Estrus in dogs and everything about it: signs, duration, frequency

Estrus in cats, like in other animals, is a sign of puberty. This means that the female is ready to mate and bear offspring. It is during this period that mating occurs. How can you tell if a cat is in heat?

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How is estrus going?

If the breeder has a good understanding of the basic physiological aspects of the process, then no special problems arise. If the owner has no idea what is happening in the dog’s body, then there is a high risk of unwanted pregnancy. For breeding bitches intended for breeding, this can cause subsequent culling. That is why it is important to understand how estrus occurs and what dangers await your pet during this period.

Estrus phases

The entire period of the cycle can be divided into four phases. Each of them has its own physiological nuances and behavioral signs.

1. Proestrus . This phase is also called the precursor phase. Duration ranges from 7 to 10 days . At this stage, the dog shows the first signs of impending estrus. The blood supply to the external genital organs increases, they increase in size and “swell”. A few days later the first spotting appears. For the most comfortable keeping in the house, you should purchase special underpants for your dog, which will allow you to avoid unpleasant surprises on the floor and interior items.

The pet's behavior also undergoes significant changes. The animal becomes less controllable, actively marks its territory, and shows interest in male dogs. She's flirting, but not ready for mating yet. When trying to mate, it shows aggression, moves to the side or sits on the ground.

2. Estrus . The second name of the phase is rut. The period of sexual hunting itself. During the first 2-3 days after the onset of estrus, ovulation occurs. Several eggs are released from the ovaries, ready for fertilization. This phase begins on average 11 days after the start of bleeding. The owner should remember that the dog allows male dogs in for several days, and not just at the time of ovulation. Consequently, the risk of unwanted pregnancy from outbred males persists for quite a long time.

The classic sign that demonstrates the female’s readiness for mating is the complete absence of discharge, as well as a change in bloody color to transparent or light pink. A heavily swollen loop is also a characteristic sign that the dog is ready to mate. When trying to stroke the base of the tail, the female moves it to the side, raises her pelvis and freezes in this position.

Pay attention to our article: Dog mating. From theory to practice

3. Metaestrus . Its duration is about 60-100 days . The discharge has stopped and the size of the vulva is gradually decreasing. The female shows aggression towards males who show interest in her. The attenuation of sexual activity gradually appears.

During this same phase, the animal experiences an increased amount of progesterone. The result is often a false pregnancy.

4. Anestrus. This name is given to the period between two heats. Its duration ranges from 4 to 8 months .
The duration of the period varies depending on the breed, size and age of the pet, as well as the individual characteristics of the organism. Different cycle lengths can be observed even in one individual and this depends on its physiological and psychological state, as well as a number of other factors.

First heat

Typically, a cat's first heat begins between 6 and 10 months of age. Sometimes a four-month-old kitten may go into heat, which is considered a deviation from the norm. In this case, the animal should be shown to a doctor. In some cases, estrus does not begin even after one and a half years of age. This is a signal that something is wrong with the cat's health.

Factors that influence when a cat goes into her first heat:

Heredity.
Animal size.
The presence of a mature cat in the house.
Health status.
Does the cat have access to the outside? Outdoor cats often mature earlier. Since the average lifespan of street cats is shorter than that of domestic cats, they try to leave offspring as early as possible.
Breed.

It is worth noting that a cat’s first estrus may be blurred, without obvious symptoms. The owner may not even know that his pet has already formed and is quite ready for mating. However, even during an asymptomatic period, a cat can become pregnant. This is why keeping kittens of different sexes older than six months together is somewhat risky.

Cat puberty occurs earlier than physical maturation. This is why you should not mate a female during her first heat: this can lead to a difficult pregnancy, problems during childbirth, and behavioral disorders (it happens that mothers who are too young do not want to take care of their kittens).

Often, breeders mate cats for the first time at the age of one and a half years, when the female has already gone through 2-3 heats. At this age, the cat is already old enough, and the risks of pregnancy are minimized.

Signs and symptoms of estrus

For an experienced breeder, the first heat will never come as a surprise. But what if this is your first dog or until now you have only kept males? Veterinarians remind that there are a number of signs that will help an observant owner recognize an approaching heat and prepare for its onset.

