Dog Heat Symptoms

Dog heat symptoms vary from one breed to another. Even in one particular breed, differences may be noticed, in terms of the beginning of heat, heat duration and varied symptoms.

Estrus is the time when the reproductive phase in a female dog begins. It is the time of mating between the bitch and the male, and the ejection process of the bitch is similar to the female human menstruation process.

The Estrus cycle is the period of sexual union between the male and the female. It usually lasts for 3 weeks in the female canine. However, it may vary from 2-4 weeks for dogs belonging to different breeds.

The Estrus Cycle and its Symptoms:

Proestrus: This period lasts for 4-9 days. The female dog starts attracting the male canines but will not mate with them, no matter how relentless they are. The heat in female dogs begins with an increased urination and inflammation of the vulva. One of the most prominent dog heat symptoms is the vaginal bleeding that is less for dogs of a smaller breed.

Estrus: The Proestrus stage is followed by the estrus. The vaginal release starts turning yellow from bloody. During this period, the female dog permits the male to mate and may become pregnant. This phase generally lasts from 4-13 days.

Diestrus: It is the period just after the mating process has begun. There are chances of false pregnancies. The duration period varies from a pregnant dog (8-9 weeks) to a non-pregnant dog (9-15 weeks).

Anestrus: It is the period after mating when stillness has occurred. It lasts from 4-5 months. The ovaries start getting active. However, no particular dog heat symptoms are observed except that, the bitch stops getting attracted towards the male.

Guide for Owners:

Although the heat period starts as early as 6-12 months for smaller breeds and 12-24 for larger breeds, the female canine is not to be breeded until the age of 2 years.

Apart from vaginal discharge, restlessness, and increased urination, there are certain other dog heat symptoms that the owner can consider while identifying any heat related symptoms in their pets:

• Vaginal cytology can determine the pregnancy of the dog. It measures the presence of serum progesterone and verifies the ovulation in the bitch. Thus, accordingly, a decision regarding the fertility of the female can be taken.
  
  
• A higher number of male dogs approaching the bitch is an indication of starting of its heat period. Thus, one of the best methods to identify the beginning of dog heat symptoms is taking your female dog for a walk.

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