Heat cycle of female dogs
Your un-spayed female dog has a heat cycle usually twice a year. This heat cycle lasts approximately three weeks and occurs every six to seven months.
The first heat cycle happens between six to eight months of age. A delay until a dog is twelve to sixteen months old is possible.
An obvious sign that your female is in heat, is the increased population of male dogs around your house.
The first stage of the heat is the “Pro-estrus” phase. During this stage, the vulva is slight bleeding.
This pro-estrus part of the heat cycle lasts about eight days. Your female dog is not yet interested in male dogs during that time.
The second stage of the heat cycle is called “Estrus”. Now the color of the blood turns from bright red to pink. If you realize an almost clear discharge, the time is critical!
Now your female is ready to mate ANY dog! Try to pat your female around the rear end. She will stand still and lift her tail up and out of the way, as she would do for a male dog.
The estrus stage lasts about six days. Take care! A female can get pregnant from different male dogs! Best is to keep her on leash during the heat cycle.
With the third stage, your female is going out of heat. She still will spread her “heat scent” but she does not accept males anymore. Now, she will snap and growl at male dogs when they try to mount her.
Take intense care of your female dog on heat. Male dogs climb walls or dig under fences to fulfill their reproductive drive!
To prevent a pregnancy spay your female dog. Spaying reduces the risk of cancer later on in life and eases your daily care routine.
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