The most characteristic signs indicating a dog’s puberty include:

Swelling of the genital loop. At first it is slightly noticeable, but after a few days the swelling increases;
Frequent urination;
The appearance of bloody discharge in the urine;
The appearance of bloody discharge;
Behavior change. The animal becomes aggressive towards other females and becomes nervous;
There may be a change in appetite. The dog may completely refuse food or begin to absorb it in larger quantities than usual;
Flirts with male dogs;
At the moment of touching the pelvic area, the dog freezes and moves its tail to the side;

Another sign of estrus is molting. It can cause additional troubles to the owner, in addition to the classic discharge during this period.

It is important to understand that during the first heat the signs may not be clearly expressed and it is quite easy to miss the start of the cycle. Males, at the same time, may not pay attention to the female. Or they may show increased attention to her. This is due to the hormonal background of the animal and it is practically impossible to predict the development of events.

Signs

The first thing you will involuntarily notice is the swelling of the loop (vulva). And only then the following signs appear:

The dog begins to urinate more often.
Blood is released from the loop, droplets of which are visible on the floor. Moreover, they are dark in color at the beginning.
When you take her outside, you will notice an increased interest of males in your bitch.
Estrus may be accompanied by shedding.
The pet's appetite improves.
Sometimes there is anxiety.
Drooling appears.
The pupils may dilate.

With the first heat, the dog's character changes. Large bitches become aggressive, stop following commands, bark a lot, while small bitches, on the contrary, become more cheerful and active. This applies, for example, to the dachshund.

Another sign when you notice that your dog is constantly licking the vagina is the immediate onset of estrus.

A very important point: a dog should not become pregnant during its first heat. Therefore, when walking your bitch, keep her on a leash. She will attract males in every possible way, take a certain pose, raise her tail. Only you can protect her from unwanted conception. Now we know how to determine when a dog is approaching heat.

How does a dog's behavior change during heat?

During the period of estrus, the mood and behavior of the dog undergoes significant changes. The animal becomes less controllable. There may be difficulties with behavior during walks. A previously perfectly trained dog may refuse to follow basic commands, show dissatisfaction at the end of a walk, react aggressively to other bitches and show increased attention to males of any breed.

A negative reaction to individuals of the same sex continues throughout the entire period of sexual hunting. But the female begins to let males in from the second phase. That is why dog handlers and experienced breeders strive to teach a dog to wear special underpants and prefer to walk the animal only on a leash. This allows you to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy, as well as maintain control over your pet’s behavior.

Limiting your dog's walks in crowded places will help avoid the consequences of inappropriate behavior and reduce the risk of unpleasant situations.

How to care for a dog

During the entire period, the owner must take care of the safety and hygiene of the pet. In case of uncontrolled behavior, it is recommended to contact a dog handler.

Owner's help

Due to the increased vulnerability to infections, try to protect your pet from hypothermia and communication with other animals. Keep your walks short and always use a leash.

For restless behavior accompanied by lethargy and whining, gently palpate the abdomen. If the animal squeals in pain, give it an antispasmodic. Remember to consult with your veterinarian regarding the choice of drug and its dosage.

Behavior adjustment

During the emptying period, remove carpets from the floor and try to train your pet not to sit on textiles. Do not delay this, as obedience gradually deteriorates.

In case of uncontrolled behavior, veterinarians advise increasing the number of games and walks. This will reduce aggression and improve your mood. During the cold season, be sure to wear overalls to prevent catching a cold.

The most effective way to correct behavior is to take a sedative based on herbal ingredients. It has a good effect and is safe for the body. Before use, consult a veterinarian to rule out an allergic reaction to the herbs contained in the composition, and inquire about the dosage.

Hygiene products

To prevent blood stains, purchase disposable panties. Veterinarians advise wearing them while sleeping, traveling in public transport or walking. This protects against leaks and infections in the genitals. The rest of the time the animal must lick itself independently.

Drugs to reduce sexual activity

Hormonal drugs designed to reduce sexual activity are dangerous when used for a long time. They cause hormonal imbalance, provoke the development of cancer and infertility. If you are not breeding the breed, choose sterilization.

Timing of the onset of the first estrus in dogs of different breeds

As a rule, females of miniature breeds enter puberty much earlier than their larger female friends.

Thus, in Yorkshire terriers, French lapdogs, Italian greyhounds and toy terriers, the first heat occurs at the age of 5-6 months.

For animals of medium breeds, this period shifts to 7-9 months. Bitches belonging to large breeds (shepherd dogs, Labradors, Rottweilers) enter puberty closer to one year.

And representatives of giant breeds (St. Bernards, Great Danes) mature after a year and their first heat appears much later than in other females.

