disadvantages; it can increase the risk of mammary tumors, uterine infections, and diabetes. If you do not want a litter and would rather avoid the inconveniences associated with heat, you could consider having your dog spayed.
