Heat in female dogs
When a female dog goes into heat for the first time, puberty has begun. Most female dogs go into heat twice a year. Some dogs and certain breeds, such as the Saarloos wolfdog, go into heat only once a year, like wolves. Often, a female dog goes into heat for the first time when she is 7 to 14 months old. Larger breeds tend to go into heat slightly later than smaller breeds. Dogs can go into heat even at an old age and therefore do not experience menopause. Heat can be recognized when the female dog is restless, easily distracted, and moody. Additionally, the female dog will urinate small amounts to spread her scent.
How does the heat cycle progress in female dogs?
The heat cycle begins with bloody discharge and swelling of the vulva. The female dog then becomes very interesting to male dogs but is not yet interested in them herself. During this period, the eggs in the ovaries mature until they are large enough for ovulation. Female dogs also produce a lot of estrogen during this phase of the heat cycle. This hormone causes the behavioral changes during heat. Meanwhile, the uterus prepares to receive fertilized eggs; the lining becomes very rich in blood and thicker. The blood you see when the female dog is in heat comes from the blood vessels in the uterine lining that burst or allow blood to pass through.
On average, this phase of the heat cycle lasts 9 days, during which the discharge becomes browner and more watery towards the end. This is the time to be extra careful if you do not want puppies. Ovulation can occur at any moment now, making your female dog fertile from this point on. At this time, she will allow mating attempts by males, unlike the previous period. After ovulation, the female dog remains fertile for about 3 more days.
All symptoms associated with heat gradually decrease after this. On average, the heat cycle ends after 3 weeks, and the uterus slowly returns to normal.
Treatment and aids for a female dog in heat
To prevent blood drops on your floor or furniture, you can have your female dog wear a special diaper during her heat cycle. You can place a specially designed pad, tissue, or panty liner inside the diaper. After this period, you can wash your dog with a dog shampoo to remove any remaining blood residues and odor.
If you want to delay or suppress the heat cycle, your dog can receive an injection or pill from the veterinarian that temporarily suppresses it. However, there are drawbacks to this medication; there is a risk of mammary tumors, uterine infections, and diabetes. If you do not want a litter and want to avoid the issues related to heat cycles, you might consider spaying.