Features among different breeds

The duration of emptying, considered in the context of rocks, is 10-30 days. There are also other differences between representatives of different breeds, including the intensity of discharge and the time of the onset of the first menstruation.

In small breeds

Estrus in small breed bitches begins at 6-9 months, and its average duration is 10-15 days. Representatives with this cycle include Pekingese, Yorkies and Chihuahuas.

Owners of small dogs should take care when purchasing panties. The fact is that the discharge of small-breed animals is more intense, which negatively affects the cleanliness of the floor and furniture.

In large breeds

The larger the animal, the longer the average duration and age of onset of the first emptying. In representatives of medium breeds (English bulldogs, cocker spaniels, Akita Inu) it begins at 10-15 months and lasts 20-22 days, and in representatives of large breeds (Great Danes, Alabai, Mastiffs) - at 13-24 months and lasts 22 -30 days respectively.

Despite the lower intensity of discharge, do not forget about body size. Given its parameters, a Great Dane can easily ruin your favorite sofa, so get him accustomed to the seat from an early age.

Problems during heat

One of the most common problems faced by dog owners is frequent urination immediately before the start of the emptying session. If the animal is not used to limiting itself, then it is recommended to increase the frequency of walks or transfer the pet to an enclosure where it will be alone.

The use of special panties and constant monitoring allows you to avoid unwanted pregnancy. If the dog stops obeying the owner and tries to escape during the walk, then the optimal solution would be to walk the animal on a leash during the off-leash period.

Some bitches may experience changes in the frequency of estrus, its intensity, or the appearance of uncharacteristic discharge. You should not try to figure out the problem yourself. You should seek help from a specialist who will identify the cause of this dog’s condition. It will also help correct the estrus cycle.

How can you tell if your dog is in heat?

Estrus is a natural, inevitable natural process. Therefore, think several times before taking a bitch. So, how can you tell if your dog is in heat?

The first occurs between six and twelve months, but for some reasons may begin at two years. As a rule, after all the baby teeth have been replaced. The first molt is also a harbinger of the onset of empty nesting. If it does not appear within the prescribed period, you need to contact a veterinarian; this may indicate a hormonal imbalance or signal another illness. It happens twice a year, if more often it’s a warning sign. In healthy bitches, the emptying period is twenty days, plus one or two days.

You see how serious this is, so when they unknowingly get a female puppy, the first empty nest causes panic and fear. In our article we will talk about this in detail.

Undesirable consequences of estrus

Subsequent complications include the mating of a small female with a large male, which will lead to the formation of large fruits. In this case, independent delivery is difficult. And if the breeder missed the moment of mating, then the supervision of a veterinarian is necessary in order to monitor the condition of the bitch.

There is also a danger of unwanted pregnancy from outbred males in females intended for breeding. If this becomes known, the pet will forever lose the right to participate in improving the line and maintaining the purity of the breed.

Unwanted pregnancy

If the breeder suspects that the bitch has been bred, then the only reasonable solution would be to visit a veterinarian. The specialist examines the dog and, based on its physiological state, selects a drug to terminate the pregnancy.

It should be understood that such a decision will not be easy and may cause certain health problems for the bitch in the future. Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of medications that can be used both on the first day after mating and a few days later.

Abortion could be a radical solution. In this case, the dog is no longer suitable for breeding because its uterus has been completely removed. In any case, the decision should be made only after consultation with a veterinarian. The specialist will talk about possible complications and adverse consequences of any choice of the breeder.

Pay attention to our article: Pregnancy in dogs: main signs

False pupishness.

If the bitch has not been bred, then after a short time she may show signs of pregnancy. This condition is called “false pregnancy” and is associated with an increased level of progesterone in the animal’s body.

It is extremely rare for a dog to cope with the problem on its own and its hormonal levels gradually return to normal. In most cases, the help of a veterinarian is necessary, who selects a course of medications to normalize hormonal levels and stabilize the psychological state of the pet.

We have previously written about false pregnancy in dogs: False pregnancy in dogs - what to do and how to treat?

Measures to calm a cat

Regardless of what phase of estrus your pet has entered, you need to take all necessary measures to calm the cat.

