Do heat is described
as a time when a female dog or bitch has her first estrus season. Estrus (Heat)
is described as a mating period of female animals. When estrous period occurs
animals are to be "in heat" or "in season". This is usually
between 6 and 12 months and even sometimes 8 and 10 months for female dogs or
bitches. Mating at this stage will produce a litter but she is immature hence
it is important to guard against such potential.
A female dog will
normally return to season after about every six months, and some have estrus
season even as often as every after 4 months or less. It said that most
breeders bread their dogs on the third heat or after one and half or two years
when proper genetic testing is complete and it is certified that the dog is an
adult and ready.
Signs of a Dog in Heat
The heat or estrous
cycle starts with what is called pro estrus where vaginal bleeding begins and
it lasts from 4 to 9 days. There is increased swelling of the vulva and
possible increase in urination. At this point male dogs usually become very
persistent in pursuing her but she will not yet mate with them.
When estrus occurs the female will accept the
male and conception is bound to occur. The vaginal discharge turns more
yellowish than bloody and this period usually lasts for 4 to 13 days. During
this period of time the female will allow any male dog to breed with her.
The other periods are
met estrus and an-estrus which are referred to as "ovarian activity".
There are no any symptoms at this stage and false pregnancy may occur.
Facts about Dog Heat
It is advisable to
take the following precautions to keep the dog in heat comfortable and safe:
Signs that the dog is
coming to heat must be watched out. Heat period lasts for about 21 days and
unless more attention is kept, the period might pass especially for those dogs
experiencing heat for the first time.
The dog in heat should
be confined to safeguard her from stray male dogs which may get her and breed
with her. The female must be kept on leash if she must go outside.
Application of panties to the dog will
protect household surfaces from contacting blood. The bitch should be kept in
confinement through the estrous period hence all signs of heat must be
carefully observed to avoid breeding and subsequent pregnancy.
The vigilance should
continue until the 18th day or thereafter until it is ascertained that the
female is completely out of heat and will repel any male advances at this
period.
Consideration should
be made to spay the dog after the first heat. Spaying is done to a female dog
when there is no intention of breeding her. Spaying the female dog after the
first heat will safe the hassle of staying vigilant for the two or three months
per year. Spaying will help to avoid unwanted litters and improve the health of
a pet.
