Dog Breeding | A Dog's Menstrual (Heat) Cycle

When does a female dog have her very first estrus cycle?

Dogs are going to have their first estrus cycle whenever they hit puberty. Estrus is the stage of the reproductive system in which your dog can become pregnant; some times your dog that's in estrus is thought to be"in heat" or even"in season". Typically, childbirth or sexual maturity is reached at about six months of age, but that can vary by strain. The bigger varieties of dogs have a tendency to possess their first estrus cycle at an old age, whereas the large and giant breeds of dogs may not come into heat for the first time until they reach eighteen months to two years of age. Also know about how long does a dog in heat bleed.

Estrus is the stage of the reproductive procedure in which your dog can become pregnant.

How often does a female dog come into heat?

Many dogs come into heat twice each year, or roughly every six weeks, although the interval can differ between breeds, and also from dog to dog. Small breed dogs may cycle 3 x per year, while giant breed dogs can simply cycle once every 12-18 weeks. When young dogs begin to cycle, it's common for their cycles to be significantly intermittent. It can take up to 2 years for a female dog to create regular cycles. There is no season of this year that equates into a breeding season to get dogs that are domesticated.

How long does estrus last?

Even though this may differ with the specific dog, normally a dog will probably be'in heat' to get 23 weeks. The onset of estrus is characterized by swelling of the external vulva. Next, the dog will develop a vaginal discharge. Estrus ends when the discharge completely disappears and the vulva returns to its regular size.


What will be the indicators of estrus?

The first sign of estrus is swelling or engorgement of those external vulva, but that swelling isn't always obvious. In many cases, a bloody vaginal discharge is going to be the first thing that a dog owner will see when their pet comes into heat. Sometimes, the discharge won't be apparent until several days after estrus has begun. The quantity of discharge varies with the individual dog; a few dogs possess only a small volume of discharge even though others have heavy bleeding. Sporadically, especially in dogs with long black hair, the release won't be apparent whatsoever.

... a damn vaginal discharge is going to soon be first thing that a pet owner will probably observe if their dog comes into heat.
The vaginal discharge will change in color and appearance since the cycle progresses. In the beginning, the release is very bloody, but because the days pass, it transforms to your watery, pinkish-red release, usually approximately 7-10 weeks into the cycle. A lady dog that's in heat will usually urinate more frequently than normal, or may grow'marking behavior', by that she urinates small sums on several different objects either in the home or when she's on the walk. Throughout the estrus or heat period of her estrus cycle, her pee contains pheromones and hormones, both of that indicate her reproductive condition to several other dogs. This will be the reason why dogs in heat will draw in other dogs, particularly men. breeding2-estrus_and_mating-3

Male dogs can detect a female in heat from the wonderful distance and may begin marking your home with their urine in a effort to claim their'territory".

At what stage of the estrus cycle is your dog in a position to conceive?

The feminine dog usually ovulates at roughly the period that the vaginal discharge gets helpless; this marks her most fertile stage and now she'll usually be receptive to breeding. But, sperm can survive for a week at the reproductive tract and still allow you to squeezing the eggsso it's possible that she is able to get pregnant at any given point while she is at estrus. Contrary to public opinion, it is not necessary for the feminine to'tie' with the male dog so as to conceive (for more information visit our handout"Breeding for owners - Estrus and Mating in Dogs").

How long does pregnancy survive at a dog and when can pregnancy be detected?

Pregnancy lasts approximately 9 weeks (63 days) in canine. However, it is not possible to find pregnancy during the initial 3 weeks. An experienced veterinarian may have the ability to palpate or believe that the fetuses in the uterus of a relaxed dog at roughly 28 32 days . Ultrasonic pregnancy identification can be performed anytime after about 25 weeks of pregnancy.

How to prevent my pet from becoming pregnant?

The best way to prevent your dog from pregnancy is to have her surgically sterilized (an ovariohysterectomy or'spay' surgery ) before she's got her estrus cycle. Since it could be difficult to predict if this initial cycle may occur, many veterinarians recommend performing an ovariohysterectomy before the dog is 67 weeks of age.

The best way to keep your dog from pregnancy is to get her sterilized...
Can there be anything I can do if your dog has been mismated, or accidentally mates with another dog?
Should this happen, you want to speak to your vet at the earliest opportunity. You will find mismating injections which may be used within the first 12 days after mating occurs, however there are risks related to their usage.


Dogs may get pregnant in the first estrus cycle, increasing the possibility that a casual breeding may occur. Dogs are indiscriminant, so a brother may indicate together with its husband, a father may possibly breed with his daughter, and a son may breed with his mother.

A common myth is that female dogs will become more favorable and sociable if they are allowed to own a litter of puppies. This isn't the case, and only serves to donate further to dog overpopulation.

This client information sheet is based on material written by: Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH
© Copyright 2011 LifeLearn Inc.. Used or altered with permission under license.
Estrus Cycles in Dogs

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