As we celebrate Women’s Day, let's take a moment to raise our awareness towards our female pets too. By learning about your dog’s heat cycle, you can better support their health and wellness. Through this blog post on 'Dog Heat Cycle & Periods Explained | Signs, Stages & Care Tips', know about the heat period in dogs; a natural process that is often accompanied by lots of myths.
What is Dog Heat Cycle?
Just as humans have their menstrual cycle or periods, female dogs and cats experience the ‘Heat or Estrus Cycle'. This natural reproductive cycle brings along physical and emotional changes. It’s time when a female is most fertile and capable of conceiving or becoming pregnant. This cycle typically occurs in phases, out of which the most prominent is the Estrous phase where the female is ready for mating.
Phases of Heat Period in Dogs
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Proestrus
Proestrus is the bleeding stage that lasts between 7-10 days. The vulva begins to swell and she starts attracting male dogs, but is not ready to mate yet.
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Estrus
Estrus is the ideal time for mating, which lasts 5-15 days after bleeding reduces or stops. Your dog is highly fertile during this time.
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Diestrus
Diestrus stage lasts around 65 days wherein she is either pregnant (if mated) or is in her resting phase in case of no mating.
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Anestrus
Anestrus is the period of no cyclical activity before the next heat cycle, which lasts around 4-6 months depending upon the type of breed.
What is the length of Heat Period in Dogs?
The average length of a female dog period cycle is around 6 months with most dogs experiencing two heats per year, meaning each cycle lasts roughly half a year between heats. However, this can vary depending on breed and individual dog size. Female dogs are receptive to males only during a certain phase of their cycle which is known as estrous or heat phase. She will be able to bear offspring only if mating is done at the right time during this phase.
Signs to Notice During Dog Estrus Cycle
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Bloody discharge
A bloody or pinkish vaginal discharge, which is a normal part of the heat cycle. -
Swollen vulva
The most noticeable sign is when the vulva becomes visibly enlarged and red. -
Frequent urination
Increased urination to spread pheromones and signal receptiveness to males. -
Licking the genital area
More frequent licking of the vulva than usual. -
Behavioural changes
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Increased attention towards male dogs
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Restlessness or roaming
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Mounting or humping
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Aggressiveness towards other females
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Changes in appetite
May eat less or show decreased interest in food -
Tail tucking
Sometimes dogs may tuck their tail between their legs during the early stages of heat.
Period Care Tips for Dog Parents
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Offer their favourite toys, and treats or give them a new puzzle toy to distract them.
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Be cautious about maintaining proper cleanliness, hygiene, hydration and appetite.
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Use pet-friendly wipes and diapers to keep their genital area clean.
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If there are a significant changes in the color, smell or quantity of discharge, contact your vet.
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Keep away your female dog from intact male dogs to prevent accidental mating.
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Provide them extra care, attention and comfort during this time.
Conclusion
For many pet parents, knowing completely about the heat cycle of their female pet is often a mystery. Since this cycle is a critical part of their natural reproductive process, understanding it is important. Hope you could learn about the heat cycle with valuable tips on how to navigate this phase with your furry companion.
FAQs About Heat Period in Dogs
Can female dogs have periods?
Yes, dogs have periods in the form of heat cycle. It is the time when they bleed and are sexually active to produce their offspring.
Do cats have periods?
Yes, cats have periods, which is known as heat cycle. Females are fertile during this phase and are willing to mate. It usually lasts around 5-9 days.
How is the heat cycle of cats different from that of dogs?
Major difference in the heat cycle of dogs and cats is that the bleeding of cats is negligible. Besides, the frequency of heat in cats is higher than in dogs.
Is a dog menstrual cycle different from that of humans?
Yes, there is a common misconception that the cyclicity of female animals is similar to female human’s cyclicity. This notion cannot be more wrong as there is quite a difference between their cyclicity.
Can we stop the heat cycle of our pets?
Yes, heat can be stopped by spaying your female dogs and cats. Spaying is accompanied by multiple health benefits besides eliminating their estrous cycle.
