How long canine heat

Although animals seem to still retain their instincts in regards to breeding, that is not always the case. Occasionally, they need help from their human caretakers if a problem arises, such as a uterine infection, difficult pregnancy, or problems giving birth.

A typical heat period lasts roughly two to four weeks, with a pregnancy or resting phase following the estrus period. Knowing what to expect will help prepare you and your dog for any abnormal behaviors or problems during her heat cycle. As your pooch progresses through her cycle, you will notice these four stages:.

The only option to prevent your dog from going into heat is to have her spayed. Spaying is highly recommended for all female dogs unless you plan on strengthening the breed. Once your dog is spayed, she will have a reduced risk for mammary cancer and will be unable to contract uterine infections or go through a heat cycle.

You can have your dog spayed while she is going through her heat, but the surgery is more complex. Speak with your veterinarian about the best time to spay your pet.

Estrous Cycles In Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals. Canine Estrous Cycle. East Central Veterinary Hospital , You may also find that she is passing small quantities of urine more frequently. The urine contains both pheromones and hormones which signal any interested males that she will be receptive soon. When an animal is in season, there is an increased blood supply to both the uterus and the ovaries.

Dogs can be desexed whilst they are in season, but generally we try to do the surgery 8 weeks after the start of their last oestrous cycle. This can be difficult. Most ovulate and are receptive around the eleventh day of oestrus. The discharge will then be less bloody and the female will be actively looking for a male. However, ovulation may occur either early or late during the "heat" cycle.

A male dog is mature for mating possibly from 4 months onwards but generally, it is considered at about 6 months. Both tests can be performed at the veterinary practice. The serum progesterone test gives a very good indication of when mating is most likely to be successful and is useful for females that have a history of unsuccessful mating or for breeding dogs that have to travel a considerable distance to the male dog. Surprisingly, male dogs appear to be more stress sensitive than females during mating.

Successful matings are more common when the male dog is in its own environment. For this reason, females are usually taken to the male dog's home for breeding. The time of mating is extremely critical and it is highly recommended that you have tested your female to determine the optimal days for breeding. For most females, the best time for breeding is between the tenth and fourteenth day of oestrus.

However, some females ovulate as early as the third or fourth day or as late as the eighteenth day. Blood tests will assist in determining the best period for your dog. It is normal to arrange for two matings for your dog, often twenty-four or forty-eight hours apart. Check these details with the owner of the stud when making initial enquiries. So just how long does a dog stay in heat? You might be surprised to find out that your dog's heat cycle might be for an entire month!

If your dog is in heat and you do not want her to get pregnant, you should be very careful to keep her away from intact males during this time.

It is a strong impulse. A dog's heat cycle recurs roughly every 6 months for unspayed female dogs until 8 to 10 years of age. Nielsen says in her experience, "They seem to show a preference for spring and fall—when the days lengthen and then when it starts getting cooler.

No big deal. Having your female dog spayed means she will not experience estrus or pregnancy at all. If your pup goes into heat before you have her spayed, consult with your veterinarian about the best timing for the surgery. In general, it is best to spay before the dog's first heat ever happens as early as eight weeks of age , but the procedure can be done once the first heat has finished.