These measures include:

Give your pet as much time as possible - petting, hugging, holding on your hands and knees. Such actions relieve the animal’s stress;
play as often as possible. So, a new toy will probably interest a cat, it will jump up and run around the apartment with it, which will lead to the release of excess energy;
During estrus, you need to reduce your pet's diet. Veterinarians say that at this time the cat should not be fed during the day, but should be given food in small quantities at night. But access to water should be unlimited;
you can include a classical musical composition;
during the first heat, it is better to isolate your pet in the bathroom or a separate room;
Some cats are helped by homeopathy;
The drug "Suprastin" is an excellent remedy for relieving excessive anxiety in an animal during estrus.

How to discourage male dogs during heat

It is not possible to completely discourage male dogs during the period of heat. But manufacturers offer a whole range of high-quality and effective sprays that will help partially eliminate the odor and reduce the number of males attracted.

The following products are available on the domestic market:

Spray from ;
“True Friend” - eliminates oestrus odor;
Manufacturer Le Artis offers touch-me-not spray;
From the domestic manufacturer Himol, you can find the drug “Antikobelin” on store shelves.

It’s worth noting right away that it will not be possible to completely remove the smell of a bitch and males will still pursue her when free-walking. But the aroma that attracts them will become significantly less and the likelihood of attracting animals from more distant territories will be much lower.

A sterilized cat is in heat

It happens that even sterilized cats continue their estrus cycle. There may be several reasons for this:

The operation was performed incorrectly.
The ovaries were not removed, or ovarian tissue remained in the abdominal cavity.
Sex hormones are secreted by a tumor, which can be located in the uterus, mammary glands, adrenal gland, or pituitary gland.
The adrenal glands and pituitary gland continue to produce sex hormones even after the ovaries are removed.

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Often, the attenuation of sexual behavior does not occur immediately after sterilization. Sex hormones still circulate in the cat’s body, which lead to behavioral abnormalities. Sexual behavior subsides approximately 2-8 weeks after surgery. But in some animals it can last much longer. This is especially true for cats that have been spayed during estrus.

The age of the cat also affects how quickly the animal's behavior is corrected. The more heats a cat has experienced, the older she is, the greater the chance that sex hormones will begin to be actively secreted not only by the ovaries, but also by other glands. This means that late sterilization of a cat may not be effective in correcting the animal’s behavior. The cat will not be able to become pregnant after the operation, but signs of sexual heat will continue to be observed in the future.

How to keep a bitch and a dog in the same room when the bitch is in heat

Safely keeping a dog and a bitch in the same room during the emptying period is a difficult and troublesome task. For a bitch, you need to stock up on a large number of special panties that are securely fixed on her body and prevent unscheduled mating. The use of sprays can reduce the intensity of the odor and partially alleviate the condition of the dog.

Manufacturers of veterinary drugs also offer sedatives that will help the pet survive the most dangerous period of emptying. How safe are these medications? Of course, they are not beneficial for the dog’s health. Should I use sedatives on my dog if the bitch is in heat? The answer to this question must be decided by the animal owner himself.

One of the most effective and efficient methods is to separate dogs during estrus. It is necessary to place the animals in different rooms to minimize the risk of unwanted mating. Also, some breeders practice "vacation". During the period of heat, the male is simply sent to close friends or relatives.

Signs of the first empty space and duration

The exact number of days cannot be determined. You can ask the owners of the pet's mother how long her first heat lasted. As a rule, these physiological characteristics are inherited by puppies.

The first heat will be the fastest. Sometimes it can be accompanied by a very small amount of bloody discharge and absolute indifference of males to the emptying of the bitch. The process can also be hidden. According to veterinarians, it can quickly begin and also end. In this case, ovulation does not occur. But this applies to the first emptying, the next one must be carefully prepared.

Veterinarian advice

The correct behavior of the owner during the dog’s heat period is the key to its health and well-being in its subsequent life. Veterinarians remind that if the breeder does not currently plan to obtain offspring from the dog, then it should not be bred.

Every mating is a huge risk of getting an unwanted pregnancy. Before estrus, your veterinarian may prescribe a course of medications that prevent ovulation. After the end of estrus, you need to carefully monitor the condition of the animal. After 2 months, signs of a false pregnancy may appear. In this case, you will need to consult a specialist and possibly prescribe medications.

If the owner does not plan to breed a bitch, then sterilization will be a good solution, which will immediately solve the problem of unwanted pregnancy.

Frequency and duration of estrus

The body of each animal is individual, therefore it is impossible to determine the exact timing and frequency of estrus in an individual cat. However, there are approximate dates that the sexual cycle of an animal should normally correspond to. A cat's heat can last from 6 to 10 days. Some cats can be in the period of active sexual hunting for up to 20 days. The duration of estrus is influenced by many factors. In young animals, heat can last only a couple of days. With age, the cycle will return to normal. Also, the duration of estrus depends on the weight of the animal, breed, living conditions, and state of health.

