How Can I Tell If My Dog is in Heat?
If you have a female puppy, you'll need to be prepared for her estrus cycle. It is similar to a woman's menstrual cycle except that it only happens twice a year. She can go in heat from as early as 6 months and as late as 24 months.
Each time your dog goes into heat, the cycle will last about 3 to 4 weeks.
You may notice change in behavior several months prior to her first heat. Some dogs are needy, some irritable, some, like mine, hyper and playful.
You may also notice swelling of her vulva few months before she actually goes in her first stage of heat.
In first stage, proestrus, a bloody vaginal discharge will be present and she may urinate more often. It is good idea to have few washable doggy diapers available to protect your furniture. She will hold her tail close to her body and show no signs of wanting to breed.
In second stage, estrus, the vaginal discharge will change from bloody to clear. This is the stage where she becomes ready to breed. She will move her tail to the side, known as“flagging”, and is a sign that she is ready to accept a male. Keep your dog on leash or locked in the house as instinct to mate is powerful and will attract intact males from miles away or will urge your dog to escape in order to find a suitable male.
In final stage, diestrus, the vaginal discharge will go away and her vulva will slowly return to a normal size. The behavior will be back to what it used to be before heat cycle. The energy level will decrease significantly and you may also notice decrease of appetite.
She might, however, behave as though she was pregnant but really isn’t. Appetite will increase, swelling of mammary glands and engorged nipples, swelling of vulva. If you know your dog is not pregnant, feed less to prevent lactating and mastitis.
Another serious complication that can occur after estrus call pyometra. It is an infection of the uterus and you have to take your dog to your veterinarian ASAP. You will see a pus-like discharge from her vulva and your dog most likely will develop temperature( you will see your dog shivering).
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Stay safe and healthy!
The link below might be useful for you to read
https://tractive.com/blog/en/good-to-know/dog-in-heat
Jelena
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Jelenabajeva@gmail.com