How to tell if a dog is in heat? These are the characteristics of dogs in estrus!

Nov 20,2023
7Min

People have puberty, dogs have estrus, and dogs will start to go into estrus in a few months. There are many newbies who are raising dogs for the first time and have no idea when the dog is in heat. Some dogs are even pregnant and their owners don’t know. Let’s talk about some characteristics of dogs in estrus, so that owners can better understand the condition of their dogs and take corresponding measures. In fact, the estrus period is not only in autumn, but its peak period is in spring and autumn. There is a saying that "you have enough food and clothing to think about lust", and this is also true for dogs. Especially female dogs will have their first estrus around 8 months old (each dog has a different time of estrus, ranging from 5 months to 1 year old), and then every six months, attracting male dogs to compete for attention and become popular. cake.

But we parents are really unwilling to accept such a "big scene". We feel as if we are facing an enemy and panic every time.

Understand the characteristics of dogs in estrus:

1. Female dog in estrus

· Decreased appetite, physical discomfort, and some female dogs may even lose a lot of weight during estrus.

· The vulva is swollen (even twice the usual size), flushed and moist, with sticky coating mixed with blood, and increased secretions.

· Temperament changes drastically, irritable and restless, likes to be stroked, but refuses to be approached by male dogs

· Increased drinking/urination

· The smell is strong and fishy

Note: Bleeding lasts for 10-15 days during estrus (there are also female dogs that do not bleed, but the strong smell and swelling of the vagina can still determine that she is in estrus). 2-3 days after the bleeding stops or reduces, the female dog Will actively approach male dogs and want to mate.

 2. Male dogs in estrus

· Increased territorial awareness and actively uses urine to expand territory

· Emotionally unstable and prone to fights (hurting others)

· Will mount astride people and objects

· Appetite and sleep are reduced, and the mind is filled with applause for love (mating)

· There is yellow paste on the tip of the penis, and I like to lick my penis and scrotum

Note: Male dogs do not have a specific estrus period like female dogs, and generally follow the female dog’s estrus behavior. If you encounter a female dog in estrus, be sure toKeep it on a leash at all times, otherwise it may "let go" at any time (when there are other male dogs on site, fighting/biting may occur).

In the previous issue about dog bathing (Portal: If you don’t bathe your dog for 13 years, the director will be fined and sentenced to life imprisonment), it was mentioned that one of the "special periods" when bathing is not suitable is estrus, but apart from this we still have You need to pay attention to their physical and emotional problems. After all, only if you take good care of them can you be a healthy puppy.

How to help your dog survive estrus safely:

1. Precautions for female dogs

· Physical function/resistance is reduced, it is not suitable to get sick, and vaccination is not recommended during this period

· Anorexia will cause body weight loss. To help enhance resistance, feed more palatable foods (such as goat milk powder, rice porridge, soaked dog food, etc.)

· Try to avoid bathing during the estrus period to avoid catching cold. You can clean the female dog’s vagina with warm water to ensure that the area is dry

· Some dogs will lick dirty blood from their vagina, which can easily breed bacteria. If it cannot be stopped, you can put on an Elizabethan collar or wear sanitary trousers (2-3 pairs a day, keep them clean)

· If the vagina is infected, it can be rinsed with normal saline after the estrus period is over (twice a day, 3-5 days)

· Wear a leash. Female dogs will attract male dogs during estrus and are more willing to get close to them, making them prone to pregnancy or getting lost (try to avoid going out and causing unnecessary trouble)

 2. Things that male dogs need to pay attention to

· Wear a leash. During the female dog's estrus period, the male dog will follow the female dog and get lost

· During estrus, male dogs will lick their penis and scrotum. Parents must stop this in time and wear an Elizabethan ring if necessary to avoid the formation of scrotal inflammation, inflammation of the penis and urethra.

· If the tip of the penis is inflamed/scrotal inflammation, you can wear an Elizabethan ring and use saline to flush the penis (twice a day, 3-5 days)

Note: In general, dogs will handle inflammation by themselves, and parents can observe it for a period of time (3-5 days). If the situation is particularly serious, it is recommended to seek medical treatment at a nearby hospital.

Some owners may have this idea, “I don’t want to raise so many at home."The dog is pregnant. Take her for sterilization as soon as possible while the dog is not pregnant yet." In fact, it is not recommended to neuter the dog during the period of heat. The uterus and ovaries of the female dog are congested and there is a risk of heavy bleeding. And the female dog does not have menopause. According to the situation, older dogs also have a chance of getting pregnant, but the chance of getting pregnant decreases with age. If you don’t want your dog to have offspring, you should sterilize your dog when it is not in estrus.

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