The frequency of estrus depends on the following factors:

Health status.
Breed. In Siamese and Persian breeds, estrus occurs every three weeks, but in British and Scottish breeds, the resting period can be up to 3 months.
Conditions of detention.
How quality is the food?
Season. In winter, cats begin a long period of rest, but in the spring the frequency of estrus resumes. However, in animals that live in warm rooms around the clock, the frequency of estrus does not depend on the time of year. They are often ready to mate all year round.
Heredity.
Excess weight or excessive thinness.
Stress. If the cat is in a stressful environment, estrus may stop altogether.
Age of the cat. The older she is, the less often estrus occurs.

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If a cat becomes pregnant during estrus, the next heat will begin only three months after the kittens are born. Although there are cases when a cat becomes ready to reproduce immediately after giving birth. It also happens that a false pregnancy may occur as a result of estrus. All symptoms indicate that the cat is expecting kittens, and the cat herself is sure of this, and therefore she begins to actively prepare for future motherhood. In this case, the cycle may also be slightly disrupted.

Puberty of the bitch, first heat, timing of onset

Puberty of the bitch occurs without any visible external manifestations. It’s just that at the age of 7 to 10 months a young dog goes into heat for the first time. Her appearance indicates that the bitch is ready to accept a male and even become pregnant. However, the dog’s body is still so weak for such a difficult test as bearing a puppy and giving birth that all measures should be taken to prevent the bitch from mating at such a young age.

If mating cannot be avoided, the bitch will become pregnant and bear offspring, but the litter will be small, and perhaps not entirely complete. In addition, with the onset of pregnancy, the dog's own development stops, which means that she will never reach the peak that would allow her to become a first-class bitch.

However, it should be kept in mind that the timing of the onset of estrus can vary greatly among different breeds. Small breed dogs mature faster, but the first heat can begin only at 11-12 months. As a rule, pregnancy at the age of just over a year is not very desirable, but it does not bring much harm to the bitch or distress to its owner.

Estrus in medium breed bitches usually begins at 6-8 months, so it is advisable to carry out the first mating at the age of 15 to 20 months, that is, on the second or third heat, depending on its frequency.

The development of large breed bitches has a fairly wide range of periods: from 8 to 20 months. If the bitch has not been in heat for up to 20 months, then this indicates some kind of problem in the dog’s hormonal development and requires contacting a veterinarian. The first mating is not recommended before the age of 2.5 years.

Symptoms

The symptoms of estrus in a cat are the same for all animals, the difference can only appear in the intensity of their manifestation. So, by what signs can you recognize and determine the beginning of the body’s readiness for fertilization :

behavior changes, your pet may become aggressive or, on the contrary, overly affectionate;
You can find out about estrus by loud screams that practically do not stop;
the genitals may become swollen, but this symptom is insignificant and can only be seen by a specialist;
the cat often goes to the toilet;
appetite sharply increases or decreases;
gait changes;
your pet washes itself much more often, which is associated with clear discharge.

What to do

You can tell when a cat is in heat by her behavior. She becomes more affectionate, seeks your attention, her manners and general condition change. All this is typical for the animal in the first days, then the symptoms will intensify and it becomes easy to understand that your pet wants to reproduce.

It should be remembered that cats are living beings just like people. During this period, not only your pet’s physiology changes, but also its psyche. Everything happens exactly the same as in women, so you shouldn’t swear and scream - on the contrary, you should try to help your pet if you recognize the signs of estrus.

As soon as your cat goes into heat, try to ease her suffering. To do this, you should follow some simple tips :

pay more attention to your pet, pick it up, stroke it, talk to it, etc.;
after you realize that estrus has begun, try to interest her in active games;
feed the animal in small portions;
the less light there is in the room, the faster the heat will pass, and the symptoms will appear in a milder form;
the easiest way is a castrated cat who can no longer reproduce, but still retains the desire.

There is another way - sterilization. This radical method allows not only to avoid problems with signs of estrus, but also to protect the cat from the manifestation of many diseases of the reproductive system.

Of course, if you are planning to start breeding, then the latter method is not suitable for you. But, in this case, you need to carefully select a partner for her, as this is very important for the health of your pet and her offspring.