Dealing with a Dog's Estrus: Tips & Care Guide

When is your dog's estrus cycle due?

Like all female mammals, dogs will experience estrus, or heat cycles. Once a female dog enters her adolescence, her first estrus can occur relatively soon.

Theoretically, a female dog typically enters puberty around six months of age.

This means that after six months, your dog could potentially come into heat at any time. While there's no precise answer, there are various factors that can influence the timing, such as the environment.

Dogs that live in dark, poorly maintained spaces may experience their first estrus either earlier or later than the typical sixmonth mark, and their cycles may become irregular and chaotic after that.

Identifying Estrus:

What signs will you notice when your dog is in heat?

There will be an increased frequency of urination, with the dog possibly trying to lift its leg while urinating or leaving urine in a higher place.

She may become more affectionate with male dogs, or she might show fear towards them.

She might also become more clingy with family members and may seem more lazy.

Estrus Cycle:

On average, a female dog will have two estrus cycles per year, each lasting about 21 days. Don't underestimate these 20plus days, as they are divided into two distinct phases:

1. The Proestrus Phase

This phase lasts for about 9 to 17 days and is characterized by the vulva starting to swell. During this time, the dog may become more aggressive, more dependent on her owner, have a decreased appetite, and discharge bright red blood. It's also important to note that she will protect her vulva with her tail, as her physiological functions are not yet fully matured.

For those familiar with dog breeding, you might know that in China, it's believed that a female dog is ready for mating only when she lifts her tail and presents her vulva to a male dog, which is commonly referred to as 'letting the tail down.' However, unfortunately, at this stage, it's more about covering up than revealing.

2. The Estrus Phase

This phase is quite short, lasting about 3 to 9 days. During this time, the dog may be more eager to go outside, urinate more frequently, and the blood discharge will turn pink. The vulva will also begin to shrink, although it won't return to its normal size, making it easier for her to mate with a male dog.

She may start to actively provoke the male dog and make attempts to 'let the tail down'.

So, what should you pay attention to when your dog is in heat?

Keep her living environment clean, and prepare for items like menstrual pads. If you do not have plans for breeding, consider reducing her outdoor activities during this time to avoid unexpected encounters.