The heat period in female dogs tells us when they are sexually receptive, that is, when they are fertile. Especially if you want to prevent pregnancy or are thinking of having your dog bred, you should know how her sexual cycle works
However, remember that you must be a responsible owner and think carefully about the situation if you want puppies to come into your home. Reviewing your personal situation as well as the welfare of your dog should be your priority. In this article on our site we are going to guide you so that you know the fertile days of a bitch in heat:
Heat, indicator of fertility
Heat in a bitch generally manifests itself twice a year. We can notice it mainly due to bleeding, that's when she is sexually receptive and ready to sire offspring. To know the fertile days of a bitch in heat, we must pay attention to two specific phases of the estrous cycle:
- Proestrus: it can last between 3 and 17 days and in this period the bitch is not fertile. It will expel a bloody substance, although it can sometimes go unnoticed. The most obvious signs are excessive licking and swelling of the vulva.
- Estrus: like proestrus, estrus can last between 3 and 17 days and we can notice it when the bleeding takes on a darker tone. darker and more abundant. At this stage the bitch is fertile.
A dog's heat can vary greatly depending on her size, age, or he alth. While some bleed for just 6 days, others can bleed for more than 20, depending on each specific case.
Knowing our bitch is essential, only then can we be able to identify the duration of heat in order to calculate the specific phase of the cycle estrous in which it is found. In general, the most fertile days of the sexual cycle are between the 8th and the 16th, however it can vary enormously according to each bitch.
Can a bitch be sterile?
Like humans, dogs can also be sterile or suffer from infertility for some reason. It generally occurs in older females, in female dogs that suffer from an infection in their reproductive system or when they suffer from a disease.
In some cases it may happen that, after a mating, the bitch does not get pregnant. This may be because it has been carried out in a non-fertile time, although she has accepted the male as well. If you suspect your dog may be sterile, go to the vet to ensure she is in good he alth.
Should you breed a bitch in heat?
Many people still believe in the false myth that a female dog should be bred at least once in her life. It is very important to emphasize that this is not true at all. Dogs do not need to have offspring to have a full and happy life, they just need a home that gives them affection and good care.
In addition, we must point out some specific cases in which it is not at all advisable to carry it out, mainly due to the risk of problems in the delivery of the bitch:
- Dogs under one year old
- Bitches older than seven years
- Sick bitches
If we still want our dog to go through a pregnancy, we must reflect to ensure that we have the minimum requirements of space, money and time. In addition, we will have to consider the future of the puppies if none of them finally ends up in a home. We must be responsible and aware owners above all else.
Is it important to neuter or spay a bitch?
Many people consider spaying or neutering their dog, mainly to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. However, there are other advantages of sterilizing a dog, such as the prevention of uterine cancer and different venereal diseases, improving her character or increasing her longevity. In addition, we eliminate the risk that our dog suffers a psychological pregnancy.
Spaying or neutering a female dog is an important decision that should be thought through properly. It is ideal to carry it out in the early years and inadvisable when they are in the final stage of their life.
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