The sexual and reproductive cycles of the bitch have nothing to do with the hormonal cycles that govern the sexuality and reproduction of the human species. It is important to understand this before proceeding.
In this article we try to explain to you what the heat cycle in a bitch consists of, how long it lasts and when your bitch is fertile. We will also review some hormonal changes that can be the cause of aggressiveness, crying or general discomfort. Read on to find out all about heat in female dogs in this comprehensive article on our site.
The bitch's first heat
The arrival of the first heat is an indicator of the onset of sexual maturity and can vary greatly depending on the size of the bitch. In general, we can observe that it occurs in the following months of life:
- Small dogs: between 6 to 12 months
- Medium and large dogs: between 7 and 13 months
- Giant dogs: between 16 and 24 months
Oestrus is an indicator that the bitch is sexually receptive. However, we must remember that the arrival of heat does not mean that a bitch is ready for pregnancy. At this stage it is considered that she is still "young" so she is developing. Pregnancy does not allow this stage to be completed correctly, and there are also many risks of complications during childbirth.
How often does heat occur?
Generally, the bitch's heat appears twice a year, approximately every six months. Keep in mind that this period is variable in each bitch and can be affected by her age or he alth status.
There are female dogs that experience only one heat a year. Whenever you have doubts or observe any anomaly, go to your trusted veterinarian.
Estrus cycle phases and main symptoms
1. Proestro
This stage can be somewhat difficult to detect at times, especially in those bitches that produce light bleeding. It usually lasts between 3 and 17 days and at this stage the bitch is not fertile.
We can see an inflamed vulva that releases bloody discharge, more or less diluted. The dog may regularly lick her vagina as well as be anxious to get out of the house. In some cases they experience sexual behaviors similar to mounting.
two. Oestrus
The fertile stage, also known as estrus, occurs after proestrus, when the bitch isresponsive for mounting . It has a duration similar to the previous stage, between 3 and 17 days approximately.
At this point in the cycle it is very common for your dog's character to change. She will be especially affectionate and predisposed, restless and wanting to go out. In the street she can stop to attract the males in the area and will urinate on many more occasions, trying to leave as many pheromones as possible
The first stage of estrus is the bitch's most fertile days, so you should pay close attention if you don't want an unwanted pregnancy.
3. Right handed
The duration of diestro can vary between 60 and 100 days. This will depend directly on whether or not there has been fertilization, in which case pregnancy, childbirth and lactation will occur. At this stage, the bitch rejects mounting, eats abundantly and her character stabilizes.
Due to the genital stimulation that she herself can produce in the vagina or in the breasts, if the bitch has not become pregnant she can develop a psychological pregnancy, directly related to her high hormonal production.
4. Anestrus
In the case of pregnant bitches, diestro ends with parturition, giving way to anestrus, the period of sexual inactivity. On the other hand, bitches that have not been fertilized will not show any obvious signs of passing from the previous phase to this one.
It usually lasts approximately 130 days and helps the dog to have a period of rest after giving birth so that her body can recover properly. After this time, the non-fertile bleeding that we mentioned at the beginning, proestrus, will occur again.
How long does a dog's heat last?
The duration of a dog's heat can vary depending on her size, age or he alth. It generally lasts between 15 and 21 days, but in some cases it can be almost non-existent as well as in others very abundant.
Don't forget that during estrus, that is, after half of the heat in bitches, conception is possible. If you don't want a pregnancy, don't hesitate to follow our tips to keep dogs away from your dog in heat.
Panties for the bitch's heat
In the market you will find all kinds of products for the heat of the bitch that will help you keep your home clean. Generally panties are used for heat, in addition to compresses that you should change regularly for proper hygiene.
When is the right time to neuter a female dog?
Sometimes the dog's fertile and heat process involves all kinds of inconvenience, both for her and for us. Although it is not an easy decision, we should think about sterilizing our petto improve her he alth and behavior among others
Remember that if we sterilize our bitch before her first heat, we considerably reduce the appearance of various types of cancer In addition, it is It is an option in solidarity with the number of abandoned dogs that exist in the world, considerably reducing the chances that our dog will become pregnant. On our site we always want to highlight the benefits of sterilization in dogs.
The indicated date will always be recommended by our veterinarian. In general, the ideal time to neuter a bitch is before the first heat, since it practically reduces the possibility of the development of mammary tumors to zero. With each heat that is allowed to pass, this percentage increases.
