Can dogs have periods? Yes! just like humans, female dogs also go through a mestruation cycle which is commonly referred by vets as 'the dog heat cycle'. Understanding what to do and how to care for your dog during this time is crucial for ensuring her health and well-being.
Heat cycles, also known as estrus cycles, are the reproductive periods in female dogs. During these cycles, a female dog becomes receptive to mating. This is typically indicated by changes in behavior, such as increased interest in males, restlessness, and the occasional vaginal discharge.
Canine heat cycles typically begin between 6 and 12 months of age. However, there can be some variation depending on the dog's breed, size, and individual factors.
Smaller breeds may start earlier, while larger breeds might take a bit longer.
It generally lasts between 2-4 weeks and occurs around every 6 months in all female dogs.
If you find your dog having any of the below listed symptom then chances are, they are in heat:
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Difference in Urination: She may behave in a different way, while urinating, also there can be a change in color of urine. Frequent urine is also common during this time.
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Bleeding: Vaginal bleeding or discharge, can happen as the cycle progresses.
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Licking genitals: You might observe her excessively Licking her genitals, don’t worry it is her way of keeping herself clean.
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Swollen Vulva: Most common and visible symbol is the swelling in her vulva
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Aggressive behavior: It can at times lead to unusual aggression, mainly due to hormonal changes.
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Energy Levels: Your typically active dog may appear somewhat lethargic and exhibit lower energy levels.
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Search for Mate: There are chances they may run away in search of male dogs to mate.
A female dog’s reproductive cycle is called an estrous cycle and is broken down into three different phases:
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Proestrus- It is the beginning of the heat cycle with swelling in the vulva. Female dogs will not allow mating to occur in this phase. It lasts between 7-10 days.
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Estrus- It is also known as “heat”. It lasts for around 3-21 days. Dogs allow mating during this time.
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Anestrus- It is when cycling ceases. It lasts for about 4-5 months. No specific signs are observed.
Generally, female dogs have heat twice a year. It moreover, depends upon the size and breed of the dog. You should not worry if heat cycle is irregular when they first start.
Heat can start as early as in 6 months of age, again depending upon individual dogs. Large breeds might not experience heat till 2 years old.
Give her favorite treats or treats that are prepared for specially dealing with anxiety in dogs. Just being with them, cuddling and giving belly rubs will be brownie points.
Females in heat can attract male dogs.
Even if she is trained to walk unleashed, try using leash during these days to avoid any unwanted incidents.
Maintain good hygienic conditions during the heat cycle, this will also reduce her chances of licking genitals as it may result in rashes.
- Hydrated- Let your little dinosaur have a very hydrated diet, whether water or other liquid like soup, buttermilk or even electrolyte should be included. This will keep her energized.
- Fiber-rich food items like pumpkin, broccoli, carrot, oats etc will keep her digestion healthy.
- Fruits like blueberries will also be nutritious for her.
- Balanced Diet- Ensure she takes a diet with the right amount of carbs, protein, vitamins and minerals.
As a parent to your female dog, it might be overwhelming to experience her first heat cycle. But the key to this problem is understanding her needs, it can make it much easier. It is a natural process and should not lead to any sort of discrimination in treatment of your dog.
If you feel you want to prevent heat cycles in your dog, consult your vet and discuss spaying. This will not only avoid heat cycle but also helps in avoiding pregnancies and risk of certain cancers, stimulating her overall health and well-being.
No, heat cycles are not harmful to your dog. They are a natural part of a female dog's reproductive life.
Spaying is directly related to heat cycles. Spaying involves removal of female dog's ovaries and uterus. This means that a spayed dog will no longer experience heat cycles. Spaying is a very common procedure for pet dogs, as it offers significant benefits such as reduced behavioral problems & unwanted pregnancies.
No, puppies do not have heat cycles. Heat cycles are a sign of sexual maturity, which typically occurs when a female dog is between 6 and 12 months old.
Yes, it's generally okay to bathe your dog while she is in heat.
Yes, you can take your dog in heat for a walk but swimming might not be the best idea, as it increases the risk of infections.
